Released in 2004 by Australian artist Sia, "Breathe Me” is a calming, melodic song that highlights difficulties faced by individuals with negative cognitions and depressive symptoms. This song does not include explicit or especially controversial lyrics and would be suitable for use with clients with formal operational thought. The theoretical grounding for use of this song in counseling is Adlerian and Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (CBT). Adler suggested the concept of socio in which humans crave connection with one another. Through this song, clients can learn how another individual might experience similar mental health difficulties and gain a sense of connection with Sia and the counselor. CBT can be used to help clients identify core automatic thoughts and fully experience the associated feelings and behaviors. Counselors can then lead clients to challenge portions of such unhelpful thoughts with compassion and empathy.

In the song "Breathe Me”, Sia begins by explaining her own cycle of negative cognitions and painful feelings, for which she blames herself. Clients can be encouraged to identify patterns in their own lives of negative cognitions and self-blame (CBT). The chorus then explains a phenomenon of feeling small and insignificant, to which many clients with depressive symptoms can likely relate. Finally, Sia expresses feelings of uncertainty, fear, and pain. Counselors can employ Adlerian theory in order to help clients fully connect with these feelings, and CBT in order to help clients link their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Counselors should work to help clients empathize with Sia’s story, and to examine their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with compassion.