Exploring Indigenous Hand Drumming as a Therapeutic Intervention for Student Well-Being
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Authors
Beston, Kirstin
Issue Date
2026-02
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
hand drumming , Indigenous knowledge , relational safety , school mental health , somatic therapy , Two-Eyed Seeing
Alternative Title
Abstract
Schools are increasingly being asked to respond to complex and evolving mental health needs among children and youth, including high rates of anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences. Traditional talk-based, deficit-focused models of school mental health interventions are often insufficient in addressing these concerns, particularly for students who struggle with regulation, communication, and a sense of belonging. This capstone explores how research on Indigenous hand drumming can inform relational and embodied approaches to school-based mental health support, even in contexts where drumming may not be feasible or appropriate to implement. Guided by a Two-Eyed Seeing lens, the literature review brings Indigenous knowledge into dialogue with Western research on Polyvagal Theory, somatic and psychomotor therapies, and rhythmic entrainment. Among these bodies of research, common themes emerge, emphasizing the foundational role of co-regulation, relational connection, and holistic balance in supporting mental health and learning. Drawing from these findings, the capstone proposes practical, school-based recommendations that honour Indigenous teachings without appropriating Indigenous practices. These include shifting toward mental health frameworks that prioritize regulation before learning, implementing belonging-first group interventions, incorporating rhythmic activities, and expanding somatic and embodied approaches within school counselling practise. The implications of this work suggest a paradigm shift in school counselling practise toward holistic, proactive strategies that centre relationships, safety, and group belonging, understanding that healing occurs through connection with others, not in isolation.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess