Healing Harp at the Bedside

The harp has been used as a therapeutic instrument for thousands of years, helping patients create an opening for healing in the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Specific harp playing techniques tailored for each patient may:

• Reduce feelings of anxiety and distress
• Increase ability to relax and rest
• Increase self-healing process through positive memories
• Rhythmic pace aids breathing process
• Support transition process of birth and death
• Provide spiritual support

Our Healing Harp program is focused on the well-being of our patients, their families and visitors, and our staff.

Healing Harp Certification

Healing Harp Certification is a transformational, year-long program designed to train harpists to become harp therapists. This 240-hour training program combines education (90 hours) with a supervised hospital internship (150 hours). This innovative program looks for students with a passion for integrating a philosophy of caring for the whole person within the practice of mainstream medicine.

For more information, contact Portia Diwa at (415) 600-2890 or email portia.diwa@sutterhealth.org.

Teaching Testimonials

"Ms. Diwa sets a mood within the class that feels non-judgmental and safe."

"The class allowed me, as a beginning harpist, to feel successful playing for another person."

Downloadable MP3 File

Listen to Portia Diwa playing her composition "Ocean Song” | MP3 (6 minutes) from her CD "Ocean Song: Gentle Harp Music for Healing". (Used with permission, copyright Portia Diwa 2011).