Rap Therapy

By Don Elligan

Dr. Don Elligan, a clinical psychologist working in Chicago and Boston, was looking for a way to connect to the angry young black men in his office. Abusing drugs and alcohol and making poor choices about their future, they desperately needed help in changing their lives. But when Dr. Elligan spoke to them in his language, they tuned him out. He had to learn to understand and communicate in theirs -- the language of hip-hop, or rap. To do that, he developed his widely praised program called Rap Therapy. Now, he makes Rap Therapy accessible to all concerned adults -- parents, guardians, teachers or counselors. In a clearly written, straightforward guide, Dr. Elligan explains how to reach out to today's young people by developing an understanding of their culture: why the pants have to be bigger, the lyrics raunchier, and the music raw and throbbing like their troubled world. He shows how rap artists such as Salt-n-Pepa, Outkast, Dr. Dre, and LL Cool J comment on sex, drugs, politics, society, and family, influencing urban kids in a variety of ways, from clothing to language. And he explains why the movement and the music so appeal to teenagers who use the slang and rhyming lyrics to express their emotions, challenges, and dreams, as well as to shock and exclude adults. Along with compelling real-life stories from his practice, Dr. Elligan provides selected pro-social rap songs to use in Rap Therapy, and specific curricula for various issues from anger management in young men to improving self-esteem in young women. A book of hope and real help, Rap Therapy is an essential tool for using the sound that has captured troubled kids' imaginations to make a difference in their lives. Book jacket.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758203969
• ISBN13: 9780758203960
• Release Date: June 2010
• Publisher: Kensington
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Insightful and Practical

As a professional that has spent a number of years working with young adults, I found Elligan's work to be especially helpful. His well-researched model establishes a necessary bridge between practitioners, parents, and young adults. He crafts a truly insightful means of using rap texts to better understand the perspectives of young adults- without being verbose or convoluted. While I'm always a bit skeptical of those who claim to understand both the esoteric language of the academy and the enigmatic discourse of young adults, it is clear that Elligan has a sturdy grasp of each. Even more satisfying, however are the very useful prompts included in the book. These will certainly come in handy for many that wish to use pieces of Elligan's model in their own work. If you work or live with young adults, this book must be in your library.

Excellent Resource!!!!

As a student of psychology I find this book unique and a great contribution to my studies. Dr Elligan outlines the utility of using rap music to help young people cope and thrive in their environment. Similar to other forms of therapy like music and art therapy I feel better informed about how I may want to integrate this approach with future clients. It's well written with many great case studies that illustrate the use of rap therapy. Well done.

Great!!!Must Read, Parents, Students, Therapists

This is a must read for parents, students, and therapists who want to understand and reach youth who like rap music. Dr Elligan outlines a step by step approach on how to use positive rap music and hip hop as a way to motivate and communicate with youth. I wasn't such a fan of rap music but the book offers poignant stories of youth struggles, culture, and triumph. I especially think students of psychology and social work will find this book helpful.