Hip hop wisdom for White therapists

Past studies showed that early treatment termination is more likely with the White therapist/Black client dyad when compared to uniracial and other biracial therapeutic dyads. White counselors do not often discuss this therapeutic breakdown. The goal of this thesis is to provide a hermeneutic study that will grant a White therapist better success when working with Black clients through the analysis of hip hop music. Using hip hop songs, this thesis identifies five themes that are vital to the lives of African Americans: the felt experience of racism, the struggle for an authentic life, freedom, self determination through right education, and love for all. Understanding these issues may bring about a deeper understanding for African Americans. This newfound understanding could yield greater empathy during therapy, and increased empathy begets better and more successful treatment.