Guided Imagery and Music
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), created by Helen L. Bonny, PhD, uses classical music and imagination to help deepen a person's understanding of themselves. GIM is rooted in the client-centered, Jungian and transpersonal approaches to counseling, which help a person connect to their inner, deeper, wiser self. GIM sessions help integrate the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of the self by harnessing the power of music to stimulate the imagination.
What is a typical session like?
Sessions last from 90 minutes to two hours and typically consist of the following sections:
Prelude: An opening check-in and discussion.
Relaxation and Focus: The therapist leads you in a short, guided relaxation.
Music Listening and Imagery: In a relaxed state, you listen to music that has been selected by your therapist to support you in exploring the things you talked about in the Prelude. As the music plays, you describe your imagery (including thoughts, feelings, body sensations) and the therapist responds in a way that helps you deepen your experience.
Creation of a mandala: On a piece of paper, you draw a picture that represents your imagery experience. No specific art skills are required, it’s more about putting color on paper as a form of self expression.
Postlude: A closing discussion to talk about your imagery experience and what you learned from it.
How can GIM help me?
GIM can be a way to use your imagination to do significant depth work. Through imagery, you can gain access to that still small voice inside that is wise beyond measure. GIM can help heal past wounds and trauma, provide insight into who you are and who you want to be, and illuminate the path that lies ahead.
