Hip-Hop as Healing: Graduate Students Advance New Therapy Research

By PRESS OFFICER
Bowie State University

Yohannes Girma and Caleb Floyd, third-year graduate students in the Mental Health Counseling master’s program, are advancing emerging research that positions hip-hop as a powerful tool in modern mental health treatment. Their work explores how elements of hip-hop culture—particularly freestyle rap—can unlock new pathways for emotional expression, self-reflection and therapeutic engagement.

Building on foundational work introduced by psychologist and hip-hop therapy pioneer Edgar Tyson in 1998, Girma and Floyd examine how rap, dance and storytelling translate into clinical practice. Their research focuses specifically on freestyle rap, identifying it as an underutilized therapeutic technique that encourages spontaneous, unfiltered expression.

Through their findings, Girma and Floyd highlight freestyle rap’s ability to help individuals articulate deeply personal experiences in ways that traditional talk therapy may not. Their research suggests that the improvisational nature of the practice fosters authenticity, lowers emotional barriers and creates a cathartic outlet for processing trauma and identity.

Their work contributes to a growing body of research that recognizes culturally responsive approaches as critical to effective mental health care, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Girma and Floyd credit Bowie State with shaping their research lens and commitment to this work. Both students previously attended predominantly white institutions and say that studying at an HBCU has strengthened their focus on equity in mental health care.

Girma noted that the supportive environment has allowed him to grow both personally and academically.

“This is a space where most people look like me. We all have biases, but not having to face microaggressions based on race helped me learn and grow.”

Floyd emphasized the role of faculty mentorship in refining both his research interests and professional path.

“In comparison to my undergraduate experience, professors here speak to me as a Black man about how to navigate the world. Faculty pour into students so they can give back to the community.”

As they prepare to present their research at the Association of Black Psychologists Conference, scheduled for July 28–Aug. 1 at Morgan State University, Girma and Floyd aim to expand the conversation around innovative, culturally grounded therapies.

Their work reflects Bowie State University’s commitment to preparing future licensed professional counselors who can adapt their approaches to meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve.

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Summer Workshops and Support Groups Foster Healing After Loss

By ELYZABETH MARCUSSEN
Hospice of the Chesapeake

PASADENA, Md. (June 24, 2026)—Summer often brings opportunities to gather, reconnect and spend time outdoors. For those who are grieving, however, the season can also magnify feelings of loss and loneliness. Chesapeake Life Center offers a variety of workshops, support groups and special events throughout the summer designed to provide connection, comfort and meaningful opportunities for healing.

From nature-based experiences and creative expression to support groups, wellness programs and community gatherings, these offerings help participants navigate grief while connecting with others who understand. New programs such as Paws, Poses and Peace, which combines gentle yoga and therapy dogs, and Come S.I.T. Awhile, a daylong grief retreat for women, join longtime favorites like our Calvert County drop-in support groups and SoulCollage Studio.

With both in-person and virtual options available, the grief professionals at Hospice of the Chesapeake remain committed to helping individuals and families find hope, resilience and connection as they move through their grief journeys.

WORKSHOPS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

• SoulCollage Studio: Join others for a time to create unique collages reflecting and expressing loss and the journey through life. The group will meet
 
from 2 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, July 6 and Sept. 14, at 9500 Medical Center Drive, Suite 250, Largo, Maryland. The supply fee is $10.

• Paws, Poses and Peace: Yoga and Therapy Dogs: This event features guided meditation, soothing breathing exercises, gentle yoga postures and cuddle time with certified therapy dogs. Whether you're navigating grief, seeking stress relief, looking for a nurturing space to recharge, or simply love dogs and yoga, this event is open to everyone in the community. No experience, special ability or specific reason is required. Some mats will be available for use. It will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 14 and Aug. 20 at the Center for Hope & Healing on Hospice of the Chesapeake’s John & Cathy Belcher Campus in Pasadena. The cost is free.

