From Theory to Practice: Participants’ Experiences
Initially, participants were hesitant due to a lack of musical experience. However, the hands-on, inclusive approach helped build confidence. By the end of the first week, many had discovered their ability to make music, significantly boosting morale. Participants designed and demonstrated their own sessions using a six-step approach, receiving feedback from trainers and peers, which enhanced their confidence and enthusiasm.
One such participant, Damla Özcan, a Field Coordinator and Psychologist from the Turkish Psychologist Association in Hatay, described how the training demystified trauma, making it more tangible and more accessible to communicate to her clients. Before the training, Damla struggled to explain trauma in a way that her clients could easily understand. The introduction of game structures and musical integration transformed her approach, allowing her to use musical instruments to teach empathy, active listening, and leadership. This made sessions more engaging and therapeutic for her beneficiaries.
Damla recalls that one of the most impactful moments was a session on the brain’s response to trauma. Despite her theoretical knowledge, the training provided her with a personal connection that deepened her understanding of trauma’s impact. She found it easier to explain these complex concepts using musical games and tools such as bells, making them more relatable for adult groups. The training didn’t just enhance her professional skills; it also enriched her empathy toward trauma survivors, strengthening her fieldwork.
