Guided Imagery and Music Counselling
My journey with music therapy started in 2007 and after many twists and turns, I have found my way back to it. Today I am incredibly excited to offer you the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music!
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is music-centered integrative psychotherapy. Music is used to facilitate a dynamic exploration of consciousness and inner experiences in support of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of well-being (European Association of Music and Imagery, and the Association of Music and Imagery).
What is Guided Imagery and Music Counselling?
Guided imagery and music (GIM) uses the imagination to create vivid mental images and sensory experiences. The therapist guides individuals in creating mental images that evoke specific emotions, memories, or desired outcomes. Images are derived from personal experiences, nature, symbolic representations, or imaginary scenarios. By using guided imagery and music, we can influence emotional states, perceptions, and behaviours.
A key component of GIM is music. Carefully selected music is used to evoke specific emotions, create a supportive environment, and enhance the therapeutic experience. Music is a catalyst to deeply engage with the imagery and access deeper emotional states. The music can evoke a wide range of emotions, including relaxation, joy, sadness, and introspection.
“During the session, I was at first a bit surprised, expecting from myself to see very precise images, like in a dream, before realising that it was a different kind of journey, and accepting whatever it was that was forming in my mind. And in the end, it was really like travelling in my mind and subconscious, with a lot of very precise scenes and impressions and strong emotions I hadn't expected.”
How Guided Imagery and Music Helps
GIM can be used to address a wide range of psychological, emotional, and physical concerns. It promotes:
- Relaxation
- Eases stress
- Facilitates emotional release
- Supports trauma recovery
- Enhances self-awareness
- Empowers personal growth
- And improves mental and emotional health.
GIM can be customised to suit the needs of individuals of all ages, couples, and groups.
GIM should only be performed by professionals who have received specific training and certification in this therapeutic modality.
GIM is a powerful and creative approach to therapy. The process facilitates self-exploration, emotional healing, personal growth, and transformation for individuals. As a Level 2 Guided Imagery and Music therapist I work with various forms of GIM.
"Guided Music and Imagery with Sadie helped me organize my messy thoughts, and discover parts of my subconscious that helped me both with decision making and with managing my anxiety. The GIM experience is transformative and healing on a deep level. It supported me to come to peace with difficult situations by gaining enhanced insight to my mind’s core. Aside from being healing, the session with Sadie is also very relaxing and left me feeling tranquil and optimistic with a bigger belief in myself.”
Guided Imagery and Music sessions are unique—Here is what you can expect
GIM is easily integrated into ongoing talk therapy sessions or can be stand-alone sessions.
I believe in the healing power of music and I am incredibly excited to be able to share this way of healing with you!
Curious about the Guided Imagery and Music session?
“I was impressed by how powerful the images I saw were. It was a different experience to what I had had before, either in therapy, or when I try to understand myself and reflect on myself. It was closer to an LSD trip, but the fact that I got to talk to you while seeing these images gave them a deeper power almost, made me remember them in a different way, and the drawing at the end really helped draw meaning of it all, see the links and connections, gain perspective, and confidence. In the following weeks and months, I've thought of these images and emotions again, and they have helped me overcome fear or doubt or anxiety! Very precious!”
Want to Learn More? Listen to this podcast
🎧 Therapy Talk with It’s Complicated
🎙️ E20: Sadie Smith on Guided Imagery and Music
🔗 Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cRcWZE7gnohpv6XCvjOW7?si=lr08OOh5TB-uVlIFezHXdQ