Harmonica for health
Welcome to Harmonica for Health
Are you feeling emotionally or mentally drained? Searching for a space to pause, regain strength, and let go of your worries? At Harmonica for Health, we offer a unique, inclusive group therapy experience that blends music, connection, and healing under the motto "Blow Your Blues Away." In a warm and supportive environment, we help you rediscover resilience and joy.
What Makes Us Unique?
Our group therapy follows a psychodynamic approach, fostering personal growth within a supportive group setting—similar to a family or circle of friends. Each session begins with a fun and accessible activity: learning to play the diatonic harmonica together. No prior experience is necessary, just an open mind! This playful musical introduction helps you unwind, bond with others, and create a positive foundation for meaningful conversations at your own pace.
Why the Harmonica?
The harmonica is a compact, welcoming instrument that anyone can learn, regardless of background or musical expertise. Affordable and portable, it brings instant joy. Studies even suggest that harmonica playing can enhance lung capacity, offering extra benefits for those facing breathing difficulties, including long-COVID. Beyond its physical advantages, playing music in a group helps ease emotions like shame, guilt, and loneliness—without requiring words right away. The harmonica provides both comfort and a creative bridge between your inner and outer worlds.
1
Who Is It For?
Our harmonica group welcomes anyone in need of emotional or mental support—whether you're facing stress, depression, loneliness, breathing challenges, or simply looking for personal space. Family members, friends, and caregivers who need a moment to breathe are also warmly invited. No musical background is required—just a willingness to try something new!
2
Our Approach
Led by Piet Decoster, an experienced psychodynamic group therapist with over 25 years of expertise, our sessions combine learning the harmonica with therapeutic goals—helping you manage pain, stress, and social isolation. Through this playful and gentle approach, we address powerful emotions in an accessible way, fostering connection and self-discovery. At the heart of our program is the joy of making music together and the recognition and support of others.
3
Practical Details
Harmonica for Health is a pilot project approved by the Faculty of Psychology at Ghent University and published on the RIZIV website, commissioned by the Federal Public Service for Health. Sessions are covered under the Convention for Primary Care Psychologists (ELP), meaning they are reimbursed, and you only pay a co-payment of €2.50 per session. Each series consists of 8 sessions, lasting 1.5 hours, with around 10 participants per group. More details will be provided soon.
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
Join Us!
Ready to blow your blues away? Get in touch at piet.decoster@telenet.be or visit our website for updates on registration. Interested in learning more about Piet Decoster and his work in psychodynamic group therapy? Check out www.pietdecoster.be for additional information. Discover how music, connection, and a small instrument can help you find joy and strength again!
WORKSHOPS
Join our upcoming workshops