The Anxious Rhythm of the Muted Black Boy: 4Cs, Curious Confidence & Creating Calm through Drumming
How drumming made me an author
Initially surprised and humbled by the invitation to join this esteemed group of individuals making a difference, I quickly realized the immense potential this collaboration held. During a virtual meeting with Laura, we discussed the vision for the book and how each of us could contribute our unique perspectives and experiences.
With a deadline fast approaching, I eagerly dove into crafting my chapter for the book. Reflecting on my personal journey, from stepping away from my role in substance abuse to establishing my own practice as Casey Muze and AvenueSpeak in East Texas, I was struck by how much I had grown. Serving communities across East Texas, from Livingston to Shreveport, I had found my place in the world of mental health and holistic wellness.
As a male practitioner in a field predominantly occupied by women, I felt a sense of pride in representing not just Texas but also the African-American community in this collaborative endeavor. Among 25 incredible authors sharing insights on mental health solutions, I found myself as one of two representatives from Texas and the sole African-American contributor.
Walking tall with a renewed sense of purpose, I am thrilled to invite you to join me on the journey of the unmuted man, as I share my experiences and perspectives on holistic mental health. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project, and let’s continue to embrace the power of holistic therapy together!
It is truly a remarkable recognition to be selected as one of only 25 providers acknowledged for their contributions to holistic and mental health in this book. As I reflect on this achievement, I am proud to stand as one of just four males featured in this esteemed publication. Furthermore, I am honored to represent Texas as one of only two providers from the state to be included in this book.
Delving deeper into this recognition, I am humbled to discover that I am the sole African-American individual featured in this volume dedicated to Holistic Mental Health. This realization underscores the importance of diversity and representation in the field of mental health and serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals.
I am grateful for the endorsements and support I have received from mentors and colleagues, including two heartfelt recommendations from Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) with master’s degrees. These endorsements not only validate my work and dedication to the field but also inspire me to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those I serve.
Endorsement from Ginger Stephens, MA, LPC, LCDC
Casey Muze is truly a beacon of hope for those navigating the journey of mental health challenges. With an understanding of the interplay between rhythm, cognition, and emotional well-being, Casey has crafted an innovative approach to therapy that moves beyond traditional strategies in counseling. Through his comprehensive knowledge of bilateral stimulation and the therapeutic potential of rhythm, Casey has developed a program that can reach across the lifespan and assist children to senior adults.
As a licensed professional counselor and the founder of Whole Again Counseling and Wellness, I am excited to see how Casey integrates evidence-based practices with the transformative power of drumming to create a holistic framework for mental wellness. His programs are designed to not only alleviate symptoms but also cultivate resilience, self-expression, and wholeness.
Ginger Stephens, MA, LPC, LCDC
Endorsement from Jan Henserling
Right now, my church is doing a number of Lenten studies. This current week, in one particular study, has been about vulnerability which entails a number of different attributes. Self-awareness & self-reflection take initiative, willingness, faith & strength. With self-reflection & self-awareness, we have the opportunity for humility & transparency, both of which can lead to vulnerability.
Grace abides in reality & being vulnerable quite often involves, requires facing our reality, no longer denying or minimizing it. You mentioned your faith early in your chapter & the support of your mother at times when you needed her guidance & care, probably always offering reassurance & hope. And hope is always an option when we’re faced with obstacles, struggles, disruptions. It seems that somewhere in the midst of it all, you chose hope (possibly at God’s, your mom’s, & others’ prompting) & then you sought means of strengthening & keeping that hope alive. Once we experience hope, it’s often a second choice to share that hope with others. Once again, possibly prompted by our faith, love, compassion.
Then due to your search for healthy ways to manage your anxiety & depression, your vulnerability, as you pursued your goals, you were open to a number of options as far as treatment approaches. Good for you! Beginning with medical evaluations, always first line to rule out any physical, medical reason for mood problems. You were willing to try the medications. Your self-awareness caused you to consider other physical health concerns, your nutrition, your sleep, rest. You remembered your breath work & the benefits of adding that to your prescribed medications.
I especially appreciate & am drawn to the paragraph in your chapter, page 5, where your write: “I knew I deserved something more, something to compliment my mediation & help me regain control over my mind. My journey continues. I’m determined to find the perfect balance between medication & holistic practices…..”. You then seem to be led or guided to involving additional senses in your “something more”…. your breathing; certainly, your voice; a rhythm on your drum pad….involving more & more of your senses – holistic approach. Potentially wiring new pathways in the brain that promote health & prompting a return to those pathways again & again under similar circumstances.
Which brings us to the cognitive-neuro effect of drumming which stimulates both the left & right side of the brain simultaneously. Beautiful, magnificent, a God-created harmonious effort for fully engaging our minds. Your use of drumming with such a diverse group of individuals who response to music, rhythm, movement, flow seems to touch a “something” built into each of us by God, a Higher Power, that He understood would be a healing tool, an opportunity to recognize similarities versus differences, a big & powerful hope.
Much respect for your perseverance, capabilities, & dedication to your goals of finding the perfect balance for you in your holistic approach to mental health, an approach that appears to be of benefit to your diverse audiences. Keep it going, Casey. Congratulations & blessings on all your endeavors & thank you for the opportunity to be a “reader” of your chapter,
Jan Henserling, LPC