A Valentine Rant (Mad Lib Style!) for Adult Music Therapy Sessions
February is right around the corner, and with it come the traditional, sweet ways of celebrating a holiday centered on love and friendship. While “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “L-O-V-E” (can’t skip that one!) will be included in many a music therapists’ toolboxes, I wanted to share a funny twist on traditional Valentine’s themed interventions. Cue the “Valentine Rant”.
Why does this work clinically?
In one word? Humor. The intervention is written with a tongue-in-cheek tone that’s meant to elicit a chuckle from clients. For the adults in the group who may experience painful memories around this time, it allows a break from the traditional sweetness focus without inviting deep negativity. It provides a container with humorous closure. It also validates mixed feelings, and invites shared laughter, which can strengthen group cohesion and increase participation.
How do I use it in music therapy sessions?
There are several ways to facilitate this intervention in a group setting. The approach you choose will depend on your clients’ cognitive abilities, group size, and how comfortable participants are with one another.
Small Groups (10 or fewer)
Use a large poster board, flip chart, whiteboard, or projected image and complete the Mad Lib together as a group. This is one of my favorite ways to facilitate the activity. It encourages shared decision-making, playful debate, and laughter. Once the Mad Lib is complete, read it aloud together (the more dramatic, the better!) and enjoy the humor as a group.
Larger Groups
For larger groups, consider breaking participants into smaller sub-groups, depending on cognitive strengths and comfort levels. Each group can complete its own version of the Mad Lib and then share it with the larger group at the end. This allows for participation without putting individuals on the spot, and often leads to hilarious contrasts between groups.
Music integration ideas:
Add light instrumental background music while filling it out
Chant or rhythmically speak the final version as a refrain
Assign “reader” roles for added engagement
Sing it over a simple blues progression
Alternative options for mixed-ability groups:
Offer multiple-choice or A/B options instead of open-ended blanks
Allow verbal responses while the therapist or co-leader writes
Invite clients to contribute just one word if full participation feels overwhelming
Additional Notes:
This intervention works well as:
A warm-up or icebreaker
A lighter alternative to traditional Valentine’s themes
A way to promote group cohesion through shared humor
A bridge into music-making, songwriting, or discussion
Because the tone is playful and contained, it allows clients to engage without overexposure and makes it accessible for adult populations who may feel disconnected from traditional Valentine’s Day content.
Want to try it in your sessions?
If you want to use the Valentine Rant with your music therapy groups you can download the printable version here:
👉 DOWNLOAD the Valentine Rant printable HERE
Feel free to adapt the language, pacing, or format to meet the needs of your clients. Whether you use it as a lighthearted warm-up, a shared group activity, or a springboard into music-making, this intervention offers a refreshing alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day themes.
If you try it in your sessions, I’d love to hear how it went!
Share your experience in the comments and let us know how you modified it for your sessions.
Need more ideas for Valentine’s Day? Check out this blog post, this podcast episode, and this kid-friendly Valentine’s Day playlist from Music For Kiddos!