Spin to Heal: DJing as Therapy for the Mind, Body, and Soul

The Chronicle News
2 minutes ago
2 min read

📸 A steady hand, a healing rhythm. DJ Crazy Caz in his element — reminding us that music isn’t just entertainment, it’s therapy. His turntables moved crowds, lifted spirits, and sparked joy. A true soundtrack to wellness.

DJs have been the lifeblood of block parties, dance floors, and cultural revolutions for decades, but behind the turntables lies a deeper truth: DJing is therapy. The late Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz” Henderson, like so many others, found purpose and peace behind the decks. While the crowd danced to the beat, the DJ was often healing in real time, mixing tracks not just for the moment, but for the soul.

Recent articles from DJ Mag and Insomniac spotlight a growing awareness of DJing as a therapeutic practice. In Before We Were Kings, artists share how the act of DJing helped them process trauma, overcome depression, and reclaim a sense of control in chaotic times. For Black men, especially, where emotional vulnerability is often stigmatized, the DJ booth becomes a sacred space — a place to channel grief, rage, joy, and resilience through rhythm. In DJ Mag’s deep dive on mental health, DJs spoke openly about the psychological toll of the industry — but also about the healing power of their craft.

The curation of music, the energy exchange with a crowd, and the personal discipline it takes to stay in sync with the beat all contribute to a form of mindfulness that rivals traditional therapy. For many DJs, the booth is both a confessional and a sanctuary. As we pay tribute to DJ Crazy Caz — a Lansing legend, community connector, and cultural torchbearer — we’re reminded that DJs do more than entertain. They uplift, they emote, they heal. Whether it’s in a crowded club or a quiet home studio, the power of sound offers refuge. And every mix tells a story of survival. In Caz’s memory, we honor the legacy of DJs as sound healers — and the truth that sometimes, music saves the very people who deliver it.

Sidebar: 5 Ways DJing Supports Mental Health

· 1. Emotional Release

Spinning music allows DJs to channel complex emotions—joy, grief, anger, love—into movement and sound, providing healthy outlets for feelings that might otherwise stay bottled up.

· 2. Mindfulness in Motion

Beatmatching, track selection, and crowd engagement require deep focus. This “flow state” helps reduce anxiety and promotes a sense of calm and control.

· 3. Sense of Purpose & Identity

Creating and performing music gives DJs a powerful sense of identity and agency. It builds confidence and reminds them they have something unique to offer the world.

· 4. Connection & Community

Whether it's a block party or a club night, DJing connects people. Feeling valued and supported by a community can dramatically improve mental well-being.

· 5. Physical & Cognitive Stimulation

DJing is both physical and mental — it gets the body moving and keeps the brain sharp. Studies show it improves cognitive agility, coordination, and even memory.

Need Support?

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, contact:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

• Black Mental Health Alliance: blackmentalhealth.com

• Therapy for Black Men: therapyforblackmen.org

• XY Counseling – DJs & Creatives Support: xycounseling.com