Music therapy stands as a valuable means for self-expression and emotional exploration. One of my favorite approaches, is the use of fill-in-the-blank songwriting templates to offer an accessible avenue for individuals to engage in the therapeutic process. Unlike traditional mad-lib-style prompts, this method encourages thoughtful consideration, fostering meaningful conversations around chosen themes.
Today I wanted to share a practical example that has been beneficial and versatile in my work. This song has been collaboratively written and re-written by the individuals I support many times. For this example, I pulled inspiration from the many discussions held around this theme in session. This is not specifically a client-written song.
Facilitation can be flexible based on who you are with (as it should be), however, I tend to share the songwriting sheet and review it together first. Then we use it as a platform for self-reflection and dialogue prior to determining how to complete the song by completing the prompts. Sometimes writing the song means being adaptable and redoing the prompt’s words too, and that’s ok! **disclaimer** There definitely should be some consideration of the limits of these conversations based on your scope of practice, ethical considerations, and therapeutic boundaries.
Overall, individuals must feel free to express themselves without judgment, which requires an already established relationship. Therapists play a crucial role in creating this atmosphere, offering encouragement, validation, and empathy throughout the session.