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Integrating Sound Healing & Drum Circles in Addiction Recovery

(A Holistic Wellness Partnership Proposal)

My Recovery Journey: From Addiction to Healing

  • Personal Story: I am in long-term recovery from substance abuse, and along my journey I discovered the power of holistic practices. Traditional therapy helped, but I still struggled with stress and emotional trauma.
  • Turning Point: Attending a sound bath session and my long term relationship with community drum circles early in my recovery opened up new pathways for healing. The calming vibrations and rhythms allowed me to release deep-seated emotions in a way talk therapy hadn’t.
  • Renewed Purpose: These experiences were so transformative that I pursued training to help others. My own recovery was deepened by sound healing and drumming, inspiring me to bring these modalities to those still suffering.

Holistic Healing in Recovery: Why It Matters

Mind-Body-Spirit Approach: Addiction affects the whole person – physically, mentally, and spiritually. Holistic therapies address all these aspects, complementing clinical treatment. By engaging the senses and the body, practices like sound baths, drumming, and breathwork help patients process feelings that may be hard to articulate in talk therapy.

Filling the Gaps: Even with excellent counseling and group therapy, clients often carry stress, anxiety, and trauma in their bodies. Techniques such as deep breathing and rhythmic music can release tension and pent-up emotions in ways verbal therapy alone might not. This leads to more comprehensive healing and personal growth in recovery ( Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study – PMC ).

Evidence & Tradition: These modalities are rooted in ancient practices and backed by modern research. They promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mood – all critical for individuals overcoming addiction (Sound Healing for Addiction and Mental Health Recovery).

Sound Healing – A Calming Force in Recovery

 

Drum Circles – Rhythm for Recovery

 

Breathwork – Harnessing the Power of Breath

  • What is Breathwork? Guided breathing exercises that range from calming techniques (deep diaphragmatic breathing) to more intensive practices (like holotropic breathwork). In sessions, we often begin with pranayama or rhythmic breathing to center the group.
  • Physiological Benefits: Breathwork activates the body’s natural relaxation system. For example, slow deep breathing increases parasympathetic (calming) activity and decreases sympathetic (stress) response, which lowers blood pressure and heart rate (How Can Breath Work Contribute to Addiction Recovery? – Pinnacle Recovery). Studies confirm that practicing breathwork leads to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, reduced anxiety, improved mood, and even better sleep (Oxygen & Deep-Breathing Techniques | Recovery Center in TX). In short, clients feel more grounded and less reactive.
  • In Recovery Context: Cravings and emotional upheavals can be managed by the breath. We teach clients breath techniques to cope with triggers: instead of reaching for a substance, they learn to breathe through the urge. Over time, this builds self-regulation skills crucial for long-term sobriety. Many recovering individuals also report breathwork sessions help unlock repressed feelings and trauma in a gentle way, paving the path for deeper therapeutic work (Psychedelics And Breathwork: Exploring Disruptive Tools In …).

Proven Benefits: Research Highlights

Adoption by Leading Treatment Centers

  • Growing Industry Trend: Holistic therapies are no longer fringe; they’re becoming a standard complement in reputable rehab programs. When more than 20 clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of sound therapy for stress and cognition, many rehab centers began integrating it into their curricula (Sound Therapy for Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation). Forward-thinking facilities recognize that incorporating these wellness modalities attracts clients seeking comprehensive care.
  • Case Study – New Directions for Women (CA): This long-running residential program uses drum circles as a core part of treatment. They collaborate with cultural mentors to deliver drum therapy for their clients, noting it helps women process trauma and build community in treatment (Drum Circle and Healing from Addiction | New Directions For Women) (Drum Circle and Healing from Addiction | New Directions For Women). Their experience shows drum circles can be implemented safely and effectively in a clinical setting.
  • Case Study – Seven Arrows Recovery (AZ): A holistic inpatient center that integrates sound baths and drumming alongside evidence-based therapy. Seven Arrows reports that “sound therapy can positively influence brainwave patterns, calm the nervous system, and balance emotions—critical elements in overcoming addiction.” (Sound Therapy and Addiction Treatment: How It Aids the Recovery Process – Seven Arrows Recovery) By offering sound healing, they provide patients with powerful tools for relaxation and emotional regulation.
  • Case Study – JourneyPure (TN): A regional rehab that openly shares success with drum circle therapy. Their team has “witnessed firsthand the transformative power” of group drumming in sobriety, citing benefits like stress reduction, improved mood, and a strong sense of belonging among alumni (The Benefits of Drum Circle Therapy in Addiction Recovery – JourneyPure At The River) (The Benefits of Drum Circle Therapy in Addiction Recovery – JourneyPure At The River). This has set JourneyPure apart as an innovator in experiential therapies.
  • Takeaway: By embracing these practices, your facility can join the ranks of these leaders – or even outshine them in the Midwest – as a destination for cutting-edge, holistic addiction treatment.

