For Music Therapists
BY MUSIC THERAPISTS
Need Help Starting the Conversation?
Here are some of our go-to conversation starters when it comes to song discussion. I often feel as though filling the"therapist" role, means I need to have all the answers/fill the emptiness.
Don't be afraid to leave space!
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Conversations will begin to happen naturally. Let your patients do the work! You are simply here to facilitate discussion and support individuals through that process. Be curious about your patients! Talk to them just like you would anyone else.
This page includes common session themes, along with potential discussion questions and songs to use! Keep in mind these are not the only songs that work! Continue developing your repertoire and exploring new themes.
Support Systems
When it comes to discussing support systems, there are several questions you can ask that apply to all of the songs listed in this section. Feel free to use these as a starting point and create your own as you gain more experience!
Discussion Questions:
How do you show your support for others?
What makes you feel most supported?
Who makes you feel most supported?
How do they show their support?
Songs to Use:
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel
Lean on Me - Bill Withers
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
With a Little Help From My Friends - The Beatles
You Say - Lauren Daigle
You’ve Got a Friend - James Taylor
General Questions
For Any Song
What memories/emotions did this song bring up?
How did these lyrics make you feel?
What does this song make you think of?
What are your thoughts?
How do these lyrics apply to you and your experiences?
Resilience
Discussion Questions:
When is a time that you have shown resilience?
How does the artist show their own resilience in this song?
What does resilience mean to you?
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Songs to Use:
Fight Song - Rachel Platten
Imagine - The Beatles
I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty
Let It Be - The Beatles
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Change
Conversations about change often lead into others. Many of these songs are good springboards for discussions about grief, coping, and more.
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Discussion Questions:
What does change look like to you?
What are some changes you are currently experiencing/experienced recently?
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Songs to Use:
Cool Change - Little River Band
Don’t Know Why - Norah Jones
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Fire and Rain - James Taylor
Gratitude
Discussion Questions:
What is something/who is someone you are grateful for?
How can we express gratitude?
What are some small things that we can be grateful for every day?
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Songs to Use:
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
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Continue to incorporate your own favorite songs and questions to your sessions!