Our Music Therapist Jarran highlights the potential of using audio-visual media production to engage young people in therapy, offering them a creative and relatable outlet for emotional expression, identity exploration, skill-building, and social connection.
Introduction
Have you ever noticed how screens are everywhere nowadays? If you look around, especially at young folks aged 12-25, you’ll see they’re almost always engaged with some form of digital media. Imagine using that love for multimedia to support their mental health and wellbeing. Sounds interesting, right? Well, creating audio-visual content can be an incredible way to help young people express themselves, build confidence, and learn essential life skills. Let's dive into how therapists can harness this creative energy to make a real difference.
The Challenge of Engaging Young People in Therapy
We've all had those moments when we just don’t want to talk about what’s bothering us, haven’t we? Engaging young people in therapy can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. Traditional talk therapy might seem a bit intimidating or even irrelevant to their world, filled with smartphones, social media, and streaming platforms. Many young individuals find it challenging to express their emotions verbally, making it harder to connect. But what if we could bridge that gap using something they’re already passionate about?
Audio-visual Media Production as a Therapeutic Bridge
Think of art as a window into the soul. Now, combine that with technology and storytelling, and you’ve got a powerful tool. Audio-visual media production – whether it's recording a song, making short films, vlogs, podcasts, or animations – offers a unique way for young people to explore their thoughts and feelings. This method aligns perfectly with their interests and provides a tangible way to express themselves.
Therapeutic Benefits of Media Production
Engaging in audio-visual media production comes with a host of benefits:
- Emotional Expression: Creating media provides a creative outlet for emotions that are tough to put into words.
- Identity Exploration: Through storytelling and character development, young people can safely explore different facets of their identity.
- Skill-Building: Media production involves various skills like scriptwriting, filming, and editing, which can boost confidence and problem-solving abilities.
- Social Connection: Group projects foster a sense of belonging and teamwork, helping combat feelings of isolation.
Real-World Examples of Media Production in Therapy
Let me share a vignetted example from my own practice:
Meet Mya, a 14-year-old struggling with anxiety and behavioural issues stemming from problems at school. She had been in traditional therapy for 2 years and had recently started to talk less and disengage in sessions. When Mya was referred to Music Therapy, it took a minute to warm up to the new therapeutic environment. It was only when we started co-producing music in the style of Dua Lipa that everything changed.
Using a simple Digital Audio Workstation [DAW], Mya began to realise that she could create tracks that mirrored (and documented), her emotional state that day. After a brief introduction to the technical aspects of using an iPad to produce music, Mya then found instead of clamming up after a challenging day at school, she was eager to put that energy into composing music that eventually opened the door to discussing her experiences with bullying at school.
As sessions progressed, Mya’s confidence grew. She eventually transitioned into a group music therapy context where she could collaborate with her music compositions, find support in a group environment, and a community of new friends.
By the end of our therapy together, Mya had found a powerful tool in digital music production, where she could self-reflect, empower her personal narrative and mark her own progress.
This vignette shows that sometimes, meeting a participant where they are with their own interested can engender therapeutic change and eventually empower their own transformative journey.
Research Supporting Media Production in Therapy
Research highlights the power of audio-visual media production in therapy, showing great benefits for young people. For instance, Burland and Magee (2014) discovered that music technology helps young individuals develop their identities. Crowe and Rio (2004) pointed out how technology significantly enhances music therapy practice. Hadley and colleagues (2013) found it boosts therapeutic outcomes, making sessions more engaging. Hahna et al. (2012) showed that music technology is widely used and positively impacts therapy. Weisberger (2013) demonstrated how tools like Garageband can facilitate therapeutic interactions. Partesotti, Peñalba, and Manzolli (2018) found digital instruments promote engagement and positive outcomes. These studies make a strong case for integrating digital media into therapy.
Implementing Media Production in Therapeutic Practice
If you’re considering this approach, here are some tips:
- Assess Interests and Skills: Find out what types of media resonate with each individual and where it could be problematic for some participants.
- Provide Structure and Guidance: Offer clear guidelines while allowing creative freedom – watching YouTube for a whole session does not count as therapeutically beneficial.
- Emphasise Process Over Product: While it can be nice to have an artefact of the journey, we focus on the therapeutic journey rather than the final product.
- Ensure Emotional Safety: Create a supportive environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their stories knowing that their privacy is secure and confidentiality is maintained.
Conclusion
The therapeutic side of A/V media production is a fascinating subject and such a powerful tool for engaging young people in therapy. It taps into what is probably already a large interest for them, while helping them explore their emotions, build skills, and connect with others. So, as our digital landscape involves, it's more crucial than ever to integrate digital media production into our therapeutic offerings.
If you're a support coordinator or a parent, consider the incredible benefits that audio-visual media production can bring to the young people in your care. Think about ways you can introduce this creative outlet into their daily lives. Attend workshops to learn about the tools and techniques involved, connect with therapists and educators who have experience in this area, and most importantly, pay attention to the interests and needs of the young individuals you support.
Encourage them to explore their creativity through making videos, recording music, or starting a podcast. Provide them with the resources and emotional support they need to embark on these projects. By doing so, you can help them express their feelings, build confidence, and develop valuable skills in a medium they understand and enjoy. This engagement not only fosters their mental health and wellbeing but also strengthens your connection with them as you share in their creative journey.
