‘What’s the WiFi code in here?’: Connecting with adolescents in music therapy

Abstract

Introducing the third section of the Handbook, which broadly addresses connectedness, music, and adolescents, this chapter focuses on the context of a secondary school in the United Kingdom for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, and explores how music therapy can help young people find creative new ways of connecting. The importance of the music therapy space, the resources, and communication with teaching staff are highlighted alongside a person-centred and psychodynamic approach. One resource, the video camera, is presented as having an important role in connecting with young people in sessions. Discussed and illustrated through case examples, the camera is shown to offer young people different ways of experiencing and re-experiencing, interacting, sharing control, witnessing, and being witnessed, leading to positively adaptive interconnectedness and emotional wellbeing.