Drum Therapy^® combines the principals of physical and cognitive functioning, and the art of drumming. Drum Therapy^® techniques are used as an intervention to provide the special needs community with the opportunity to participate in creative, verbal, and non-verbal expression. Psychologists, School Systems, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Behavioral Therapists, and Teachers throughout the world are licensed Drum Therapy^® providers, which can be conducted in either individual or group settings. To become a Drum Therapist, one must become certified in the modalities of Drum Therapy,^® which is offered only through the D.A.D. Program.

Drum Therapy^® techniques help children and adults with both physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities. These techniques are a valuable diagnostic tool in expanding physical, mental, emotional, social, and cognitive development. They combine visual, rhythmic, auditory, and verbal approaches to help mainstream and special needs participants meet the goals and objectives for improvement in fine motor skill, and physical and cognitive functioning. Participants grow both cognitively and emotionally, and gain self-esteem through the creative process of Drum Therapy.^®

Drum Therapy^® helps participants to learn problem-solving strategies, improve patience and perseverance, helps to develop coordination and retention, and nurtures social skills, sensitivity, cooperation, and conflict resolution.  Drum Therapy^® is beneficial to all participants. The population targeted for these services are those special needs children and adults whose disability has affected, impacted, or reduced their physical and/or cognitive capabilities. It’s non-threatening, fun nature, makes it appealing to all age groups.  Participant’s music abilities and works are not graded, and program modalities are specifically tailored to meet the specific needs of all participants.

Every participant can and does, grow from Drum Therapy^® intervention. Participants in Drum Therapy^® sessions might have experienced failure in their previous school classes and/or social settings, whether primarily because of behavioral problems, or a combination of their specific disability with a behavioral problem. As a result, these participants need to experience success, and will find success with Drum Therapy.^® As physical and cognitive abilities grow, participants are anxious to return to Drum Therapy^® sessions, and a trusting relationship is built between each participant and the Drum Therapist. This trusting relationship opens the door to communication, which becomes the foundation that allows for behavior modification and emotional healing to begin.