Tune Into Your Wild Heart and Be Free
Deirdre Howard
"Thank you for the gifts you generously share and the lives you help to change. The joy you give to so many as you draw people closer to each other and to their God. May all your days be blessed and full of cheer"
Sr Consillio
“Deirdre is gifted in many ways, singing, chanting, teaching, leading and always sensitive to the needs of the particular group she is facilitating. I found her very open to suggestions and very easy to get to know; is very helpful and has a lovely gentle energy about her. Drumming with Deirdre was an energy raising experience. As somebody with mild Parkinson’s for over 10 years, I suspected I wouldn’t be able to keep the beat with both hands. But I got totally into the rhythm and maintained it throughout. The whole experience of drumming and chanting is so primal (the call…the response) I couldn’t help to be energised from it. I wonder if it would be the same for other people with Parkinson’s?”
Olivia
“I have completed the Drug Addiction Programme in Cuan Mhuire, while there I had the opportunity to participate in Drumming Therapy. During the workshops I learned a lot of life skills including team work, discipline and attentiveness. I found the drums, the beat and the rhythm to be therapeutic and mindful. II was able to allow myself to be in the moment while beating the drum and listening to the sound. Working together as a team to create the rhythm was rewarding and a wonderful way to break down barriers. Because of the drums and Deirdre’s workshops participants bonded together. The drum workshops became a very important part of my programme and recovery as I felt they were an invaluable form of therapy, relaxation and gave me an understanding of discipline. I really enjoyed the performance we put on at our Christmas Mass as it was a powerful moving experience, one which I will never forget.”
Mark
Deirdre is a woman who possesses a unique understanding and empathy with people- especially those who are in turmoil of any sort, particularly emotional distress.
She is a true source of solace & healing, with an amazing ability to tap into one’s pain & to sense what is needed to help restore wellbeing.
Deirdre is an extremely kind, warm & intuitive person who is very adept at helping you to reawaken and begin to fight back against anything that is keeping you suppressed or causing you angst & trouble.
With a unique and wide varying range of methods- among them E.F.T. (tapping) , drumming, singing ( Celtic awareness) and sound baths which are incredible, Deirdre will help you to rediscover your true essence & set you on a path to wellness, freedom & joy.
As a woman who has experienced extreme anxiety, addiction & distress I have had first- hand experience of the immense healing & benefits from Deirdre’s methods & also her infinite pool of knowledge & wisdom!
I have also witnessed others having a profound experience in her drumming & sound-bath sessions.
She has the ability to put you completely at ease, is very discreet, non- judgmental & has great listening skills.
As Deirdre begins to offer all of these methods in a professional way through her business. I believe this will be of enormous benefit & healing to all of her clients in the future.
Wishing her every success
A.M.H
I have known Deirdre. For many years and her presence is always uplifting and calming to both staff and patients. Her adaptability to meet the needs of our clients on a moment to moment basis is incredible under the challenging environment. She has a natural ability to bring out the best in people.
Drumming is anonymous. You don't have to speak your pain. You can remain contained. It is community. You are held. You are all the same but yourself at the same time. No expectation. All equal. You can beat your own rhythm. You can rejoice...
This is a contrast to the real world where mental health symptoms are to be controlled. Dampened down. Fixed. Hidden. Suppressed. Denied.
Drumming helps create balance.
The drumming loosens people... they soften. Release. Allow. Freedom.
Medication isn't real. It's a fake reality. It stifles. It also has horrid side effects. Long term it can cause more health problems. Even shortens life.
Talking therapy can be like taking your clothes off in public. Stripping naked. Opening wounds. Giving yourself over to a therapist. Suggesting they know better. They are better. They know.
Drumming is like being wrapped in a blanket. Held. Safe.
Medication says something is wrong with you.
Drumming says you are ok as you are.
Drumming is safe. No side effects.
The Tibetan bowl can unlock something stuck. No label on it. Just a release... free flow. Allows energy that was stuck to be free flowing.
Rhythm has no language barriers... it's not got prejudices or judgment.
Allowing people to be who and what they are in that moment. Acceptance. Common humanity
Lisa Jane
Psychiatric Nurse
Deirdre,
Thank you for reminding me of my visit to Hydebank Woods in 2016. I do indeed remember joining the drum circle, although I do remember that my proficiency on the drums left a lot to be desired. That experience confirmed me in the belief in the old saying “It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark”. You, through your therapy work, have spent many years lighting candles. We can never be sure what it will be that enables the young offender to reassess his or her life and start afresh. I was much encouraged by my visit to Hydebank Woods and the willingness there to provide various experiences as steps to rehabilitation. Your Drum Session remains in my memory as a reminder that lighting that candle can take many forms.
I am delighted to learn also that you have continued your studies with a diploma in restorative justice. I am a strong supporter of the concept of restorative justice and hope that you will be successful in pursuing a career in that field.
All good wishes in your future work in the Youth Justice system and thank you for reminding me of that inspiring time drumming with you in Hydebank Woods
Tom McNally, Chairman of the youth justice board
I was introduced to Deirdre during my time assigned as Governor of Shelton Abbey, Open Centre. I found Deirdre to be a motivated and enthusiastic person who had no worries or concerns with facilitating classes for prisoners and in some cases their families. Deirdre's passion for the arts shines through and ensures her students warm to the information being shared.
Since my recent assignment as Governor of Wheatfield Prison I have maintained contact with Deirdre who continues to be a willing and trusted part of prisoner activities.