Facilitator Credentials & Lived Expertise

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): I am a CADC (earned in California), trained in evidence-based addiction counseling. (Note: CADC is not formally recognized as a credential in OK.) This certification means I understand clinical treatment modalities and ethics, ensuring our holistic sessions complement your program’s clinical standards.
  • Peer Recovery Support Specialist Supervisor (S-PRSS, Oklahoma): As a state-certified peer support supervisor, I am qualified to leverage my lived experience to help others. I’ve supervised peer recovery programs and understand how to engage clients from a place of empathy and authenticity. This role also reflects my commitment to ongoing education in the recovery field (Oklahoma Department of Mental Health certified).
  • Behavioral Health Wellness Coach (BHWC, Oklahoma): I hold a credential as a wellness coach, specializing in behavioral health. This equips me to guide clients in holistic lifestyle changes – from stress management to mindfulness practices – aligning perfectly with facilitating sound and drumming sessions.
  • 6 Years of Experience: Beyond the titles, I have facilitated countless sound baths, drum circles, and breathwork sessions in both community and treatment settings. I regularly host public group events and recovery workshops, staying current on best practices. In short, I bring both the professional training and personal passion needed to effectively serve your clients.

Real-World Impact: Community Sessions Success

  • Proven Engagement: In my public wellness events, I typically attract 20–30 attendees per session. My public events are all donation based, Meaning if someone can’t afford a ticket, they are welcome to attend. These are individuals actively seeking stress relief and healing – a testament to the appeal of sound baths and drum circles. High turnout and repeat participation indicate that people find these sessions valuable and word is spreading.
  • Participant Feedback: While individual testimonials aren’t listed here, I consistently receive positive reports: attendees share that they feel “profoundly relaxed,” “emotionally lighter,” or “more connected” after sessions. Many note improvements in anxiety and mood even days after a sound bath or drumming circle.
  • Adaptable to Clinical Groups: I have also run specialized groups for those in recovery housing and IOP programs. These sessions have been met with enthusiasm – even clients new to the practice quickly engage. The experiential nature tends to break the ice in groups, allowing quieter individuals to participate without pressure to talk. This high engagement can carry over into better participation in therapy groups and other program activities.
  • Cultural and Age Inclusivity: My events draw a diverse crowd – from young adults to seniors, and from various cultural backgrounds. Because music and breath are universal languages, these modalities resonate with nearly everyone. I bring this inclusive approach to your facility, ensuring all clients (regardless of background or age) feel comfortable and benefit from the sessions.

Gender-Specific Groups: Deeper Connection & Safety

  • Why Separate Groups? Experience and research suggest that men and women often heal more openly in gender-specific settings. Sensitive issues can surface during sound and drumming sessions – and clients may feel safer processing in a group of their own gender.
  • Women’s Circles: In mixed company, many women hesitate to fully express emotions or discuss trauma (especially if it involves abuse by men). A women-only drum circle or sound bath creates a sacred space of understanding. Women are more comfortable voicing pain or even crying, without fear of judgment. As noted by one treatment center, women might not feel comfortable talking about traumatic events around men, particularly in cases of sexual or domestic violence (Gender-Specific Group Therapy – Crest View Recovery). A female-focused group can facilitate those releases and foster sisterhood in recovery.
  • Men’s Circles: Likewise, men often put on a stoic front in co-ed groups. A men-only setting encourages them to let down their guard. Men may be more willing to show vulnerability – whether that’s tears, fears, or discussing shame – when not worried about “performing” masculinity in front of women (Gender-Specific Group Therapy – Crest View Recovery). In our drum circles, we’ve seen men open up about their struggles, supported by a sense of brotherhood.
  • Tailored Themes: Gender-specific sessions can be tailored to address topics like fatherhood, motherhood, family roles, or body-image in recovery that resonate differently with each gender. This targeted approach leads to deeper emotional breakthroughs and bonding among participants.
  • Our Approach: We offer the option to run separate weekly sound/drum sessions for men and women at your facility. This can be rotated alongside co-ed groups. Providing both formats maximizes reach and impact – everyone gets a chance to experience holistic healing in the environment where they’ll benefit most.

What a Session Looks Like (Structure & Flow)

  • Session Length: 60-90 minutes (flexible as needed for your schedule).
  • Typical Agenda:
    • Grounding & Breathwork (5–10 min): We begin seated in a circle with guided deep breathing or a short mindfulness meditation. This calms and centers the group. (soft music and aromatherapy to set the mood.)
    • Intention Setting (2 min): Each participant is invited to silently set an intention (e.g. “release anxiety” or “find clarity”). This personalizes the experience.
    • Sound Bath (40 min): Participants then relax (lying down or comfortably seated). I use singing bowls, chimes, and a gong to create layered soothing sounds. The vibrations help quiet the mind – you often see tension melt away as breathing slows. (Visual: infographic diagram of brainwaves dropping into relaxation during the sound bath.)

