MUSIC THERAPYResearch

An online survey study exploring how music therapists work with rhythm and movement to help survivors of trauma

Abstract

Drumming has been used for centuries within communities as a tool for healing, with the use of chanting, rhythmical movements, and dance, to enable people to be attuned with their bodies. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of how drumming, rhythm and movement is used in the treatment and rehabilitation of survivors of trauma.  There is very little research in support of this, therefore this study looks to address this gap in the literature by conducting an online survey to explore the efficacy of drumming, rhythm and movement as a treatment for survivors of trauma. The approach chosen was a qualitative online survey, consisting of seven questions asked to music therapists, community musicians, psychotherapists and counsellors who have worked or are working with drumming and survivors of trauma.

An experiential thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2013) was used to collect the data from six participants, and three overarching themes were developed: ‘Talking drums, start making sense: the drumming experience with trauma survivors’; ‘I love it when clients do this spontaneously’: drumming and emotional states’; and ‘The rhythm is gonna get ya’: Body and the beat’. Findings suggest most participants revealed that drumming, rhythm and movement paid a significant part in the treatment and rehabilitation of trauma survivors, and that drumming is used as grounding to help self-regulate when in hyperaroused states, and a form of communication to express emotions.