Singing for Pain Management - a mental health-informed approach

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

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.

This course is for those already working within a Singing for Health context or with experience of delivering group singing, with public liability insurance and DBS checks in place.

Session one – Introduction to pain and types of pain. A summary and analysis of research (including singing and pain/mental health/wellbeing)

Session two – Creating an environment of safety and connection – introduction and exploration of these themes, the nervous system and body/brain connection

Session Three – 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)

Session Four – Planning a session (components of delivery) step by step…

HOMEWORK TASK is to deliver a session for a small group of people with pain

Session Five – 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.