Drumming for life
Drumbeat is about developing relationships using music, beliefs, emotion, attitude and thoughts. (Photo supplied by Doug Taylor)
Drumbeat: developing relationships using music, beliefs, emotion, attitude and thoughts – is a new program being offered through Salvos Counselling Brisbane.
Mr Doug Taylor, Manager of Salvos Counselling and an experienced and enthusiastic drummer, completed his training as a Drumbeat therapist last year and is ready to establish some Drumbeat groups, both in Brisbane and beyond.
The program promotes social understanding and connection through a team drumming experience. It’s fun, safe, creative and rewarding.
Originally developed by Holyoake, a leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation and counselling services organisation in Western Australia, Drumbeat is engaging people from all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with a range of issues including lack of social skills, anger management, isolation, anxiety, self-esteem, toxic relationships, and entrenched behavioural problems.
Drumbeat, which is currently active in 500 schools, youth centres, children’s hospitals, refugee centres, prisons and other organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand, has helped clients to understand relationship issues and how to get along with people, increased self-esteem, developed long term behavioural changes, reduced school absenteeism and given people hope.
The program has also had success in working with people with addictions, brain damage, mental health, and trauma.
“The results are just amazing and can be applied in so many different areas, both specific and general,” Mr Taylor says.
“The program has also been assessed and endorsed by the University of Newcastle.”
Clients don’t need any prior knowledge of drumming or music to join a drumbeat group. They just have to be able to use their hands to hold a drum. Drumbeat uses both African Djembas and Conga drums from South America.
Groups are usually made up of 8-10 people. There is a focus on social skills, patience, cooperation, tolerance, empathy and commitment. The drum circle offers a safe environment for the clients, and they are encouraged to connect with each other and engage with and respond to what is happening around them.
“The program allows people to be creative, and opens up new possibilities and ways of thinking,” says Mr Taylor.
To gain his accreditation, Mr Taylor has already run one Drumbeat group in Brisbane, with colleague, Getano Bann who works for Edmund Rice Education Australia. “The program is flexible and I’m prepared to run established groups in Brisbane or travel to run weekend programs,” he said.
For more information, check out Drumbeat on YouTube at youtube.com/user/HolyoakeDRUMBEAT or visit Salvos Counselling’s new website http://salvoscounselling.salvos.org.au/
Watch this which explains the Holyoake Drumbeat program:
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.