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The Therapeutic Power of Drumming
by Christine K. Stevens, MSW, M.A., MT-BC
Group drumming is a powerful music-making experience that is used as a therapeutic intervention for achieving health-oriented, non-musical goals. In a drum circle, participants experience both the creation of group rhythms and a sense of community. This outline presents a summary of a paper detailing the theoretical underpinnings of drumming as an effective therapy.
Ever been in the dentist’s chair tapping a deliberate beat on the armrest while awaiting the next drilling session? My dental hygienist is sworn to secrecy!
Therapeutic Element |
Mechanism for Change |
| Drumming is accessible. |
Drumming provides successful and inclusive experiences. |
| Drumming is aesthetic. |
Drumming involves the interactive creation of beauty. |
| Drumming is expressive. |
Drumming is a nonverbal mechanism for affective modulation. |
| Drumming is physical. |
Drumming requires psychomotor coordination. |
| Drumming is powerful. |
Drumming connects us to primal archetypes. |
| Drumming is communicative. |
Drumming allows for the purposeful transfer of ideas. |
| Drumming is metasocial. |
Drumming creates social
unity. |
| Drumming is cognitive. |
Drumming requires perception, attention, and memory.
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Stevens, C.K., & Burt, J. W. Drum circles: Theory and application in the mental health treatment continuum.
Copyright © 2000 Christine Stevens
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