Emerging Trends in Alternative Therapies: The Rise of Scream Therapy

Emanuel Hernandez and Elena Soboleva founded the Chicago Scream Club in June 2023. Their sessions now attract up to 200 participants and have expanded to over 10 cities across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

The concept of scream therapy has drawn inspiration from a scene in the film Midsommar, where communal screaming serves as a form of catharsis. The club encourages participants to gather, set an intention for their scream, and engage in a group release of pent-up emotions.

Mona Sharif, a 26-year-old TikTok user, organized a scream meet-up in London that attracted over 1,000 people after just one video call. She was inspired by the Chicago Scream Club and had been recommended this practice by her psychologist.

Hernandez, who has practiced breathwork, states that the act of screaming helps to reset the body's emotional state. Paola Dieguez, a psychologist specializing in Gestalt psychotherapy, explains that screaming activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the release of adrenaline and ultimately promoting relaxation through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The Scream Club's viral growth has been attributed to its taboo nature, allowing individuals to express emotions openly in a supportive environment. The practice has attracted a diverse group of participants, including children and elderly individuals.

One participant, a musician, found the sessions to be transformative, leading to emotional releases he had previously suppressed. The club emphasizes intentionality in their approach, seeking to create a safe space for emotional expression and mental health awareness.

According to Soboleva, while skepticism exists, many find the experience to be profoundly beneficial for their mental health.