SERVE EDUCATE EMPOWER
BRINGING LEGENDARY MUSICIANS, HEALTH EDUCATORS AND THE PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO BRING SUPPORT AND HEALING TO FIRST RESPONDERS AND VETERANS STRUGGLING WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS.
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
OUR MISSION
Raven Drum Foundation’s approach was born from the idea that powerful healing comes from mindful experiences of learning and community interaction. Our experience shows us that when music, intention and healing wisdom all meet on the path of evidence based science and psychology we can harmonize our inner mental and emotional states to effect positive change in all states of wellness and disease.
PROGRAMS
Since 2001, we’ve been honored to serve nearly 50,000 people, with half of those coming from the military community, through various programs, workshops, and retreats. We’ve allocated funds to 14 nonprofits that support veterans and fire fighters. We’ve explored 12 different approaches of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies for healing trauma.
- Mindfullness
- Breath work
- acupressure
- Yoga
- Equine
- Guided visualization
- Meditation
- Somatic experiencing
- Chakra balancing
- Drumming
- Movement
- Sound
HEALING DRUM CIRCLES
Drum circles are a place to heal. When we come into one, we enter a sacred place as a community without judgment and mistrust, with respect and compassion to heal one another and bring into focus the possibilities of who we truly are.
Raven Drum Foundation drum circles provide an experiential learning environment that provides skills and methods to navigate physical and emotional symptoms of trauma, anxiety, pain and isolation. These shared experiences involve integrative mind- body focused techniques, and mindfulness rhythm approaches that impact participants’ emotional and mental awareness, and connection to their bodies that foster transformative growth, healing awareness and self empowerment.
SCIENCE BEHIND OUR METHODS
STATISTICS ON HEALING MUSIC AND DRUM CIRCLES FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS WITH PTS
Healing music and drum circles are gaining recognition as complementary therapies for veterans and first responders suffering from PTS. Research shows that music therapy can significantly reduce PTS symptoms, with studies noting a 39% reduction in anxiety and a 34% reduction in depression among participants, alongside improved mood and emotional regulation.
Neurobiological effects include increased levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to stress reduction. Drum circles also show promise, with participants experiencing a 20-30% reduction in PTS symptoms such as anxiety and flashbacks, as well as physiological benefits like reduced cortisol levels and increased endorphin production.
These therapies, while still being studied, offer valuable non-verbal outlets for emotional expression and can foster community and connection, making them effective components of a holistic PTS treatment approach.
THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS
Guided Visualization
Guided visualization has been shown to significantly reduce PTS symptoms. Veterans experience a 30-40% reduction in symptoms like flashbacks and hyper-arousal within 8-12 weeks of therapy. Guided imagery has led to a 25-35% decrease in anxiety and depression, improved sleep quality, and reduced activity in the brain’s fear center, the amygdala. Studies, including those by the Department of Veterans Affairs, report a 20-30% reduction in PTS severity when guided visualization is combined with other therapies like CBT, underscoring its effectiveness as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, despite its benefits, this intervention remains underutilized, possibly due to a lack of awareness and availability of trained practitioners.
Drum Circles and Guided Meditation
Drum circles combined with guided meditation or visualization have shown promise in reducing PTS symptoms, with studies reporting a 25-30% reduction in anxiety and emotional distress. Participants also experienced a 20-30% decrease in cortisol levels and improved heart rate variability, indicating better stress management. These techniques also enhance group cohesion and solidarity, which research has found to be associated with a decreased risk for suicide. Such integrative approaches offer long-term benefits, including a 15-20% reduction in hyper-vigilance and re-experiencing symptoms, making them valuable tools in PTS treatment.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic Experiencing (SE) has demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating PTS and trauma, with studies revealing a 44% reduction in PTS symptoms after 15 weeks and 90% of participants experiencing substantial symptom improvement, including anxiety and depression. Compared to other therapies, SE is particularly effective for those with severe somatic symptoms, offering long-term benefits that are sustained even 12 months post-treatment. These findings highlight the importance of holistic and integrative approaches in trauma healing.