• Hope After Hours: This workshop offers a relaxed, welcoming space for people navigating loss together. Come as you are, raise a glass to the ones you love, and find connection and understanding in community space. Both wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available. Though individuals ages 18 and older are welcome, those wishing to consume alcohol must be age 21 or older and provide a valid ID. This will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16, in the Center for Hope & Healing on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. The cost is free.

• Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Support Group Summer Series: This is a group for those who have experienced the recent loss of a life partner or spouse within the last year. It will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays, July 21, July 28 and Sept. 8, on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. The cost is free.

• Come S.I.T. Awhile: Grief Retreat for Women: Chesapeake Life Center is pleased to host this special full-day retreat made possible by Sisters In Truth, a traveling seminar retreat organization dedicated to making grief care accessible and affordable for women. A maximum of 20 participants will participate in an intimate, immersive day of healing. The retreat is designed around foundational grief care and engages all five senses through a rich lineup of interactive programming. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Center for Hope & Healing on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. The cost is free.

• Loss of Parent/Parental Figure Workshop Summer Series: This is a month-long support group for adults who have experienced the loss of a parent or parents, or loved ones who were like parents. It will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26, on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. The cost is free.
 
• Nature’s Healing Power: A Grief Support Group Series: This free, nature-informed program will include immersive walks in nature, time spent focusing on the cycle of the seasons and working with natural objects to contain and express the grief experience. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 10, Sept. 17, Sept. 24, and Oct. 1, at Governor Bridge Natural Area, 7600 Governor Bridge Road, Bowie, Maryland.

• Grief Bingo: Make a delicious cup of hot chocolate and share what's on your mind about grief through a game developed to help explore your thoughts and feelings about your loss. Grief counselors and others navigating loss will be on hand for connection and support. Open to participants ages 18 and older, it will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. The cost is free.

VIRTUAL GRIEF SUPPORT

• Caring for the Caregiver: This support group is available for family caregivers of any Chesapeake Supportive Care or Hospice of the Chesapeake patients or Partners In Care, Inc. clients. Topics will include the importance of self-care, effective coping skills and how to access local supportive resources. It will meet from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 10 via Zoom. The cost is free.

• Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Virtual Support Group: This is a group for those who have experienced the loss of a life partner or spouse. It will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8 via Zoom. The cost is free.

• Caregiving through Grief: This virtual group is designed to support those who find themselves grieving while continuing to provide care and/or support to children or aging adults. Topics will include the loss of roles, caring when your reserve is depleted, supporting others in their grief and being intentional in your own. It will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, via Zoom. The cost is free.

MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS:

• Drop-In Grief Support Groups are open to anyone grieving. Groups offer participants an opportunity to share their feelings and obtain support from others who are experiencing loss. There is no fee. These groups will meet in Calvert County as follows:

- North Beach Senior Center, 9010 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach, Maryland, from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, July 1, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2.
 
- Southern Pines Senior Center, 20 Appeal Lane, Lusby, Maryland, from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8.

- Calvert Pines Senior Center, 450 W. Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15.

• Loss of Parent or Parental Figure Support Group: This group provides space for adults ages 18 and older grieving the loss of a parent or parental figure to come together to feel supported in their grief. The group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 8, Aug. 12 and Sept. 9, on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. The cost is free.

• Child Loss Support Group: This group is for parents grieving the death of a child, regardless of age or circumstance. It will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, in the Center for Hope & Healing on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. The cost is free.

Unless noted, groups and workshops are intended for adults ages 18 and older. Except for drop-in groups, registration is required and can be completed by calling 1-888-501-7077 or emailing griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org. For a complete listing of in-person and virtual groups and workshops for adults and children, visit www.hospicechesapeake.org/events.

Chesapeake Life Center, a program service of Hospice of the Chesapeake, serves hospice family members and the community with bereavement services and activities aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those grieving the loss of a loved one. For details, visit www.chesapeakelifecenter.org.

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