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Deirdre
Conal Healy
Governor
Wheatfield Prison
Deirdre was our Artist in Residence for June 2018at Áras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Óirr, Co. Galway. For the past 18 years we have welcomed artists from around the globe with disciplines ranging from painting, sculpture, music, literature, drama, dance and performance.
It was a fantastic sight to see Deirdre arriving at the pier with her 28 African drums. Deirdre took to the island in a most positive and energetic way wasting no time immersing herself in the islands culture, language and Art. She worked away diligently on her own project while also sharing her knowledge as a Drum and Sound Artist with the Community. She held workshops in the Primary School where she incorporated Irish language song with the drumming. The children gained enormous knowledge from the drumming and sound workshops and they had a ball doing so. These workshops led to a fantastic concert held at our Theatre where a large island audience attended.
Deirdre also shared her Art with the adults on the island , providing drumming workshops and sound baths at the Arts Centre.
I t is a very powerful positive Art that Deirdre practises and the benefits it provides to all that she works with are immense. We strive to creating Art for the community here at Áras Éanna and by having Deirdre here the island community has benefitted greatly and made a great friend.
Dara McGee
Artistic Director
Áras Éanna
The EFT with Deirdre was an amazing, uplifting experience. I didn't realise that Tapping on my body can be such a powerful technique. Before the session I felt lost and unsure about a few things in my life and Deirdre helped me to join the pieces of the puzzles together. I received honest and very thoughtful guidance on my problems and doubts.
I value the support I received. It was a life changer for me because Deirdre opened my eyes to the positive side of my life that I couldn't see before. It helped me to find a huge strength in myself. I realised why I am worried and gave me a view from another perspective. I understood that probably there are a lot of people in similar circumstances to mine.
The atmosphere was very comforting and I left with my spirit and energy raised.
Trish
I have recently experienced EFT (Energy Psychology) with Deirdre and I find it very helpful. Deirdre is lovely, patient, kind gentle and insightful. She explains and guides the therapy clearly. She provides a safe space for me to explore and express deep, sometimes painful emotions and to move towards transformation and healing. Highly Recommended.
Jacquie B
I had a great experience, I would really recommend Tapping sessions with Deirdre, the atmosphere is very relaxed which allows you to go deep into your thoughts. The use of tapping sessions in therapy can really help you focus your mind.
Thank you Deirdre
William
Deirdre creates a safe space to heal, connect, restore and prosper
Paul
I never done mediation in my life or listened to it my mind has been confused and racing since a very young age from trauma and verbal abuse so I was always a restless person. I first experienced sound therapy both bongo drumming and sound baths with various instruments in Cuan Mhuire when a special lady Deirdre . We done the bongos first and at first I was a bit anxious and uneasy as this was new to me but once I felt the beat we all played together my mind starting to relax and I really was enjoying the experience. Deirdre was a great facilitator as she also she had us do a bit off singing in between to help loosen up some off us. At one stage when I was really getting into the beat and we were making some good sounds. We were then brought to a patch of grass for a sound bath and I have never done this before either.
Deirdre laid out a big parachute and told us all to lie down on our backs and she got us to relax first before she started the sound- bath. when it started I felt a small bit uncomfortable for a minute but soon I melted into the ground and was silent and did not move during the journey there was many different instruments used and each one off them pulsated my brain and my chest and body it was a real beautiful moment for me and its opened my eyes to the benefits of sound and vibration healing. When Deirdre sounded the bell to let us know the workshop was over I just wanted to do it all over again I had feelings of love and joy and a real confidence in myself that I never experienced before. Deirdre then passed around a wooden stick and when each one of us had it in our hands we were the only person allowed to talk about how our experience went. When I got handed the stick I told Deirdre I felt free a I know that I felt free from all my negative feelings that consumed me for so long. I felt as if I was free from all life’s troubles and I was very emotional and joyful for the rest of that day and the day after. Two years after that day I still meditate and listen to frequency vibrations and sound baths . Deirdre is a special woman with a lot of patience, care, love and respect for people. .
I’ ll never forgot her and how she helped me and made me feel that day two years ago it was magic if you ask me
Paul
Dear Deirdre,
It was lovely to meet you and hear about your experiences with music. As I already said to you, my first reaction to your work was a bit hesitant. I thought, "hmm she is a very nice girl but the project sounds somewhat gimmicky, one of these 'New Age' things". But then we met a second time next day and you began telling us about concrete events and situations you had been, what you had done in them (it felt almost by intuition), I started to get curious. It something real and genuine. I was especially touched to hear, how you had worked with the autistic children. Then you finally demonstrated to us how you drum and how you use those "bells". I felt it very strongly, as if some primal energy had been released right above me. It is hard to explain in words. It was at the same time peaceful and magical. The volume and resonance powerful and over-whelming. that sensation, when you hear thunderstorm in a comfortable distance and suddenly it is on top of you. You are enjoying the sensation
I think you have a special talent with people. You feel people and welcome them with warmth and tolerance. When you play, the joy of being alive in that very moment is very tangible. Music is a source of energy and you have definitely found it. I wish you all the best in your art, your work and your life. Hope to see you again one day.
All the very best!
Pia Siirala
When I met Deirdre, I was instantly drawn in by her warm and welcoming presence. Even though I was just a visitor to Ireland, I felt an immediate kinship with her and knew I'd have a friend for life. Her connection to the land and its healing rhythms and spirits is evident in the way she lives, works, and relates to others.