Separate group- Two different styles

 

Interactive Drum Circle – Separate group (40 min): We energize the group with drumming. Everyone gets a drum or percussion instrument. We start with a simple heartbeat rhythm and gradually build up. There is laughter, call-and-response drumming, and moments of synchronized rhythm where the whole group is “in the groove.” This part is typically very engaging and uplifting. Drumming patterns based on spoken positive affirmations.

  • Processing & Reflection (5–10 min): We conclude by discussing the experience. Clients share one word or thought about how they feel. Often we hear things like “calm,” “hopeful,” or “connected.” This debrief helps integrate the session emotionally and can segue into a therapy process group if desired.
  • Adaptability: The structure can be adjusted for your population. For instance, for a trauma-focused group we might extend the sound bath (for more gentle therapy) and shorten the drumming. Everything is trauma-informed – participants are always free to opt out of any segment or just listen if they don’t want to actively drum.
  • Safety & Professionalism: I maintain a grounded, therapeutic atmosphere throughout. As the facilitator, I watch for anyone becoming emotionally overwhelmed and will gently support them (and alert clinical staff if needed). A licensed therapist from your team can be present to assist and to ensure clinical integration (which also allows billing as therapy).

Insurance Billing & Documentation

  • Group Therapy Classification: These sessions can be billed under “experiential group therapy” when overseen by a licensed clinician. In practice, the licensed therapist on your staff would supervise the session (even without actively leading it). We can designate the sound/drum circle as a therapeutic group activity addressing treatment plan goals (e.g. coping skills, stress reduction).
  • CPT Code 90853 (Group Therapy): This is the standard billing code for group psychotherapy. It allows multiple clients to be billed for one session. According to current data, insurance reimbursement for CPT 90853 ranges roughly $25 to $100 per client per session, depending on insurer and region (CPT Code 90853: Billing & Coding Guide for Group Therapy). For example, if 10 clients attend, an average insurance payment might total around $300 (10 × ~$30 each) – which can cover or even exceed the facilitator fee.
  • Documentation Provided: I will supply a summary of each session (themes addressed, activities, client responses) to assist the therapist in documenting medical necessity. This includes sign-in sheets and brief progress notes that tie the experience back to each client’s treatment goals (e.g. “Client X participated in drum circle focusing on emotional expression and reported feeling more relaxed afterward” Intervention and response).
  • Licensed Therapist Role: Your therapist’s presence ensures the session meets clinical standards and qualifies as billable therapy rather than a purely recreational activity. This is a model many centers use for experiential therapies (like equine therapy, adventure therapy, etc.). Essentially, I handle the holistic facilitation while your clinical team maintains therapeutic oversight – a powerful collaboration.
  • Compliance: We will adhere to all privacy regulations (HIPAA) during group sessions. Any clinical discussion during reflection is kept confidential and notes are filed per your center’s protocol.
  • Bottom Line: You can offer these holistic groups with minimal financial burden by leveraging insurance coverage, all while providing a high-quality therapeutic experience.)

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Value for Your Facility

  • Therapeutic ROI: The therapeutic gains from these sessions are significant. Reducing clients’ anxiety and improving their mood can translate to fewer behavioral issues, better engagement in other therapies, and potentially improved treatment completion rates. For instance, group interventions like this can serve multiple patients at once, making efficient use of staff time while delivering strong clinical outcomes (CPT Code 90853: Billing & Coding Guide for Group Therapy). The cost per client for a session becomes very low when 10-15 clients participate together.
  • Financial Considerations: Cost: My rates are competitive and far less than the cost of a full-time specialist on staff. Offset: As noted, much of the cost can be offset by insurance billing. Even for uninsured clients, the per-client cost is modest when spread across a group. Benefit: If just one session prevents a client from leaving AMA (against medical advice) due to stress, or helps them avoid a relapse post-discharge, the financial benefit (thousands of dollars in saved re-admission or detox costs) far exceeds the investment.
  • Competitive Advantage: Offering holistic services can attract more clients to your facility. Many families seek programs that treat the “whole person” and will choose a center that offers amenities like yoga, meditation, and sound therapy. This can boost your census and revenue. It’s a marketable feature (we can highlight it in your brochures and website to draw interest).
  • Client Satisfaction: Holistic sessions often become a highlight of the week for participants. Satisfied clients are more likely to complete the program and recommend the facility to others. Higher alumni satisfaction can lead to more referrals and a stronger reputation. Essentially, investing in client experience is investing in your facility’s success.
  • Scalability: We can start with a pilot (say, one session a week) and measure outcomes such as client feedback, attendance, and any impact on clinical metrics (like stress scores or group therapy participation). If the data is positive – which we expect – you have the option to expand offerings (e.g. adding a second session for a different unit or population). This phased approach ensures you see the value proven in real-time.

