Holding on to pent-up anger or emotions is never a good idea. For some, the consequences of holding on to anxiety, stress, and overwhelming emotions can take a toll on the body. In moments of high stress, who can resist a form of therapy that is free and easy to let out?

Those who experience chronic stress or those who have just had one of those days may just need a little moment to scream it out. If you’re looking for a release, scream therapy might be worth adding to your repertoire of mental health practices.

What is Scream Therapy?

Scream therapy, otherwise known as Primal therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals access repressed emotions. It became widely practiced in the 1970s after Dr. Arthur Janov, a psychologist and psychoanalyst, released his book ‘The Primal Scream’. In his book, Janov outlined exactly what primal therapy is by describing his primal theory.

Scream therapy is a method used for relieving stress stored in the body. In his book, Janov’s theory explains that psychological issues are the result of repressed emotions. When left unaddressed, these emotions can manifest in the physical, inciting a range of mental health issues. Through scream therapy, individuals can release past pain and trauma. One of Janov’s theories is that psycholgical pain can usually be traced back to traumatic events that were not properly integrated. For instance, some events include war, physical or emotional abuse or neglect in any capacity.

Having the option to scream in a supported and safe environment is the way to release this pain, according to Janov. It is a technique that forms as a part of mental health resillience and inner healing. It’s important to note that while screaming is a key aspect of Primal therapy, it isn’t the only aspect of it. Janov writes that he prompted patients to access ‘Primal Pain’ and then respond to it in a number of ways, including violence (the non-dangerous kind) and crying.

How Will Screaming Help?

Screaming is not always championed in society, so it’s not surprising that many may be skeptical about the validity of scream therapy. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to screaming.

Firstly, screaming offers a release that dismisses you from pretense. There is no need to keep up appearances and present as mentally calm when you’re letting out a scream. This can be beneficial for those who are learning how to unlearn being the ‘strong friend’ or the ‘constantly chill’ one.

Scream therapy may help some resolve traumatic experiences that they haven’t been able to vocalize. This sense of relief will help to move forward with therapy and possibly even discussing the topic.

It’s also important to note that scream therapy is contended among psychologists to determine how effective screaming can be for complete mental wellbeing. In particular, there is uncertainty about how likely it is to cure mental health issues such as neurosis, for instance. Some recognize the physical release that screaming may bring and recommend it in tandem with other mental health techniques/therapies.

Tips for Getting Started With Scream Therapy?

  • Find a safe and supportive space to practice your scream therapy. Wherever you feel most comfortable and held would be a good environment.
  • Scream into a pillow or something soft to muffle the sound
  • Consider a scream therapy group, seek out ones in your local area so you can feel supporte
  • Allow yourself to connect to negative emotions to properly release them
  • Take your time! It may take time to truly feel capable of accessing your emotions through screaming. It is best to use self-compassion to make screaming a tool you feel worthy of using as and when it is necessary