Health · Mental Health · 11 hrs ago
Women turn to rage rooms for emotional release
Ellie Goudie smashed some of her late brother Ryan’s belongings in a rage room in Swindon, England, after he died aged 23.
She said destroying his television and other possessions helped her cope with her grief.
Rage rooms let customers break household items with tools such as baseball bats in a controlled setting.
More women are turning to rage rooms during bereavement, trauma, relationship breakdowns and stress, and one Swindon operator says about 70% of its customers are women.
Visitors say the sessions can help them express feelings they might otherwise hold back, and objects are often separated for recycling afterwards.
A psychologist says the relief can be immediate, partly because the session has clear limits and takes place in a contained space.
Rage rooms cannot replace long-term therapy, the psychologist says, because deeper problems may return and need a safe space for discussion.
Women are increasingly using rage rooms to express emotions and seek relief during difficult periods, according to operators.
At a rage room in Swindon, Ellie Goudie smashed belongings left by her brother Ryan, who died aged 23.
The room’s owner, Paul Bunney, said about 70% of its customers are women.
Visitors described the sessions as a safe way to release feelings, including grief and stress.
A University of Bristol psychology expert said rage rooms may bring immediate relief but cannot replace long-term therapy.
- Who
- Women, including visitors Ellie Goudie, Ceri Crannis and Sarah Bear, are using rage rooms.
- What
- Customers pay to smash household items in a controlled setting, often for emotional release.
- When
- Not stated
- Where
- The Rabbit Hole Rage Room in Swindon; visitors also travel from across the region.
- Why
- Visitors describe seeking release during bereavement, trauma, relationship breakdowns and stress.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ellie Goudie paid to smash some of his belongings, including his television, in a Swindon rage room.
Ceri Crannis booked rage room sessions for her family.
- Swindon venue
- The Rabbit Hole Rage Room
- Women customers
- About 70%, according to owner Paul Bunney
- Ryan Goudie
- Died aged 23
- Items smashed
- Printers, crockery, hi-fi systems, kettles and old wine bottles
- Recycling
- Materials are often separated and recycled afterwards
What people are saying
That was his. He can't have it any more, so no one should
You don't get that release in therapy when you're talking
So it's a really safe, controlled way to do it.
For deep rooted issues, it's going to come up again and again.