A Search for Wholeness: Songs of Healing for Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

The purpose of this Creative Project is to provide the clinician with a resource of songs specifically related to common issues that adolescents face, particularly those adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. Issues addressed through these songs include teen pregnancy, divorce, addictions, loneliness, depression, boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, various forms of abuse, abandonment, and hope. Each song is meant to evoke discussion and thoughtfulness from the listener. As a result of listening to a particular song within this project, the clinician might choose to have the client write her/his own verse or version on that particular topic. A review of literature is provided to enhance one’s understanding of how these disorders may originate in the adolescent. Additionally, the literature regarding the proven usefulness of implementing various music therapy techniques, specifically song writing, is discussed. Finally, the complete musical notation of twelve self-composed songs related to various issues that affect adolescents is included in this Creative Project. Each song comes with a detailed description of its meaning, its intended use, and contraindications.