Songwriting in addictions treatment
The integration of CBT, Change Theory and the 12-Steps
Songwriting in Addiction Recovery
with Dr. Kathy Murphy
Strengthen your clinical toolkit with evidence-based songwriting approaches designed for clients living with alcohol or substance addictions. This tutorial is for experienced music therapists seeking to refine their practice, align with current research, and achieve more targeted therapeutic outcomes.
Why Songwriting Matters in Addiction Recovery
Songwriting offers a safe, creative space for clients to identify, explore, and express thoughts and feelings. It supports the development of personal strengths, resilience, and self-awareness—key elements in the recovery process for both young people and adults.
What You’ll Learn
Outcome-Oriented Models
Explore songwriting methods grounded in psychoeducational, cognitive restructuring, and restorative frameworks. Learn how these approaches integrate into the broader therapeutic process to address clients’ recovery goals.
Experience-Oriented Models
Discover how to adapt songwriting techniques in response to emerging client needs and therapeutic moments. Apply these approaches using workbook examples you can trial and adapt for your own sessions.
Theoretical Foundations
Deepen your understanding of addiction recovery theory and how music therapy interventions align with evidence-based recovery models.
Extra Resources & Professional Development
Access curated readings, additional materials, and three bonus content options to extend your learning and earn extra CMTE/CPD credits.
Your Instructor
With extensive clinical and research experience in music therapy for addiction recovery, Dr. Murphy offers a well-rounded, research-informed, and practical guide to updating your songwriting practice.
Bring fresh, targeted songwriting strategies into your sessions—backed by evidence, grounded in theory, and proven in practice.
Your Instructor
Dr. Kathleen M. Murphy is the Program Director of Music Therapy Graduate Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz. She is an active clinician, supervisor, and researcher with over 35 years of clinical experience. Dr. Murphy has authored book chapters, journal articles and has presented nationally and internationally on a variety of topics related to music therapy clinical practice and issues related to education and professional well-being. Dr. Murphy’s research interests are focused on music therapy in substance dependence across the lifespan, trauma, and community music therapy. Dr. Murphy is a member of the American Music Therapy Association where she has served in leadership positions at the state, regional and national levels.
Get started now!
Earn 4+ CMTE/CPD credits quickly and easily!
Course Curriculum
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Preview1. Introduction, overview and learning outcomes (2:15)
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Start2. Music therapy in early addiction recovery (7:49)
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Start3. Outcome oriented models of songwriting: Psychoeducational and cognitive restructuring methods (8:23)
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Start4. Outcome oriented models of songwriting: Restorative songwriting methods and the therapeutic process (7:42)
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Start5. Experience oriented songwriting in early recovery: Opportunities for processing issues as they emerge (5:28)
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Start6. Therapeutic frameworks: Stages of change model (7:27)
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Start7. Therapeutic frameworks: The 12-Step model (6:42)
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Start8. Songwriting in early recovery: Receptive methods (5:35)
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Start9. Songwriting in early recovery: Applying songwriting methods to the 12-Steps (8:52)
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Start10. Summary, extra resources and bonus content activities (2:24)
Frequently Asked Questions
CBMT Domains
For MT-BC’s in the US and Canada you can submit your certificate in the workshops/independent learning category as an ‘other continuing education opportunity’. This tutorial covers the following CBMT Board Certified Domains:
II REFERRAL, ASSESSMENT, INTERPRETATION OF ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT PLANNING
B Assessment - 3 a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h. 4 a, b, c, g, h, j, k, l, m.
D Treatment planning - 2 a, b, c. 9. 10. 11. 12.
III TREATMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND DOCUMENTATION
A Implementation - 1 b, d, e. 2 a, b, e, f, g, h, k, l, v, z, ff, kk, ll, rr, ss, uu. 5 d, i, k, l, m, r, s, t, u, v, w, y, bb.
V PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Professional Development - 2. 3.
