What is scream therapy and why is it making a comeback?

Rage therapy started in the 1960s when Dr Arthur Janov devised primal scream therapy, essentially a release valve to express layers of anger and grief. Many people, especially women, struggle to use their voice to advocate for themselves, so it’s a way to express pain and release energy.

What does a typical session involve?

We don’t go straight to screaming — there’s an arc to the session. The first 20 minutes focus on signalling safety to the body, getting into a deep, calming meditative state. I then invite movement with loud, intense music. At peak rage — lasting no more than five to 10 minutes to protect vocal chords — there are pillows to punch and people scream, howl, grunt and stomp. We then bring the nervous system back down and connect in a circle to reflect on what our rage has taught us.

Why is scream therapy re-emerging now?

One look at the news is enough to leave many of us feeling angry and agitated. Wars and conflicts can create a sense of powerlessness. Scream therapy helps people connect with that anger and transform it into something constructive, which might look like starting a business supporting women experiencing domestic violence or finally setting boundaries within a family.

It’s certainly becoming more mainstream. My rage retreats sell out, scream clubs are popular social meetups and rage rituals have even been on daytime TV. But it’s still sometimes considered strange. I was reminded of this during a retreat I hosted in a suburban neighbourhood. There were 23 women screaming in the garden and a neighbour called the police. Once we explained, they just chuckled and went on their way.

Are certain places better suited to vocal release?

Definitely! Forests are very grounding, surrounded by rooted trees. In California and Hawai‘i, the warm climate itself helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, easing stress.

Volcanic landscapes also carry a powerful metaphor: volcanoes embody the Earth’s anger — energy rising from the core, just as suppressed human emotions can erupt. In Hawaiian mythology, the goddess Pele created the islands, so when I host retreats in Hawai‘i, we approach this work with offerings to her. It’s a potent place in which to honour our own power and rage.

Where can people find scream therapy?

There’s a self-identifying witch called Mia Magik, who hosts rage rituals in places like Scotland, Ireland, France and California. Like my own retreats, they often involve women beating the ground with sticks and hollering as a release.

Scream clubs are also popular, letting people scream together in public spaces like parks and beaches. The trend began with Scream Club Chicago and has since spread to cities such as Austin and London.

Is there a connection between scream therapy and rage rooms?

They’re similar in that both allow people to safely express intense emotion, which can feel deeply empowering — especially for those stuck in patterns of people-pleasing. The difference is intention and outcome. Rage rooms offer a quick release, while scream therapy focuses on lasting change. Rather than simply venting, scream therapy is more about listening to what that anger communicates, then setting boundaries, gaining insight and finding resolution.

Is scream therapy for everyone?

No. It can be damaging for people with active PTSD flashbacks, since loud, intense screaming may trigger trauma. Those who dissociate easily, or individuals with bipolar disorder during a manic episode, should also approach this practice cautiously or try gentler alternatives. Simple vocal exercises, like sighing or humming, can still release tension while supporting emotional regulation.

What should first-timers know?

Always start with the breath. Screaming is breath-led, and it’s important that the sound comes from the lower belly rather than the chest, where many of us habitually breathe. Proper breathing helps the body feel safe and allows deeper emotions to surface. Gentle vocal exercises help open the throat and ease you in.

Do you see scream therapy as a trend?

Scream therapy and rage rituals are here to stay. They reflect a deeper cultural shift in wellness, towards emotional honesty and self-expression.

Past generations focused on productivity, but burnout has moved us toward body-based practices like yoga, sound healing, dance and breathwork. Scream therapy is one part of a larger ecosystem of somatic, expression-based therapies.

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