Rap to Connect. Word.

People always ask me what they would do in counseling.  I think they picture coming in and sitting on the couch and either staring at each other or sharing their darkest secrets.  While I do quite a bit of "talk" therapy with my clients I also do art, play, and writing therapy.  Basically I am looking for ways to connect with clients and help them heal emotionally.  Not being in a good place emotionally can lead to problems physically, mentally, and spiritually.

I strongly believe that being with people during painful times in their lives is what God designed me to do.  I am willing to think outside the box about connecting with my clients in a way that works for them.  Recently with an adolescent boy I was struggling to connect.  We were doing some of the staring at each other people picture counseling being like.  Finally I asked him what kind of music he likes.  Rap.  Sweet I can rap.  My client looked at me like I was 80 years old.  He didn't think I was capable.  So I challenged him to a rap-off.

Below is the rap I wrote to start the challenge.  Drew was not my client's real name.  We started writing raps about what is going on with him each week.  He is no longer in counseling because he figured out a way to communicate with his parents...rapping.

Drew's Rap

Drew, Drew why you so blue?

Your parents want me to figure it out for you. 

You come to my office with your hoodie on, 

You stay up so late and sleep way past dawn.

You say your only interest is rap, 

That's cool I'm down with that.  

Here's my question for you big Drew

Can you express to me what's going on inside of you?

Is it guilt or sadness or frustration or being mad?

Write me a rap all about it and I'd be so glad.

We can write raps for the rest of our sessions

As long as you give me some sort of expression. 

No more coming in my office and saying nothin' 

Either we can be friends or you can keep on runnin'.

Word.