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VIDEO | Healing drum circle targets stress, depression
Video
VILLA MARIA, Pa. — Pat Evans-Morris jokingly calls the rhythm therapy of the healing drum circle “instant Prozac.”
The licensed mental health and chemical dependency counselor, plus certified yoga teacher and therapist, isn’t making light of medication or those who take it.
“I believe in Western medicine ... using medication or therapy or both ... whatever the person needs,” the Canfield woman said. But the phrase instantly communicates the benefit of the healing drum circle — it simply makes participants feel better.
This prescription positively alters one’s mood without chemicals and formal therapy.
About 20 people, men and women, recently gathered at Villa Maria Community Center, where a healing drum circle is scheduled monthly.
“It’s a total release. You feel rejuvenated,” explained Linda Fahl of Youngstown. She has participated in smaller drum circles at the home of Evans-Morris, with whom she’s been friends for some 30 years.
“Pat makes it a lot of fun,” Fahl said. “It’s kind of like jumping rope ... you just know when to join in. You go with your internal rhythm.”
For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.