To a New Beat!

When you think of group therapy, does the typical circle of chairs pop up in your mind? Perhaps one or two people are talking. Catharsis. Conversations with like-minded individuals experiencing similar battles has been a universal approach in dealing with mental illnesses. While undoubtedly an effective method, one might wonder if there could be a more interactive, appealing, and ultimately engaging opportunity for individuals to help combat mental illness while still reaping the benefits of a group setting...

Enter hand drumming. As a seemingly novel approach in group therapy, there has been scarce yet growing evidence of its efficacy towards mental and relational well-being. It’s a neat little “remix” of the typical group talk we normally envision. Rather than focusing exclusively on conversational expression, individuals get together in a circle and beat drums with their hands to express themselves musically.

To tie in music with therapeutic value, the creators of the program developed a catalogue of “drumming analogies” which represent concepts of self-worth, relationships and communication skills — all markers of social well-being. These markers could then be examined and discussed through the playing of these “analogies” amongst the group members. In this particular study with at-risk youth, these themes of social relationships were explored by using hand drums as a medium, with added discussion on more student specific issues such as bullying and peer pressure.

Within the group, participants experienced enhanced feelings of cohesiveness and trust. The need to form a harmonious musical connection with each group member certainly allowed stronger bonds to form and presented a chance to resolve social conflicts that underlain everyday school scenarios. As a result, variables relating to their track record at school improved considerably. Even habitual behaviours like skipping class were reduced.

Refreshing right? Music has always been remarked for its therapeutic utility, being present in many recreational therapeutic programs in various kinds of care facilities. Hand drumming expands on the therapeutic repertoire of music by presenting another possible avenue for musically-inclined individuals to explore. With interpersonal skills and development being essential in many areas of life, this intervention holds promise as a fun and engaging activity, welcome in any setting.

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Source:

• Wood, L., Ivery, P., Donovan, R., & Lambin, E. (2013). “To the beat of a different drum”: improving the social and mental wellbeing of at‐risk young people through drumming. Journal of Public Mental Health.12(2):70-79. doi:10.1108/JPMH- 09-2012-0002.