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GUIDED IMAGERY AND MUSIC

What is GIM?

GIM stands for the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. This method is a music-centered, consciousness-expanding therapy developed by Helen Bonny, who was a pioneer in researching the role of music in the psychedelic assisted therapies in the 1970s. As a result of her clinical work at the Maryland Psychiatric Institute, she developed GIM as a safer form of inner travel and consciousness exploration, adapted to a shorter, 2-hour psychotherapeutic format. Therapists trained in the Bonny Method choose classical music sequences that stimulate journeys of the imagination, similar to psychedelic assisted journeys, but in a trauma-informed way. The music provides a metaphoric and aesthetic container for the experience, supporting, challenging, or expanding each person's experience as appropriate. Experiencing imagery in this way can facilitate clients’ integration of mental, emotional, physical, psychological, cultural, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

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How is GIM different from music relaxation?

  • The music plays a primary role instead of a background one like in other forms of guided imagery. 

  • The “guided imagery” portion is not scripted, but open ended to allow for your own imagination to lead the way. 

  • There is a two way verbal dialogue in GIM between the therapist and client during the imagery experience. 

  • The intention is to explore deeper states of consciousness and connect to the healing potentials of these states.

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How is GIM different from psychedelic assisted therapies?

  • Because the music and relaxation process takes clients into a gentle altered state, no drugs are necessary. 

  • The music evokes imagery much like a hallucinogen, however in a much safer way.

  • Clients are assessed for their level of readiness for GIM before beginning. In some cases, shorter and more contained versions such as Focused Music Imagery are recommended first in order to help clients build internal skills and resources to handle the  challenging and deeper inner experiences required for GIM.

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What happens in a GIM session?

Currently most sessions are taking place through an online video platform, however in-person sessions will be available soon. All sessions begin with an intake discussion about your personal, cultural, medical, psychological and familial history to determine if GIM is appropriate for you. Initial sessions will last approximately 1-2 hours beginning with a brief check in about how you are feeling and your goals for therapy. After a guided relaxation, you will be invited to listen to recorded music (selected and played by the therapist), while lying down (in the comfort of your own home for online sessions). While listening, you will be invited to verbalize the images, feelings, sensations, memories, and any awareness evoked by the music as best as you can. In that relaxed and altered state, your therapist will converse with you verbally to support you, and help you develop and expand your imagery experiences. At the close of the music, your therapist will guide you to return from that deepened state back to ordinary reality, and invite you to share what the experience was like for you.

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What are the benefits of GIM?

While everyone will respond to GIM uniquely depending on their background, history, identity, personality, and life situation, some people report glimpses of inner inspiration, new insights to challenges, feeling closer to hopes and aspirations, an awakened sense of creativity, increased empowerment and resources to face obstacles, and renewed energy.

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Do I need to have any previous experience?

No previous experience is required to experience the benefits of GIM, although experience with other forms of therapy, wellness techniques, or explorations of consciousness may be helpful. The only requirements are an appreciation of listening to music, a willingness to explore a deeper consciousness, psychological readiness and inner resources to handle challenges, and a desire to try a new creative process.

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What online requirements and materials do I need for online sessions?

  • Online GIM sessions take place through a secure, password protected Zoom platform. You can access this through any device, however a computer or ipad is recommended. The Zoom app must be downloaded onto a device before the session

  • A tablet or laptop is recommended that can be moved around for proper visibility.

  • At a minimum, you will need an internet speed of  at least 4 MB/sec download and 2 MB/sec upload to minimize interruptions and ensure a strong connection

  • Headphones, a headset or earbuds, each with a microphone attached are necessary for proper audio levels

  • Emergency numbers available in case of a power outage or broken internet connection, and a phone nearby during the session

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For more information visit https://ami-bonnymethod.org/

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