Breaking the Silence: Laughter Percussion as a Transformative Modality in Counseling Psychology

Abstract

The use of Laughter Percussion as an alternative treatment to traditional methods based on talking is introduced through this research and it is characterized mostly by its being trauma informed and rhythm based (Banamungu, 2024). With the use of a qualitative case-study design, the researcher studied a total of 30 individuals living in three different locations, Perth, Kalgoorlie (Western Australia), and Kigali (Rwanda), during the 12-week periods of their participation in the programs. The group of participants included people who have experienced trauma (n = 12), those with post-traumatic stress and anxiety symptoms (n = 10), and young ones with different mental abilities (n = 8). Throughout the different study locations, a significant clinical improvement was observed, as indicated by the mean score reduction of the GAD-7 anxiety disorder test by 30%, and the PHQ-9 depression scores by 24%. Rhythmic entrainment of the nervous system, mirror-neuron activation (i.e., activating or triggering neurons that would be engaged or activated if the person were participating in the same activity), playfulness, and joy were all part of the mechanisms of change fostering emotional safety and connection. The qualitative themes pointed out to the advantages of improved self-expression, less resistance, and a stronger group identity. The study results showed that the Laughter Percussion therapy can easily break through cultural, physical, and access barriers that counseling psychology usually encounters, thus providing a lively and fun way to recover from trauma.