WHAT IS DRUM THERAPY?
A fun art form that encourages expression of thoughts & feelings through rhythm and promotes healing and a healthy well-being.
Drumming sends auditory signals and vibrations through the body - which helps with physical movement and brain stimulation.
Drumming has been used as therapy in people living with diagnosed illnesses; disorders; disabilities. Evidence has proven that drumming is beneficial for those living with Alzheimers; ADHD/ADD; ASD; Anxiety; AOD Addictions; Bi-Polar; Behavioural Issues; Burnout; Dementia; Depression; those experiencing Grief & Loss; PTSD, amongst many others.
How will this fit with my NDIS Plan?.
Whether you decide to have a private 1:1 Session, or join one of my drumming circles, you can claim Under the Support Purpose - Capacity Building. Drum Therapy service provides support with Increased Social and Community Participation; Improved Relationships and Improved Daily Living.
A report can be provided, if requested, to support your claim for services provided. You may be asked to complete a survey prior to commencement, and on completion of services provided in order to provide an accurate report on evidence that the services have been beneficial to you. These surveys are also useful for reflection of services provided so we can provide continuous improvement of service.
I comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct which can be found here: NDIS Code of Conduct
Drumming in group settings provides a space for people with shared lived experience to express freely without judgment. Group participants share a sense of openness, togetherness, belonging, closeness and connectedness. They learn socialising skills, while building strengths in coordination. A new rhythm to learn can give us purpose and something to show our family and friends. Beating a drum to a natural rhythm is calming, meditative, and allows us to feel grounded. Learning from others in a drum circle can help us regulate our emotions, build our confidence in social settings, feel included, feel independent and gain more self control and independence. If the participant wishes to - a performance can be delivered after learning the rhythms - and feel a sense of pride in their achievements.
Drum therapy encourages people to release inner trauma through physical movement and meditative rhythms, as well as bringing people together. Dr. Barry B. Bittman
The physical and mental benefits of drumming come from rhythmic healing. Drumming makes our bodies, brainwaves and energy channels (such as meridians or chakras) vibrate in response. Together with my theoretical studies in Counselling, and using a person-centred strengths based approach - these sessions are very beneficial if you are looking to learn to make improvements in your life. We work together by learning and drawing on your inner strengths and self reflection.
Drumming with ASD & its benefits.
(This excerpt taken from Percussive Notes 2017). While individuals with autism face many challenges including communication and repetitive “tick-like” behaviours they often excel in music, math, art, and visual skills. The combination of math, music, hands-on stimulus, and repetition makes drumming a good fit. Experience has shown hand drums to be particularly effective with autistic students. The singularity of a hand drum reduces the possibility of overwhelming the student while allowing numerous playing options. Students are able to express themselves, be creative, and have a physical outlet.
By Robert Damm, PhD, and Dr. Stephen Workman
For Full excerpt - click below text.
https://www.pas.org/docs/default-source/idc-articles/1707-40-41.pdf?sfvrsn=a15c93a_0
Drumming and the benefits on the brain.
When we describe people who are more frequent users of their “right brain” , we are describing artists, musicians and intuitive thinkers. Multi-taskers are using their ‘right-brain’. Through the creativity that is Drumming we stimulate our right brain and in turn, the benefits of this, are that we are better able to solve problems, and our logical thinking is awoken.
With Drumming, the action of rhythm awakens both sides of the brain, which benefits the participants, both academically and in play. After therapy through drumming, participants have reported increased self esteem, increased social skills, reduced anxiety and worry.
Proven Outcomes of Evidenced Based Drumming Programs
Increased mental wellbeing
Increased knowledge and understanding of relationship issues
Reduction in psychological distress
Reduction in antisocial behavior
Reduction in school absenteeism
Reduction in reportable school based behavioral incidences
Improved self-regulation
Increased social and emotional learning
Increased empathy