Deborah Benkovitz Williams

Discipline: 
Board Certified Music Therapist
Organization/Affiliation (no abbreviation): 
American Music Therapy Association
Location: 
Asheville, NC 28804
United States
Short biography and a description of your interest(s) in music and health: 
Currently serving as President of the American Music Therapy Association. Retired from clinical work as a music therapist with mental health, geriatrics, and 17 years in pediatric medical music therapy. I have supervised 45 music therapy interns as well as 8 art therapy interns, and am dedicated to mentoring and providing ongoing supervision to students, interns and professionals. For 15 years I have worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) on their Music and Wellness programs, and presented with PSO Wellness Coordinator, Penny Anderson Brill, to bring music therapists and musicians together to promote music for healing.
Collaboration Interests: 
As an MSW/LSW, I look to old and new models of therapy that may elevate my clinical music therapy practice. As an example, a family systems approach may inform my music therapy practice as I work with neonates and their families in the NICU. A Trauma-informed model assists in my clinical work with pediatric patients who have been in horrific accidents, or are coping with tremendous loss due to their illnesses. I also have a vital interest in bringing together ALL musicians who wish to use music as a healing modality, ensuring that we provide as many healing and wellness opportunities to clients, while avoiding any situations that may cause harm.
Keywords: 
Music Therapy, Social Work, Students, Interns, Pediatrics