The Rhythmic Breath is a free music therapy group that supports people with chronic physical and mental health conditions and long Covid. We use music and breathwork to help ease the symptoms and create a safe space for people to share and express themselves.
One of our attendees has kindly allowed us to share his feedback about how the group has helped him through some of his struggles.
Mark* has Autism, Post Traumatic Stress Syndome (PTSD) and Chronic Pain. At first he attended the group sessions, however he felt quite anxious and found it difficult to engage so decided that a 1.1 session would better support him. After these sessions he has now built his self-confidence as is ready to re-join the group sessions which is so amazing!
Here we asked him a few questions about how he found the sessions and he gave some really inspiring answers, which we will now share with you.
*not his real name
What brought you to the Rhythmic Breath?
I was referred by a social prescriber. I find it difficult to say if I enjoy something, but music has always been an important part of my life as it gives me motivation and confidence within myself.
What did you expect the sessions to be like?
I wasn’t sure what to expect and unsure about the new people. It was difficult because people stopped coming, which made it hard to get used to the faces.
How did you find the group sessions at first?
Found the singing very inhibitive due to fear of judgement.
“The group has given me a chance to relate to someone else and made me feel a bit more comfortable. I felt more creative/inspired as time went on.”
“I’m looking forward to starting the group again because I will feel a bit more at ease knowing what to expect. “
Have any of the activities helped with the symptoms you face?
The breathing strategies have helped me to concentrate on breathing. I use them whenever I feel anxious and I say to myself “just breathe deep”. Breathing has also helped with playing the recorders with confidence and the drumming helps with my self-expression.
What is the most important thing for you about the sessions? (activities, social, time out of busy day)
Routine – going somewhere and seeing the same person at the same time. It gives me something to look forward to.
“Katie has pushed me and encouraged me which I find quite good and helpful especially with my mind. In the last month it has helped me to explore improvisation at the piano. It’s given me confidence in trying new things. It’s taking me out of my comfort zone and inspiring me to have self confidence to have a go at things, and I am sure this will grow. I’ve seen quite a big improvement to be honest.”
Do you notice a difference in how you feel before and after the sessions, if yes – could you tell us a bit about this?
A majority of the time I came out feeling good afterwards, as it helped with taking me out of my comfort zone. But a couple of times I came out worse – as I struggled to join in with the group sessions and endings and goodbyes make me feel emotional.
What was your favourite part about the sessions?
What would you say to anyone who is unsure of coming along?
“I feel better going into the group now. It’s like an open book. You will be encouraged with your breathing, you will try different musical instruments and it will help with self-expression. You don’t have to know how to play a musical instrument, it will help with your mental wellbeing.”
Thank you so much to Mark for sharing this wonderful feedback, we are so glad to have you as part of the group!
We are now running two Rhythmic Breath groups on Monday, one in Maldon (10:45am-11:45am) and one in Chelmsford (1pm – 2pm).