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The metaphoric use of song lyrics as Paraverbal Communication

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Abstract

This paper presented the metaphoric use of song lyrics as an alternate medium for communication with children who do not respond adequately to traditional treatment approaches. It pointed out the fact that shared characteristics found in both the metaphor and in song lyrics make for a viable technique that helps promote the desired therapeutic communication. The metaphoric use of song lyrics was described as the most verbal as well as the most advanced of the maneuvers used in an essentially sensorimotor approach known as Paraverbal Communication Psychotherapy. concrete alternate strategies were presented for the metaphoric use of song lyrics by the therapist who cannot carry a tune or feels not adequately trained in music. Two detailed illustrative cases are given—one, of a boy in one-to-one treatment, the other, of a group of three boys.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child Psychiatry Department, St. Luke's Hospital, New York

    Evelyn Phillips Heimlich BS, CPvT

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  1. Evelyn Phillips Heimlich BS, CPvT
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Heimlich, E.P. The metaphoric use of song lyrics as Paraverbal Communication. Child Psych Hum Dev 14, 67–75 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00707671

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