Integrating Rap Music Into Counseling With Adolescents in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program

ABSTRACT

Rap, hip-hop, and R&B music are often referred to as violent, misogynistic, and a reflection of a culture promoting interpersonal violence. The genre, which provides a cultural lens through which many urban adolescents forge identity and express themselves, subsequently holds potential to combat emotional and interpersonal distress. Creative techniques that incorporate music can be used to help adolescents understand and regulate coping responses to difficult and emotionally sensitive situations. This article presents a rationale and implementation strategy for incorporating rap music into counseling practices with at-risk minority adolescents enrolled in a disciplinary alternative education program. Examples of two interventions designed to assist therapists and clients using music therapeutically are presented. In addition, a discussion of the adaptations and limitations of these activities is provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescents
• creativity in counseling
• interpersonal violence
• rap/hip-hop music
• rap therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shanice N. Armstrong

Shanice N. Armstrong is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Richard J. Ricard

Richard J. Ricard is Assistant Dean and Professor of Counseling and Educational Psychology in the College of Education & Human Development at Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas.