Exploring Songwriting's Power in Music Therapy for Mental Health

The Creative Journey of Songwriting in Music Therapy

In the world of music therapy, songwriting emerges as both a profound and vulnerable process. As part of an internship, I recently penned eight original songs, six of which incorporate themes relevant to mental health and emotional expression. These songs have taken on a life of their own, serving as tools of healing and connection. This week, my task expanded to include writing two additional pieces—one for self-reflection and the other aimed directly at addressing the mental health needs of teenagers.

Breaking the Barrier of Vulnerability

Writing songs about raw emotions can feel daunting. Unlike crafting playful tunes about seasons or daily activities, delving into mental health topics requires emotional honesty. The fear of judgement weighs heavily; it's not just about the music itself, but about the feelings laid bare within those lyrics. This vulnerability is one of music's greatest strengths and a vital component of facilitating connection with clients.

The Songwriting Process: A Dual Approach

During my songwriting journey, I approached it with two primary methods: lyrics-first and music-first. For the mental health-themed songs, I opted for a lyrics-first approach, mining through my recent emotional experiences and reflecting on the challenges I faced in my youth. Sharing these concepts with my sister not only provided me with fresh insight but also reinforced the necessity of relatability in therapeutic songwriting. This collaboration reminded me of an essential truth in healing: music often provides solace in our darkest moments.

A Personal Reflection: Tuning into Emotions

Writing for myself proved to be an intricate task, as it required me to confront and accept my own feelings. I chose to compose a song that encapsulated the struggles of being chronically ill and navigating the world as a neurodivergent person. This self-exploratory piece, created around a distorted guitar progression, allowed me to resonate with the grunge of my youthful inspirations while remaining true to my current emotional landscape.

Utilizing Songwriting as a Therapeutic Tool

If I were to introduce these songs in therapy sessions, my initial thought would be to lead a discussion around them before inviting clients to engage in a rewrite. This method not only opens up dialogue but allows clients to take ownership of their narratives through music. Songwriting can be a gateway to personal exploration, emotional release, and, ultimately, healing.

By sharing this journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace the therapeutic power of music and storytelling in their own healing processes. Remember, the beauty of music therapy lies in its ability to connect us through shared experiences and emotions, leading us toward a path of alternative healing.