Say What You Say (Eminem): Managing Verbal Boundaries when using Rap in Music Therapy, a Qualitative Study

Authors

  • Helen Short

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v13i1.668

Keywords:

Rap, verbal boundaries, contraindication, qualitative study, adolescents, offensive material

Abstract

This study identifies and describes considerations for managing verbal boundaries and the potential contraindication when using Rap in music therapy.   

The literature review covers the small number of case studies documenting the use of Rap in music therapy. The method used was an in-depth qualitative interview of 8 music therapy experts from a range of countries and approaches, experienced in the use of Rap as an intervention. A combination of grounded theory and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The results are placed in context of the literature review and draw upon a number of psychodynamic concepts in order to determine a set of themes that could further inform those music therapists using Rap as a clinical intervention. 

The results display the flexibility with which Rap can be used to meet different levels of client need and how therapists' boundary management allows this. The data contributes towards clarifying what informs music therapists when considering how to manage the potentially offensive material that may be introduced into the therapy space when using Rap and when it may contraindicate. The research could serve as a preparatory tool for those therapists new to the genre and its use within therapy.

Author Biography

Helen Short

The author's clinical work experience spans a range of institutional settings, from special education to general and forensic psychiatry. She currently practices in London in mainstream primary schools with children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and in medium-secure units with female and male mentally-disordered offenders. She recently presented her research and an account of her clinical work examining the use of Rap as therapeutic intervention at the American Music Therapy Association regional conference and is guest lecturer in music therapy at the Guildhall School of Music in London.

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Published

2013-01-29

How to Cite

Short, H. (2013). Say What You Say (Eminem): Managing Verbal Boundaries when using Rap in Music Therapy, a Qualitative Study. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v13i1.668

Issue

Section

Research Voices