Türkiye: Empowering Change Through Music

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. 

Overcoming Challenges and Measuring Success 

The experiential learning aspect of the training was invaluable for many participants. The training was transformative for Elif Sule Baycan, a WHH MHPSS Assistant in Hatay. It allowed her to move beyond traditional trauma care approaches and incorporate music and rhythm into her sessions. Before the training, Elif had mainly relied on art therapy, but music brought a new dimension to her work. She observed that the interactive use of rhythm and sound not only engaged her clients more deeply but also made it easier for them to understand and process their trauma.  

A particularly impactful moment for Elif was the introduction of the "tree" metaphor for understanding behaviors, emotions, and needs. This visualization helped her recognize that trauma is an ongoing experience, not a one-time event, particularly for those living in shared containers or tents in cramped conditions. This insight shifted the way Elif approached her sessions, helping her clients build social bonds and understand their trauma in the context of their daily lives. 

The training also made noticeable improvements in the participants' professional and personal lives. According to evaluation surveys, 95% of participants felt that the training met their expectations, equipping them with the needed knowledge and skills. The practical application of these techniques had immediate effects, leading to improved psychosocial support for various target groups. Both Damla and Elif noted that using musical instruments in group activities helped relax participants and adapt to new methods, enhancing the overall atmosphere of their sessions. 

The Impact on the Field: Trainers' Reflections 

The transformative power of the Sounds of Change training also resonated with the trainers, who observed the participants' progress. Hashem, one of the trainers, described the 6-step system used during the sessions as a vital tool for fostering connection and creativity. The approach focused on check-ins, warming up, skill-building, creation, reflection, and check-outs, providing participants with a structured way to implement musical activities in their work. 

The participants’ growth in confidence particularly struck Hashem as the training progressed. Initially, participants were hesitant and unsure of their abilities, but by the end of the second week, many were taking the lead in sessions and showing a renewed sense of energy. This increase in self-assurance was not just a benefit to their professional roles but also contributed to their own personal development. 

Marijn, another trainer, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the shift in the group’s dynamics. By stepping back and allowing participants to lead the process, Marijn noticed a boost in energy and activation within the group. A standout moment for her was when a theater game brought laughter and lightness to the session, significantly enhancing the group’s openness and engagement for the rest of the week. This underscored the value of integrating diverse activities to cater to different needs and group dynamics. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Music in Psychosocial Support 

As WHH looks to the future, the organization is committed to leveraging the transformative power of music and creative methodologies in its programming. Roxana Romanica, Head of Program Development and Quality at WHH, emphasized the importance of innovation in humanitarian aid. She noted that incorporating music into psychosocial support addresses immediate trauma and builds long-term capacities for recovery and community cohesion. Early feedback from the field has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants displaying greater hope, engagement, and creativity in sessions. 

The Sounds of Change training has not only impacted the participants but also fostered a supportive, healing environment for beneficiaries. As WHH continues its work in Türkiye and Syria, music will remain integral to its psychosocial support programs, offering a creative, effective approach to trauma recovery.