Dr. John M. Ortiz has been conducting professional keynotes, workshops, lectures and seminars for over 15 years in the areas of Sound Psychology™, cross-cultural issues, hypnosis, stress management and other clinical concerns through The Institute of Applied Psychomusicology (SM). Anyone interested in learning practical, creative techniques to improve his or her life, or in using these tools to assist others in their professional practice or business, will benefit from his keynotes, graduate courses, workshops and seminars.

Instructional programs and consultation services are personally and individually designed and presented through instructional, experiential or informal formats. I.A.P. services range from hourly personal consultations, to weeklong seminars at academic, business, clinical, medical and other professional settings. We offer a range of three-hour introductory workshops to weeklong courses for company retreats, businesses, mental health settings, schools, and continuing education or graduate / undergraduate credits at college and university settings. In addition, Dr. Ortiz is available for book signings as well as radio, television and internet interviews. Services are available in both English and Spanish. Please contact us for outlines or full program descriptions on any desired programs.

Services Provided
through The Institute of Applied Psychomusicology (SM)  include Workshops, Keynotes, Seminars, Lectures and continuing education credit courses on:

New Workshop!

Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Related Conditions
This workshop will discuss diagnostic, epidemiological, defining and clinical features of Asperger's Syndrome (AS), high functioning Autism Spectrum disorders, and Related Conditions (Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Hyperlexia, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, ADHD). Participants will be introduced to various ways of identifying and assessing children and adolescents falling within the high end of the Autism spectrum and receive an overview of many of the primary challenges encountered by these populations. A number of the more effective techniques and strategies at serving these children and adolescents, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, and current psychopharmacological interventions will be discussed. Didactic lecture, experiential small, and large group activities, and multimedia presentations will be combined to assist all participants in gaining a firm grasp on the needs of, and ways of serving, this population. Primary emphasis will be on Asperger's and high functioning autism.

New Workshop!

Practical Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Older Adults
This workshop is designed to provide participants with practical assessment and intervention strategies for dealing with problems presented by older adults. Drawing from over eight years of clinical practice and consulting this session will focus on a number of practical techniques that practitioners can use to increase their understanding of some of the more common issues adults present when faced with cognitive, behavioral and affective decline. Topics explored will include identifying ADL and IADL deficits, the Mental Status Exam, relationship building, Alzheimer's and related illnesses, the "Four Whys" and problem-solving of typical issues and behaviors, practical interventions for various common older adult issues, the importance of writing practical and appropriate progress notes, and creative "caring for the caregiver" techniques. Didactic lecture, group activities, and experiential exercises will be used in combination with multimedia presentations to help us explore creative ways of raising our awareness to universal older adult struggles. Participation from attendees in all group and experiential exercises will be expected.

New Workshop!

The Tao of Leadership: A Sound Approach to Being the Leader You're Trying to Become
"To lead," said Lao Tzu, the father of Taoism, "one must follow." There are two different types of leaders: the ones who are, and the ones who are trying to be. Drawing from the wisdom of Eastern Philosophy, Western research, and the power of sound, this workshop is designed to facilitate our innate ability to guide — ourselves and others-so that we may all flow together as positive, productive agents of change. Through an introduction to the primary Sound Psychology techniques — Entrainment, Rhythmic Synchronicity, Sound Awareness, Contextual Cueing, and Sound Masking-this journey focuses on tuning into each other's distinct rhythms to help promote positive relationships, self-esteem, and interconnectedness, while optimizing pride, responsibility, and success in our challenges.

New Workshop!

Self-Restoration: A Day of Mind, Body, and Spirit Healing and Restoration
This self-healing program is replete with health promoting activities designed to help us to recharge our depleted resources, fine tune our systems, and adapt a positive, pro-active, and healthy way of being in the world. Filled with simple, practical, and pleasurable exercises, this day is devoted to self-healing, boosting the immune system, mental-physical-emotional and spiritual detoxification, stress and tension release, discharging negative energies and recharging with positive ones, enhancing creativity, and achieving personal harmony. The program activities — including integral breathwork, Tai-Chi, gentle yoga, journaling, increasing sound awareness, guided imagery and meditation, trance induction; and work with chakras, auras, and mandalas — require no previous experience, training, or background in any of the topics covered.