Investment & Proposed Rates

  • Market Rate Context: In the Midwest, independent facilitators for wellness groups typically charge per session. Research indicates an average of about $300 per session for a drum circle facilitator providing all instruments (Drumcircles.net Blog: What to Charge for a Drum Circle? – Rates Pricing & Venues). Rates generally range from $100 to $600 per session depending on the event size, duration, and expertise of the facilitator (Drumcircles.net Blog: What to Charge for a Drum Circle? – Rates Pricing & Venues). Sound bath facilitators report similar figures, often around $200–$400 for group events.
  • My Rate Proposal: I am offering a competitive rate of $125 per session for your facility (to be discussed based on frequency and group size). Estimated time for load in, setup, tear down, load out, clean up = 4hrs. This rate is in line with local standards and reflects the value of a 60-minute guided session with all equipment provided (e.g. drums, singing bowls, gongs, etc.). For example, if we agree on $250 per session and 10 clients attend, the net cost per client is only $25 – often covered by insurance as shown.
  • Included in Rate: All necessary instruments and materials, setup/cleanup time, and coordination with your staff. You get a turnkey session – I bring everything needed for the sound bath and drum circle. (If your facility has some equipment, we can adjust accordingly.)
  • Frequency Options: Flexible scheduling is available. Some centers start with one session per week, while others opt for bi-weekly or monthly workshops. I recommend at least a 4-session trial (once a week for a month) to allow clients to get familiar and to observe the benefits over multiple sessions. We can always increase frequency if demand grows.
  • Contract Terms: This would be a contractor arrangement – meaning no added overhead for you (no payroll taxes or benefits on your end). We’d simply set a flat fee per session.
  • Value-Add: As part of our partnership, I’m happy to provide occasional staff wellness sessions or training at a discounted rate. This can help your clinical team experience the modalities firsthand (prevent burnout and boost their morale) and better integrate what clients are doing in these groups into one-on-one therapy.

Position Your Facility as a Regional Leader

  • Innovate and Lead: By integrating sound healing and drum circle therapy, your facility can set itself apart in the region. Few (if any) competitors in our area offer something this progressive and comprehensive. Embracing these evidence-backed holistic practices demonstrates leadership in adopting innovative treatments for addiction recovery.
  • Marketing Edge: We can collaborate on marketing this offering – highlighting that [Your Facility] provides cutting-edge holistic care. This could mean featuring the sound/drum program in brochures, on your website, and in outreach to referents. Families and referral sources will take note that you go beyond the basics, offering a truly immersive recovery experience.
  • Meeting a Growing Demand: Today’s clients (especially younger demographics) are actively seeking holistic wellness options. By meeting this demand, you position the center as forward-thinking and client-centered. Word travels fast in the recovery community; being the “first in the Midwest” or “one of the only providers” to offer sound baths and drum therapy can draw positive attention.
  • Community Partnerships: Hosting these groups can open doors to partnerships – for example, local recovery community organizations or alumni groups might want to participate or co-sponsor events. This boosts your facility’s profile and integration with the local recovery ecosystem.
  • Enhance Outcomes: Ultimately, being a leader isn’t just about image – it’s about results. By providing a richer array of services, you give clients every possible tool to succeed. As outcomes improve (e.g., higher retention, higher satisfaction, lower relapse rates), your facility’s reputation as the premier program for comprehensive recovery will solidify. This leadership stance can attract grants or research opportunities as well, since you’ll be on the frontier of holistic addiction treatment. 

 

Next Steps – Let’s Heal Together

  • Schedule a Meeting: I invite you to a follow-up meeting with your team and decision-makers to discuss implementation. In this meeting, we can address any questions, tailor the program to your specific client population, and outline a trial schedule.
  • Demo Session: Seeing is believing. I’d be happy to offer a complimentary demo sound bath/drum circle exclusively for your staff and a few clients. This will allow everyone to directly experience the effects. We can arrange this at your facility at a convenient time – just to demonstrate the process.
  • Customize the Plan: Every treatment center is unique. After the demo and discussion, I will provide a customized proposal that aligns with your program’s schedule, client needs (e.g. trauma-focused, veterans, young adults, etc.), and budget. This could include a pilot phase and outcome measures so we can evaluate success together.
  • Contact Information: Please feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas.
  • Thank You & Call to Action: Thank you for considering this partnership. By working together, we have an opportunity to set a new standard for holistic healing in addiction recovery. Let’s give your clients every possible advantage on their journey to wellness. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you to make your facility a beacon of innovative, heart-centered care in the region.

 

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o-yFEmNNQJdzMh49E7km-JKqesPdBKJv233_EFFiTbM/edit?usp=sharing

 

 

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