Hundreds Participate in Collective Scream on London’s Parliament Hill
More than 200 people gathered on Parliament Hill in London yesterday evening to participate in a growing wellness trend centered around collective screaming as a method of emotional release.
The event, organized by Mona Sharif, a former corporate lawyer, drew participants seeking an unconventional outlet for frustration. Sharif explained the concept challenges conventional self-improvement ideas, stating, “The idea is that healing is kind of ugly. Trying to better yourself isn’t always glamorous as it’s portrayed on social media, so it’s in alignment with that,” and added, “It’s not a form of therapy but it’s a tool you can use to release frustration.” The activity was inspired by similar “scream clubs” that have emerged in the United States.
Sharif initially experimented with the technique after a recommendation from her therapist in 2023, finding personal benefit after screaming with a friend. Following a successful debut event on Primrose Hill on October 10, which attracted over 600 attendees, Sharif sought a location for a second session, ultimately settling on Parliament Hill after being denied access to Hyde Park by the Royal Parks. Participants have reported using the sessions to release anger related to issues like relationships, employment, and the challenging UK housing market.
While the practice echoes primal scream therapy developed by psychologist Arthur Janov in the 1970s – a technique that gained notoriety with celebrity patients like John Lennon and Yoko Ono – scientific evidence supporting long-term mental health benefits remains limited. The growing popularity of these events highlights a broader search for alternative wellness practices among those seeking to manage stress and emotional wellbeing.
The London Scream Squad plans to expand its offerings with activities like a “run and scream” event in Battersea Park and collaborations with yoga and Pilates studios.