New Workshop!

Vibrational Feng-Shui: Integral Sound Ecology
This program adapts the notions of Sound Psychology to achieve integral — all level, all quadrant-balance, and raise awareness to our internal and external sound environments. Through techniques such as musical entrainment, trance induction, sound imagery, rhythmic synchronization, and harmonic affirmations, participants learn to achieve a balancing of; intentional (subjective: self and consciousness), behavioral (objective: brain and organism), cultural (intersubjective: culture and worldview), and social (interobjective: social system and environment) synergies. Activities are designed to promote self-healing and transformation, as well as alteration of consciousness and peak experiencing.

New Workshop!

Vinyl, MTV and MP3: Understanding and Reaching Pre-teens and Adolescents through their Musical Preferences
This didactic/experiential workshop is designed to provide participants with practical approaches to help understand, and connect with pre-teens and adolescents through the use of music and sound as adjunctive techniques to traditional psychological approaches. Drawing from research findings, as well as past and current music trends, the program is designed to help raise awareness to why and how music and sound affects people's thoughts and emotions. Various approaches will be reviewed to explore ways through which these adjunctive techniques can be used to help to understand, and treat, this population's mental and emotional states. Exercises will involve small and large group activities, skill building exercises, song and video interpretations, song message analysis, subliminal effects and sound masking, and an exploration into media marketing of musical trends.

New Workshop!

Music and Healing
Designed for medical, mental health and complementary healing professionals these programs focus on the application of Sound Psychology to enhance our natural healing resources and promote healthful environments. Services address establishing and enhancing initial positive alliances, pre and post-operative anxiety, relaxation, creating restorative environments for patients and stimulating environments for staff, increasing comfort and positivity in waiting areas and dormitories, improving listening and communication skills, time management, and reducing or eliminating unwanted sounds.

New Workshop!

Stress Management: An Integral Approach
Traditional and alternative stress management and anxiety reduction methods are presented to assist with personal issues or enhance existing professional repertoires. Standard relaxation techniques-meditation, hypnosis, exercise, autogenic training, bio-feedback-are discussed in relation to how they can be enhanced through Sound Psychology principles. Sound Awareness techniques--time management, thought stopping, letting go, "being" vs. "trying to be," centering, sound masking, clearing the mind, breath work, mantras / toning / chanting, being in "the now," and releasing "why's, shoulds, and expectations" are explored.

New Workshop!

Music and Trance States
Music and sound are introduced as trance induction techniques for the purpose of stress reduction, improving athletic skills, developing creativity, and / or enhancing learning in academic settings. Attendees learn how Pulse Entrainment, Rhythmic Synchronicity, Sound Masking, Contextual Cueing, and Sound Awareness can all be applied to create and enhance trance states. Sound subliminals, ancient and modern trance induction techniques, ritualistic instruments, natural sounds, and ethno-cultural rhythms are discussed. Designed for laypersons or professionals.

Sound Psychology
These programs combine interactive, experiential activities, with didactic instruction to help introduce the ideas and techniques that comprise Sound Psychology™. In essence, Sound Psychology™ is an integration of basic psychology, music and sound for the purpose of enhancing personal well being and / or creating comfortable, positive and productive living and work environments. Highly personalized, and modified for specific audiences and occasions, the programs address the topics introduced throughout the books The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology, and Nurturing Your Child with Music.

