going to the therapist now. Even rap royalty Jay-Z spoke about his trip to the therapist on his song “Smile” from his latest album 4:44. Rappers Kid Cudi and Kanye West also have sought mental health services in the past years for their respective issues.
In reality, the same beats and rhymes that we’ve grown to love are also tools for treating mental health issues. Studies have shown that writing and music have both been tools to treat depression in the past. Writing helps to decrease anxiety, manage triggers, allows for self-regulation and helps to address depression.
Music has also been used to bridge the gap between the traditional form of therapy into something that provides an added depth of meaning for the client. A study conducted by a number of researchers illustrated the cathartic nature that music therapy can bring.
“Music creates powerful connections between people as it provides a means to communicate, entertain, remember, mourn, or celebrate the lives of people”
“The strong emotional connection most have to music becomes a powerful catalyst in people’s lives as they seek higher meaning
and healing”
Psychologist Don Elligan spoke about his 6 step rap therapy approach in