Nonprofit Helps Trauma Survivors Heal Through Music
After suffering a breakdown in 2009, Tamara Williams realized she had to deal with the trauma of past incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence. Williams, a jazz vocalist and composer, turned to music—as well as professional counseling—to process her emotions. She began writing and performing original songs based on her experiences.
Music proved to be her salvation. “I felt myself changing, and it wasn’t just me who noticed,” says Williams, 39. “It was other people noticing that I was different, seemed happier, and that my outlook had shifted.”
When Williams couldn’t find any art- or songwriting-therapy groups for trauma survivors, she started her own. Montclair-based Music Beyond Measure (MBM) aims to teach trauma survivors different ways of coping and sharing their experiences through music. Through its programs, MBM aids those recovering from trauma caused by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, and individuals suffering from PTSD.
