In the heart of the forest, a group of women gather. Armed with big sticks and the urge to let it all out—this is not a movie scene, it’s an actual wellness trend that has, in the recent past, gained notoriety, particularly with the moniker “Rage Ritual Retreats for Women”. These retreats have grown in reputation as they give women an outlet to express their emotions openly and safely.
The Ritual Process
It’s a very easy procedure, in this case. This participant was to have in mind all the people who have crossed their path, hurt them, ignored their boundaries, or taken them for granted. After some warm-up breaths, the yelling and pounding begin. It’s done in the woods, so that the women can make as much noise as they would like without the fear of disturbing other members of the community.The ritual typically lasts for at least 20 minutes, during which participants swing the sticks vigorously until they can no longer move their arms
The Guiding Force
These retreats are led by different people and organizations. One of them is a lady by the name of Mia Banducci, who goes by the name Mia Magik. She describes herself as a “Spiritual Fairy Godmother”. She has been doing this, such retreats for quite a number of years now. Hers typically last for days and offer other different activities. These can cost from anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000.
Liberal women spend $4,000 to bash sticks on the ground and scream at a ‘Rage Ritual Retreat.’
The bizarre wellness retreat is designed to help women deal with anger. PIC.TWITTER.COM/XL6XYERFYB
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) MAY 20, 2024
The Impact
“Rage rituals” have emerged as the newest wellness fad captivating women on TikTok.This is largely due to the fact that women are not usually encouraged to be angry and so usually, issues that would have ordinarily left them very angry boil inside until one day everything erupts.
When people do this and give themselves permission to release their anger, their capacity for joy actually expands. They’re able to feel more happiness and pleasure, and they go home to their families with more gratitude, ease, and peace,” says Banducci.
So, these retreats aim at affording an all-round emotional release that contributes to a general increase in well-being.
@miamagik Rage Rituals are one of my greatest honors to lead during my retreats. Check out my YT for the full video. If you want to experience a rage ritual with me and a group of sisters, I’m hosting 2 retreats this fall. #womensretreat #rageritual #spiritualretreat #spiritualtiktok #queendom ♬ LABOUR – the cacophony – Paris Paloma
Rage Rituals vs Traditional Therap
Rage rituals and traditional therapy are both programs designed to manage and express emotions. However they are different in more ways than one. Rage rituals feature a physical expression of rage and other strong emotions. Participants are given an environment to scream and beat the floor with big sticks to embody their rage.
Traditional therapy, on the other hand, featured talking through emotions and experiences with a trained professional using lots of therapeutic techniques. Rage rituals are often in outdoor settings like forests; this means that the participants are given a sense of freedom in really suffering their emotions. Traditional therapy is in an indoor necessarians place.
Traditional therapy is usually less expensive and in some cases covered by health insurance cards in their conditions. They provide the physical act of expressing rage; this can make a person feel empowered momentarily in a way that maybe one can not experience in a physical location. They are not physical and means for people and perhaps suffering from severe mental health conditions. Traditional therapy is the best option for a person who needs a long term solution in the management of stress. They are usually hosted by people who may not have official training in a mental health support function. Traditional therapy is usually hosted by mental health care professionals with registered licenses and who have received training.
The Verdict
While new research is emerging on the use of rituals in therapy, there could not be detailed studies found that compared the effectiveness of rage rituals with the effectiveness of conventional therapy. This is very natural, keeping in mind that rage rituals and rooms are a new concept, and their effectiveness as a therapeutic tool is is still under question. As said by some such rituals and experiences can provide temporary relief and a feeling of empowerment.
However, it should be kept in mind that such interventions should not replace behavioral health care intervention and therapy for those individuals who are going through severe emotional distress and issues of mental health. In comparison, the conventional methods of therapy have been carefully studied and in many cases, are found effective in dealing with a host of mental health problems. Most of such therapies are conducted under license and in accordance with well-established psychological theories and practices.
The Power of Rituals in Therapy
Literature exists that elaborates on the emerging application of rituals within psychotherapy, and some of this literature is reviewed here. Some Key Findings Rituals as Transitional Tools: At this moment, therapy is perceived as an act of healing and a transitional ritual.
It means that through a ritual, a person can transit from one psychological state to another. For example, he or she can move from a state of grief to a state of acceptance. Ritual Elements in Evidence-Informed Grief Interventions : A Scoping Review of Psychotherapeutic Grief Interventions Found a range of ritual elements—from symbolic expression and interaction, writing tasks, dialog with the deceased or an imagined person, to farewell rituals at the end of treatment.
In the treatment of grief, trauma, and associated symptoms, virtually all studies yielded large effects for the treatment condition. Rituals and Homeostasis: Lastly, a person attempts to regain a sense of control, especially when the situation is filled with uncertainty or fraught with danger.
In fact, the theory goes on to propose that rituals serve to maintain our physiological and psychological impulse towards homeostasis—a sense of stability and balance. Family Rituals in Family Therapy: Rituals around family have also been arranged in couple and family therapy.
Such rituals may well help the family paddle through the rough waters and come out strongly united from all their problems. Rituals and Narrative: Rituals offer new narratives that bring the ‘inner theatre’ of an individual into conscious awareness in such a way that it can be understood and re-lived. Rituals can also be utilized obsessively to create safety through very tight control and, in fact, take over people’s lives.
Ultimately, whether it is a rage ritual in the heart of the forest or a session in a warm and snug room, the intention remains the same: to facilitate the release of feelings and enjoy peace. And with the demand for rage ritual retreats showing no signs of slowing, it is evident that many women see value in this unusual take on emotional wellness.
while rage rituals might be helpful in some very rare cases, they should still not replace conventional therapy, especially for those suffering from intense mental health issues. It is always advisable to seek the guidance of a mental health care professional before beginning any newly thought therapeutic approach.
