Research by Prof. Moshe Bensimon of Bar-Ilan University shows that the process of musical creation with trauma survivors enables processing of the experience and promotes recovery on several levels:

Emotional processing of the traumatic memory in a safe space:

• Restores a sense of control and agency - shifting from a passive victim position to that of an active creator.
• Allows engagement with the traumatic memory within:
  1. A safe space
  2. A playful space (the opposite of "fight or flight")
  3. Symbolic distance
  4. An experiential, body-based approach that isn't necessarily verbal.
• Enables emotional regulation - playing at the right tempo and intensity.

Returning to the fold of society:

• Deep emotional sharing with others creates connection and bonding.
• Synchronized playing with others creates cohesion and a sense of belonging.
• A sense of visibility - a statement made in the public space (when the song is played on the radio or shared digitally).
• The song becomes a bridge to family, group, and community, who can understand without needing an explanation.

An appealing experience:

• The setting is cool!
• Fulfilling the dream of producing a song that had until now sat in a drawer.
• A wish to gain a bit of recognition (as an option).