Deanna Bush

Deanna K. Bush, MM, MT-BC, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music therapy from Western Michigan University, where she studied clarinet with Professor Bradley Wong during her undergraduate years. She also completed The International Neurologic Music Therapy Training Institute in Houston, Texas.

Following her internship at the Northern Oklahoma Resource Center of Enid, Bush was employed by Integris-Bass Behavioral Health-Meadowlake Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma, where she remained for 11 years. In 2006, she obtained a position as a music therapist at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital (KPH) in Michigan, where she worked for nearly 12 years. Her experience includes working with a diverse clientele between the ages of 3–80+, encompassing a wide range of diagnoses/problems including, but not limited to: PTSD; childhood trauma as a result of neglect, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; grief; attachment disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; developmental delay; behavior disorder; schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; borderline personality disorder; dementia; forensic incompetence to stand trial; and not guilty by reason of insanity. Additionally, Bush developed a unique treatment group that used music as a method of learning concepts relative to trial competency restoration for adults who are cognitively challenged and/or have exhibited difficulty learning in traditional settings. Other clinical experiences include co-treating with psychology and social work professionals to provide unique opportunities that foster growth, empowerment, and healing for adults with traumatic histories and mental health diagnoses.

Bush was invited to present at the American Music Therapy Association National Conference as part of the Leadership Academy team. She has researched and presented at the regional level on the topics of music therapists developing vicarious traumatization in forensic and prison settings, and incorporating sound therapy techniques into music therapy practices.

Bush has extensive leadership experience through supervising music therapy interns and practicum students as they complete field work required for degree completion at WMU, serving as Chairperson for KPH’s Summerfest event, and producing/directing 14 patient Christmas programs. She has guest lectured for the Introduction to Music Therapy class at WMU and is currently a mentor for the Great Lakes Region of the American Music Therapy Association mentoring program.