Free September Session Idea: Imagine Rewrite

Use the song “Imagine” by John Lennon as a rewrite to allow clients the opportunity to discuss their anxieties and stressors through a musical outlet.

Instructions

1. Introduce the song as you feel appropriate
   • This may include playing the original for clients, either live or recorded.
     
2. Discuss/explain the rewrite
   • Hand out fill-in-the-blank sheets if using the, (printable version in the downloadable materials)
   • Engage client(s) in discussion about their anxieties and stressors in their life and ask if they can imagine a world without that anxiety and stress
   • Explain how you can put your own words into the song to sing about that imagined world
     
3. Take the time to rewrite the song
   • Either allow client(s) time to fill in the sheets themselves individually or rewrite the song all together
     • Individually: Give your clients a set amount of time to fill out their fill-in-the-blank sheets.
       • You could also opt to have clients work in pairs or groups if doing a group session
     • Together: Lead the rewrite by asking clients to share out loud some suggestions for different verses and write out the new song as you go
4. Share the rewrites
   • Sing through the rewritten song either once, or multiple times if clients wrote several versions
   • You can display words so clients can sing along, pass out instruments to play along or clients could opt to just listen
5. Incorporate discussion
   • Lead clients in discussion if appropriate about how they might relate to each other’s anxieties
     • Potential questions:
       • Does anyone else find this topic to be something they have anxiety about as well?
       • Are there any other settings or environments that might trigger your anxiety?
       • What techniques do you use to help cope with your anxiety?
       • What support system do you have for coping with anxiety? Could our Music Therapy group be another support for you?
       • How would you like your future to look if you could overcome your anxiety?
       • How does anxiety feel in your body? And how does peace or calmness feel in your body? What might that sound like musically?