Abstract:
This qualitative research study explored how verbal processing occurred in music therapy work
with adolescent boys living in a shelter in Pretoria. The study examined both how the adolescent
boys and the therapist engaged in verbal processing. Three audio excerpts derived from the
music therapy sessions were analysed through a process of content analysis. The data was
coded, categorised and organised into themes. Results indicated that verbal processing was
interrelated between the therapist and the adolescent boys, both making use of various
techniques of verbal processing. This proved to be invaluable with the verbal processing
facilitating the therapeutic process as the boys were afforded with a safe space where any
ideas, feelings, thoughts, hopes and dreams could be expressed and shared with each other,
and the therapist was able to gain greater insight into the boys’ more intimate world.
I am unaware of any published literature of music therapy with adolescent boys living in a
shelter, as music therapy is in its early stages in South Africa, especially with this specific client
group. The majority of music therapy literature however, not surprisingly, focuses on musical
exchanges during sessions. I would therefore like to explore how verbal processing was used in
the music therapy process, after music listening and during song writing, with adolescent boys
living in a shelter. This is in order to facilitate a greater understanding and openness towards the
possibilities of including clinically informed verbal processing as part of music therapy work with
this population group.
