The therapeutic benefits of drumming

Drums have been used for centuries in in celebration, ceremony, ritual and war.  Creating powerful shared emotional experience and with a language which is universal, it has now been recognised that drums can also be used in therapy.

Drumming is accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.  Children and young people take readily to drumming; seated in a circle with African djembe drums they can express themselves non-verbally when words are not available.  Drums are also used as an accompaniment to songs and movement exercises. 

In my work the drumming sessions have benefitted the children and young people in many ways:

Confidence

Many children and young people do not have access to social activities; this has an impact on their independence and confidence.  Through experimenting with rhythm and noise levels, self-expression becomes possible; children and young people gain a sense of achievement and self-worth as they become acknowledged as part of the group.  Timing and co-ordination can also be improved by drumming exercises.  

Listening and focus

The children and young people often arrive feeling overwhelmed and distracted by their circumstances and surroundings; drumming helps them focus and helps increase their attention span. 

Team work                                                                                                                           

The drumming circle enables the children and young people to work towards a common goal.                                                                                                                                                                        

Released negative feelings and emotions

Many of the targeted children don’t have coping strategies for dealing with difficult encounters and have developed ways of expressing their emotions that prevent them from performing effectively with others. Drumming allows unexpressed feelings and frustrations to be expressed and released without the needs to wrestle with words. 

Happiness                                                                                                                         

Drumming is fun and has led to the children and young people feeling happy and contented.  Research has shown that drumming triggers the release of endorphins that stimulate feelings of happiness.  The sessions help reduce stress levels as participants channel their feelings and energies into drumming. 

Relaxation                                                                                                                            

Drumming circles are also meditative and relaxing, helping to reduce the anxieties and tensions the children and young people often arrive with.

Friedman, Robert Lawrence, The Healing Power of the Drum. Reno, NV: White Cliffs; 2000.

Contact me by email or 07951 410 164 to find out more