Verbal processing in music therapy with sheltered adolescent boys : a case study

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.