Bridging Diversity
These programs introduce a number of creative ways through which sound, music (ethnomusicology), psychology and counseling techniques can be integrated to minimize or eliminate barriers created by diversity.  Activities focus on raising sound awareness to help us bridge differences and increase our sensitivities to — and awareness of — the richness of our unique, complementary identities. Issues involving cultural, social, racial, gender, ethnic, economic, political, age and other challenges are celebrated in a safe, collaborative environment. All programs are  highly personalized and designed to suit presenting audiences and specific occasions or environments.

Reaching and Teaching Adolescents
Highly interactive and experiential, these programs are designed to provide clinicians and educators with sensible, practical tools to help bridge the gaps between adults and adolescents in the clinical and/or classroom settings. Creative techniques based on years of research, consultation and clinical practice focus on creating and maintaining positive, trusting relationships; creating stimulating, yet controlled environments; and maximizing personal resources to assist with educational, social and interpersonal issues. Areas such as self esteem, hyperactivity, anger, depression, and self control are explored in a safe, stimulating environment. Sound Psychology™ techniques and concepts make up the core of these programs. All programs are  highly personalized and designed to suit presenting audiences and specific occasions or environments.

MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS

The enhancement of therapist-client relations. Integrating music and sound as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy techniques to address a number of clinical areas. These include reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing self-esteem, managing procrastination, time appropriation, lifting depression, anger management, dealing with chronic pain and insomnia, improving communication among couples, designing family activities, addressing control issues and road rage, and developing motivation and creativity.

HALF-WAY HOMES

The use of music and sound for relaxation, time management, sleeping and stimulation.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

The courses; Sound Psychology,™ Cross-Cultural Rhythms, and Reaching and Teaching Adolescents are offered for both undergraduate and graduate level for students of psychology, counseling and education. Graduate level, three-credit courses  are offered during week long Summer and Spring/Fall weekend formats through the National Institute of Teaching Excellence (please contact us for information). Workshops on selecting and using music to enhance dorm rooms and exercise facilities, increasing reading and learning skills, promoting relaxation and stimulation, stress reduction, time management, improving communication, memorization and listening skills, anger management, and other areas are offered by individual arrangement with the I.A.P.

BUSINESS

Designing positive, comforting, lively sound environments for restaurants, malls, department stores, office buildings, banks, hotels and company gyms. Using music and sound to maximize time management, reduce stress and anxiety, increase worker self-esteem, provide sound isolation and screen out unwanted noises.

INDUSTRY

Sound Awareness programs aimed at increasing work productivity and morale. Using music and sound for enlivening administrative office spaces, recreational areas and cafeterias. The introduction of Sound Psychology™ techniques for reducing stress, maximizing time management, and reducing or eliminating distracting noise.

NURSING HOMES

Implementing Sound Psychology™ techniques for brightening dormitory rooms, halls, cafeterias and creating invigorating exercise facilities. Applying Sound Awareness concepts to improve listening skills, minimize depression, encourage stimulation while minimizing boredom, reduce stress, access time management skills, process grief and loss issues, and enliven social and communication activities.

CHILDREN’S NURSERIES

Sound Psychology™ programs designed for enlivening playrooms, creating comfortable ambiences for “nap time,” animating playground activities, enhancing learning and reading areas, and encouraging “quiet time” and relaxation.

PRIVATE HOMES

Setting and maintaining desirable ambiences or particular moodscapes throughout the home. Selecting music and sound for relaxation, stimulation, physical exercise, time management, blocking out of unwanted external noise, lovemaking and romantic intimacy.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

The use of Sound Psychology™ techniques to increase comfort and positivity in operating rooms, waiting areas and hospital dormitories. Consulting services to select and create desired music and sound environments in order to assist professional staff in remaining alert, yet relaxed and motivated, while conducting daily responsibilities. All programs are individually researched and formulated.

BOOKSTORES

General introductory workshops to Sound Psychology™.

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES

Keynotes, seminars and lectures on areas including parenting, psychological and social services, self-help, complementary and alternative approaches to wellness, healing prevention, stress management, enhancing creativity and improving self-esteem.

PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP ENDORSEMENTS

"A sweet, thoughtful, engaging man whose personality alone is therapeutic!  Coupled with his expertise, knowledge, and sense of humor it all adds up to an informational, splendid time that's guaranteed for all!"  Sound Psychology: An Introduction to Psychomusicology Concepts and Techniques for the Classroom  International.

- Alliance for Learning, Orlando, Florida

"Dr. Ortiz is a skillful, entertaining, nonjudgmental presenter.  He encourages his audience to think and feel individually.  A wonderful way to spend an afternoon!" Nurturing Your Child with Music: An Introduction to Sound Psychology  for Health Professionals.

- KidsPeace Hospital, Orefield, PA.

"Dr. Ortiz is a true pioneer.  Finally, a formally trained, Ph.D. level, licensed psychologist who shows an awareness of, and respect for, the professional field of music therapy!  After years as a music therapist attending both psychology and music therapy conferences it is a pleasure and delight to hear someone who has so successfully and skillfully combined the richness of these two disciplines." Nurturing Your Child with Music: An Overview for Professional Therapists.

- American Music Therapy Association, 3rd Annual Conference, Rochester, N.Y.

"A stimulating and unique program presented by a charming, animated and learned professional with a personal manner of interacting." Sound Psychology: Using Music and Sound for Wellness and Prevention. 

- York Health Center for Mind/Body Health, York, PA.

"A brand new way of looking at music and listening to myself (and others!).  Thank you for a great program, your humor, and sincere, warm approach.  Enjoyable?  You bet!!" Nurturing Your Child with Music: An Overview for Caregivers.

- York Health Center for Mind/Body Center, York, PA.

"Thirty years in the mental health and social work fields and I thought I had nothing new to learn.  Today, I was — happily — proven wrong! A wealth of fresh, innovative, 'cutting edge' material presented in a relaxed way by someone who genuinely loves his field." Nurturing Your Child with Music: How Sound Awareness Creates Happy, Smart and Confident Children.

- Thirteenth Annual Keystone Health Promotion Conference.  Messiah College, Grantham, PA.

"Dr. Ortiz, your course, Sound Psychology, was the final one I needed to earn my Masters degree.  I cannot think of a better way to end my graduate career.  You have a gift, no, make that many gifts!  Thank you for sharing them with us." Sound Psychology: Musical Alternatives for Learning, Teaching and Counseling. 

- National Institute for Teaching Excellence, Cambridge College, MA.

"A perfect integration of Eastern and Western musical styles incorporated into techniques that encourage self-motivation, making choices, and taking responsibility for one's own progress and wellbeing" Educational and Training techniques on Sound Psychology for Health Care Professionals. 

- Private lecture, Dublin, Ireland.

"Dr. Ortiz's knowledge, awareness of, and love for world music is remarkable.  His knowledge of popular music is fascinating. A breath of fresh air as a presenter.  During the lecture one is entertained, it's only afterward that you realize how much you've learned." Educational and Training techniques on Sound Psychology for Health Care Professionals. 

- Private lecture, London, England.

“In this world of endless choices I'm glad I chose to attend this wonderfully entertaining, scholarly and uplifting lecture. I certainly consider myself more personally and professionally ‘sound!’ ” An Introduction to Sound Psychology for Mental Health Professionals.

- Institute for Psychotherapy at Kreiderheim, Lebanon Valley College, Lebanon, PA.

“Sixteen years of school and I finally learn something new and tangible that may actually work with adolescents!” Nurturing Your Child With Music: How Sound Awareness Creates Happy, Smart and Confident Children.

- Whole Health Expo, “Holistic Health & Living.” Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough, MA.

“Dr. Ortiz, thank you for reminding us to listen to ourselves, and for making it so much easier to understand, respect and appreciate others.” Sound Psychology: Musical Alternatives for Learning, Teaching and Counseling.

