Finding Rhythm Together: Drum Therapy with the Mersey Valley Ladies PROBUS Club, Latrobe.

Recently, I had the absolute joy of welcoming the wonderful women from the Mersey Valley Ladies PROBUS Club in Latrobe into Collective Therapy Hub for one of their monthly outings ... and this time, they came to drum! 

Laughter echoed, rhythms pulsed, and hearts opened as we gathered in circle, exploring the power of rhythm and connection through drum therapy.

For many of these vibrant women, it was their first time experiencing this kind of session, but you wouldn’t have known it! They jumped in with open minds and open hearts, each one contributing to the beat in her own unique way. What unfolded was not just rhythm, but magic:

a shared experience of playfulness, expression, and deep presence.

It is always so powerful to witness the transformation that unfolds during a drum therapy session. Often, people begin the journey with a little hesitation, unsure of what to expect, questioning whether they’ll 'get it right,' or feeling a little shy about making sound. But as the session unfolds, something beautiful happens. With each beat, they start to loosen up. Smiles appear. Shoulders drop. The rhythm takes over, and by the end, what was once uncertainty is replaced with joy, freedom, and a newfound confidence that soars high.

Watching someone go from 'I’m not sure I can do this' to 'I didn’t want that to end!' is one of the greatest gifts of this work.

Why Drum Therapy?

Drumming is far more than making sound, it’s a therapeutic, body-mind practice that can bring about a wide range of benefits, especially for older adults:

• Cognitive support: Keeping rhythm stimulates brain activity and improves coordination, focus, and memory;

• Emotional release: Drumming allows feelings to move through the body, gently and powerfully;

• Social connection: The circle becomes a space of laughter, eye contact, and togetherness, reducing feelings of isolation;

• Stress reduction: The repetitive nature of drumming is calming and grounding, helping to lower anxiety and bring people into the present moment; and

• Joy and creativity: MOST importantly, it’s FUN. It awakens the inner child and reminds us that we’re never too old to try something new.

The women left smiling, relaxed, and full of stories. There definitely was a lot to talk about at lunch. Some even said they felt like they’d just been on holiday for an hour! That’s the power of rhythm ... it moves us, connects us, and brings us home to ourselves.

A Heartfelt Thanks

To the Mersey Valley PROBUS women, THANK YOU for bringing your warmth, curiosity, and willingness to try something different. It was a true privilege to share that space with you and to witness the joy and energy that emerged from the circle.

I look forward to welcoming you back anytime, the drums are always ready.

Yours in Rhythm + Harmony

Jodhi x