his book “Rap Therapy: A Practical Guide for Communicating with Youth and Young Adults Through Rap Music”
Check out this video to learn more about this innovative approach to healing the spirit. This process involves building a rapport with the client through normal Socratic methods, but with a focus on understanding the underlying reasons for behavior through music.
For example: A client could be suffering from bouts of grief caused by a sudden death of a family member. A session with a therapist who specializes in rap therapy could help this client weave through their feelings by suggesting music that counters that unwanted narrative in their heads or discovers where the pain is really coming from by dissecting the lyrics to their favorite songs.
This method has become so popular that youth development organizations are now incorporating it into their curriculums. Beats, Rhymes, and Life based in Oakland, California use this innovate approach in addressing Tier 1-Tier 3 behaviors in young adults. Their goal is to address the PTSD and other mental health challenges of the youth in Oakland through their therapy and creative outlets. Tomas Alvarez the founder has received national notoriety for the work he’s done in his community.
The hip-hop community as a whole benefit when its artists vouch for mental health. Rapper Logic said it best, “therapy is gangsta”. It’s not only a necessity for our adults but our kids as well. Without the emotional depth, that experience brings the hidden pain of our youth is overshadowed by so much of the stigmas behind mental health in our communities. Make a point to check-in with your child and loved ones at home. Traditional forms of therapy might not be the correct outlet, but hip-hop…therapy is always a safe place for our people.
Daunte Henderson, founder of the MADEMAN Foundation, author, and educator based in Chicago. You can follow him at @brotherhenderson on IG