- Cambridge College's National Institute for Teaching Excellence, Mt. Ida College, Newton, Mass.

“You have inspired me to switch my major to psychology and resume my music lessons.” Sound Psychology: Enhancing Health and Wellbeing Through Music.

- Keystone Health Promotion Conference, Messiah College, PA.

“As a mother, wife and educator with limited time for personal or professional growth opportunities this workshop was just what the doctor ordered!” Sound Psychology: Using Music for Healing and Transformation.

- WomanCare, Harrisburg, PA.

“No ‘New-Agey,’ miracle-type shortcuts, no pseudo-spiritual mumbo-jumbo, just old fashioned common sense, backed with hard science and polished to a 21st century gloss. I could sit through this workshop 10 times and still want more!” Sound Psychology: Using Music for Healing and Transformation. Kindred Spirits on the Edge.

- 29th Midwest Association for Humanistic Psychology Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Dr. Ortiz, the breadth of your understanding of musical styles and genres is remarkable. Your ideas for applying the music of our choice to help us deal with everyday situations are both sensible and pragmatic. P.S. You're a great drummer!” Sound Psychology: The Preventive, Healing and Transformative Power of Music and Sound.

- Hospice, Honolulu, Hawaii.

“I always knew that music was important but now I know why!”  Sound Psychology: Using Music for Healing & Transformation. Body Wisdom 

- International Somatics Congress, San Bernardino, California.

“Your ‘Pulse Entrainment’ relaxation technique is one of the most effective I have come across in over 20 years of working with chronic pain and chronically ill patients.”
November 7th, 1998. Sound Psychology Techniques for Healing, Wellness and Prevention. Cancer Survivor's Day.

- Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport, PA.

“If all classes were like this I would stay in school forever. Dr. Ortiz you are a true inspiration. Your work and your person are a testament to what people can achieve in spite of life’s hardships. May God bless you sir. Thank you for one of the most productive and entertaining weeks of my life.”
 Cambridge College. Sound Psychology: Musical Alternatives for Learning, Teaching and Counseling.

- National Institute for Teaching Excellence, Mt. Ida College, Newton, Mass.

“You addressed universal issues with personal metaphors and personal issues with universal implications. ‘Music is magic but we must never forget that we are the magicians.‘ Thank you for the impact you've just made in my life!” Sound Psychology: Using Music for Learning and Wellness.

- Keystone Health Promotion Conference. Messiah College, Grantham, PA.

“Music, sound, humor, magic… so simple, so practical, it all just makes so much sense!” Sound Psychology for Counselors and Educators.

- Children's Mental Health Center. Sunbury, PA.

“This man’s voice and his presence are both energizing and relaxing. If there’s such a thing as a ‘natural born counselor’ he's it.” Sound Psychology: Music for the Workplace.

- PA. Blue Shield, Camp Hill, PA.

“In about 90 minutes I just learned about 100 new ways in which I can use music and sound to complement my old counseling techniques!” Music as a Complimentary tool for Counseling and Psychotherapy.

- Keystone Residence. Sunbury, PA.

“For a psychologist in particular, Dr. Ortiz’s understanding of medical issues, and his application of music and sound to alleviate pain and suffering, are remarkable.” Oncology & Leukemia Society,

- Wildwood Center, PA.

“In years as a professional counselor, educator and consultant I had never realized how an broader understanding of cultural rhythms can contribute to our awareness of acculturation issues. Dr. Ortiz, I sincerely applaud your impressionable contribution for broadening our awareness of the simple complexities that underlie ethnic diversity” Using Music to Bridge Social, Cultural and Economic Diversity.

- ACA World Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.

“All along I'm thinking, ‘I'm really having a great time!’ then suddenly I realize that I just learned more about music and sound in the past two hours than I had in my entire life! I’d love to have this man as my therapist!” Psychomusicology: Using Music, Sound and Psychology to Improve your Life.

