Deanna K. Bush

Deanna K. Bush serves as Faculty Specialist in Music Therapy at the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music, Western Michigan University, bringing over 23 years of clinical expertise from prior roles at Integris-Bass Behavioral Health-Meadowlake Hospital (11 years) and Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital (12 years).

Her educational foundation includes Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University, supplemented by specialized training at The International Neurologic Music Therapy Training Institute. She maintains MT-BC certification and studied clarinet with Professor Bradley Wong during undergraduate studies.

Dr. Bush pioneers forensic music therapy applications for trauma recovery and competency restoration, with clinical expertise spanning PTSD, childhood trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, severe mental illness, and dementia. Her innovative work includes developing music-based protocols for teaching trial competency concepts to cognitively challenged forensic populations and integrating sound therapy techniques into clinical practice. She has presented regionally on vicarious traumatization in forensic settings and co-treats with psychology/social work professionals for trauma survivors.

As an educator, she supervises WMU music therapy interns and practicum students, guest lectures for introductory courses, and mentors through the American Music Therapy Association's Great Lakes Region program. Her leadership includes directing 14 patient Christmas programs and chairing KPH's Summerfest event, demonstrating commitment to clinical innovation and student development in music therapy education.