Beat the Odds integrates the power of contemporary drum circles and group counseling to build core strengths such as focusing and listening, team building, leadership, expressing feelings, managing anger/stress, empathy, and gratitude. It is inclusive, culturally relevant, and does not bear the stigma of therapy.  

UCLA researchers have shown that Beat the Odds can significantly reduce a spectrum of behavior problems in general and special education students, such as those associated with inattention, withdrawn/depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional defiance, and sluggish cognitive tempo.   

While this program was originally designed for use with elementary age children, it can be easily adapted to any population, including older children, families, and older adults. The program can serve a whole classroom at a time and is designed for delivery by school personnel or those without musical experience. Many mental health professionals, teachers community arts professionals, and nonprofit personnel have received this training. No musical experience is necessary to be trained as a Beat the Odds facilitator. 

Beat the Odds trainings also offer stress-reducing and community-building benefits for staff. Arrangements can be made for professional development to be delivered on site.

Please submit questions via email to info@uclartsandhealing.org or telephone us at (310) 452-1439.