A Musical Chronology and the Emerging Life Song

Abstract

Listening to music often evokes in individuals cognitive and affective memories of important life events and significant losses. The authors have observed that music and lyrics significantly contribute to individuals’ creation of relationship narratives that restrict their ability to form and/or maintain intimacy. By connecting music with past relationship experiences, individuals’ perceptions of the viability of loving relationships are often affected. This connection may serve to support or impede their ability to engage in or commit to a love relationship. The authors present a method, the musical chronology, that can assist clients in identifying and reauthoring restrictive relationship narratives. A case example that demonstrates the method’s application is included.