Degrees

B.M.T. Loyola University New Orleans; M.M.T. Temple University; A.B.D. Temple University

Short Bio

Joy Allen is an accomplished clinician, supervisor, and researcher. She has extensive experience working with medical patients where she focused on psychological health, pain management, and the family system. In addition, she has expertise working with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health issues applying a family systems approach. She is particularly passionate about working with individuals and families facing chronic illnesses, including cancer. Her current research interests include quantitative analysis of the effects of music therapy on the psychological health of medical patients, narrative methods of researching client experiences, as well as medical music therapy theory development and efficacy research.

Mrs. Allen is currently completing her dissertation under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Bruscia, Temple University, as well as her Fellowship in Guided Imagery and Music.  Mrs. Allen completed her Master of Music Therapy from Temple University in 2003 and her Bachelor of Music Therapy from Loyola University New Orleans in 1998.

Mrs. Allen has presented her clinical work and research at several peer-reviewed conferences including regional, national, and international music therapy conferences. Passion for her work and emphasis on sharing the music therapy process as well as session outcomes has allowed her to be quite successful in music therapy program development and advocacy. Mrs. Allen’s work in the field has lead to several awards including Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Music Therapy from Temple University in recognition of advocacy, education, and research and the 2008 Healthcare Hero Award for her work and advocacy for cancer patients and their families.

As an alumna of Loyola University, Ms. Allen has a great passion and commitment to the University and to the Jesuit tradition. She is honored to be on the faculty of Loyola because of its dedication to the field of music therapy, its commitment to a liberal arts education, interdisciplinary collaboration and service to the great community of New Orleans.