Geoffrey Barnes

Geoffrey Barnes serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Applied Therapies at Lesley University, specializing in expressive therapy with a concentration in music therapy and mental health counseling.

His academic credentials include:

• BA in English Literature from Amherst College
• MA in Music Therapy from Antioch University
• PhD in Interdisciplinary Research in Music Therapy, Special Education, and Psychology from Lesley University

Dr. Barnes' research focuses on therapeutic applications of music for children with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. He investigates how music therapy fosters joint attention, social interaction, and communication development in public preschool settings. His work integrates tactile materials into therapeutic sessions and examines longitudinal outcomes of music-based interventions in inclusive educational environments. Key contributions explore non-verbal communication strategies and sensory integration techniques tailored for neurodiverse learners.

His publication record (2010-2014) demonstrates consistent focus on music therapy's role in autism intervention, particularly within public school contexts. Articles analyze therapeutic mechanisms for developing communication skills, with emphasis on real-world classroom applications. Research trends highlight interdisciplinary connections between music therapy, special education, and early childhood development, featuring empirical observations from multi-year school-based interventions.

Information regarding student advising, grant funding, or laboratory affiliations was not provided in available sources.