Singing and Pain Management - a mental health-informed and holistic approach - Autumn 2024

A 5-part online course - 2.5 hours per session with homework and a practical task between sessions 4 and 5.

'I really valued the balance of learning about pain and the body, and putting the learning to practical use.' 

2023 course participant

Introduction

Chronic pain is a key priority for the NHS, with many patients waiting long times for referrals and treatment. Medical options are limited for those living with Chronic Pain and often medication is prescribed which may not be effective and can cause side-effects. Emerging research suggests that taking part in singing can support the management of pain and increase feelings of well-being and autonomy. This course, for Singing for Health practitioners, will deepen understanding and knowledge of working with people living with chronic pain. It will delve into the different approaches to working with different types of pain and offer practical steps for delivering targeted Singing for Pain Management programmes.

Who is it for?

Practitioners with experience of delivering singing for health groups, good knowledge of vocal anatomy and health. It is a multi-modal framework which incorporates movement, breath work, voicing, relaxation techniques and coaching. Participants will need to feel comfortable incorporating these elements into a singing based programme. They will also need public liability insurance and DBS checks in place (or equivalents if outside the UK).

What's involved?

Live attendance required although most of the session content will be recorded and shared with participants.

It is a balance of theory and practice, with opportunities to reflect and share with peers. There is a 4 week gap between sessions 4 and 5 for practical application.

Resources are included for participants, including handouts, recordings and guidance on session content and delivery.

Course dates (all sessions run 5pm-7.30pm UK time):

Wednesday 2 October: Session 1 – Introduction to pain and types of pain. A summary and analysis of research (including singing and pain/mental health/wellbeing)

Wednesday 16 October 2024: Session 2 – Creating an environment of safety and connection – introduction and exploration of these themes, the nervous system and body/brain connection

Wednesday 30 October 2024: Session 3 – Trauma-informed/compassionate approaches and why they are relevant to people living with chronic pain (practical exploration of principles) and examining ethical implications (practitioner positionality and boundaries)

Wednesday 13 November 2024: Session 4 – Planning a session (components of delivery) step by step…

4-WEEK GAP FOR PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Wednesday 11 December 2024: Session 5 – Reflect on and present experiences, consolidation of learning and further practical exploration

Facilitator:

Emily Foulkes has been researching and developing evidence-based Singing for Pain Management since 2018. She has worked with colleagues in the NHS to deliver several programmes for patients living with chronic pain. She has presented her research at conferences and published research on singing for mental health and well-being for adults experiencing anxiety and or depression. Emily is a trainer and consultant in Singing for Health and has delivered courses and webinars globally. Emily has an MA in Voice Pedagogy (Singing for Health) and a Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed practice. She delivers training for the Sing Up Foundation and for award-winning charity Music for Good, based in Cornwall, UK. She is the Founder of the Singing for Health Network. Lived experiences is important to consider and this will form part of the course, along with perspectives from healthcare professionals.

Feedback from 2023 course:

'I had a decent enough grasp of the basics through studying somatics, but I really felt this course deepened my understanding from the point of view of the brain's role in pain and how singing (and the other holistic approaches we covered) might play a role in changing our relationship with it.'

'I loved all of the  resources shared (am still making my way through some of the  recommendations!) and found the practical tips super helpful. Sometimes you  can finish a course feeling overwhelmed by information and unsure of how to  piece it all together, but it was all so well broken down that I felt I came  out with a beautiful framework I could use and adapt for myself.'

'Emily is the personification of what she practices and extremely humble in sharing her vast knowledge and expertise.'