- AHP Midwest Conference, Kindred Spirits on the Edge. Indianapolis, Indiana.

“As a nurse who deals with chronic pain management on a daily basis I found Dr. Ortiz’s suggestions for pain and stress management to be among the most creative of any workshop that I've attended over the past few years.” Introduction to Sound Psychology.

- Center for the Healing Arts, Imperial Point Med.Center,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

"As a music therapist I must admit that I walked into this workshop with more than my share of skepticism. Dr. Ortiz has blown me away. His knowledge of music in general is phenomenal, and his way of incorporating useful techniques from different modalities with charm and enthusiasm is unique and invigorating." Sound Psychology: A Practical Introduction. Music Therapy: Sound Health for the New Millenium.

- Music Therapy Association, Rochester, N.Y.

"Dr. Ortiz, I just heard your live radio interview on WCHT's Newstalk 600 Power Talk Radio show this morning and wanted to let you know that you helped to turn my day around. Your humor, warmth and empowering ideas are what "sound health" is all about. I have been whistling, humming and otherwise enjoying life all day long!" 

- Jackie Pinefeld, Michigan (via E-mail).

"In this world of endless choices I’m glad I chose to attend this wonderfully entertaining, scholarly and uplifting lecture. I certainly consider myself more personally and professionally ‘sound!’" An Introduction to Sound Psychology for Mental Health Professionals.
Institute for Psychotherapy at Kreiderheim,

- Lebanon Valley College, Lebanon, PA.

"Sixteen years of school and I finally learn something new and tangible that may actually work with adolescents!"     Nurturing Your Child With Music: How Sound Awareness Creates Happy, Smart and Confident Children.                 
Whole Health Expo, "Holistic Health & Living."

- Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough, MA.

"Dr. Ortiz, thank you for reminding us to listen to ourselves, and for making it so much easier to understand, respect and appreciate others."    Sound Psychology: Musical Alternatives for Learning, Teaching and Counseling.           
National Institute for Teaching Excellence

- Mt. Ida College, Newton, Mass.

"You have inspired me to switch my major to psychology and resume my music lessons."     Sound Psychology: Enhancing Health and Wellbeing Through Music.

- Keystone Health Promotion Conference, Messiah College, PA.

"As a mother, wife and educator with limited time for personal or professional growth opportunities this workshop was just what the doctor ordered!" Sound Psychology: Using Music for Healing and Transformation.  

- WomanCare, Harrisburg, PA.  

“I would give just about anything to have Dr. Ortiz as my very own ‘uncle John’.” The Tao of Music: Using Music to Meet Life's Demands.

- The Learning Connection. Boston, MA.

“Without doubt, this fun, creative workshop ranks as the most practical I have attended over the course of my 18-year career as a counselor and family therapist.” Service of York & York County.
Sound Psychology: Using Music to Enhance Your Life"     

- York, PA.

“In three short hours, this young, sensitive doctor has given me more insight into my potential than I have realized over the past 62 years of my life.” Introduction to Sound Psychology.

- Senior Citizen's Group. Camp Hill, PA.

“For the first time since high school I feel that I again understand modern music and remember the impact it has in our children. These workshops have made me feel young again!” Sound Psychology: Using Music to Meet Life's Demands.

- Series of (4) workshops at West Shore YMCA, Camp Hill, PA.

“Ortiz’s understanding of cross-cultural bridging approaches and ideas is to be commended. His six-hour, English/Spanish presentation was a spellbinding tour-de-force!” The 4th International Congress on Integrative and Eclectic Psychotherapy and 3rd World Congress of Eclectic Hypnotherapy in Psychology, Psychiatry and Medicine 

- Acapulco, Mexico.

“Dr. Ortiz’s mastery of relationship building techniques with children and adolescents is outstanding. His contribution to my therapeutic armamentarium has been significant.” Psychological Association Annual Convention.

- Harrisburg, PA.