The Bonny Method
of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)
Inspired and informed by her role in the psychedelic treatment approaches and research of the 1960s, Helen Lindquist Bonny spent many years developing this profound and effective approach to consciousness exploration and transformational therapy.
Trusting in music's abilities to access deeper layers of consciousness, Bonny devoted her career to developing music programs and a method that would stimulate the power of the human imagination, evoke certain experiences or affects, and effect change. Bonny used primarily Western classical music because of the complexity and ability to stimulate transformational imagery experiences. The pieces have purpose and movement and have withstood the test of time. In GIM programs, even the specific recording makes an impact on the experience, and each program is very particular with each performance. In more recent years, Fellows of AMI have been developing more culturally diverse programs, and while the foundations of GIM remain the same, the method for many continues to evolve.
The typical GIM session begins with a preliminary conversation during which the therapist/guide assesses the mood and energy level of the client/traveler, briefly explores current issues, and based on this check in, the guide selects the music program for the session. The client is then invited to recline and the therapist offers an induction to relax the body, focus the mind and shift into a deeper state of consciousness in preparation for the music. Once the music begins, the guide does not make suggestions to the traveler. Rather, the traveler takes the guide along on their journey by describing the experience as it unfolds. The guide's role is one of curious facilitator and present witness to support the traveler's engagement with whatever experience may come. After the 35-45 minute period of music, the therapist facilitates a return to waking consciousness, and the client and therapist review the session together, verbally, as well as through expressive art experiences, such as mandala or creative writing.
GIM in short terms:
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connects the conscious to the unconscious
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stimulates the intuition and creative potential
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helps one to discover and develop a well of inner and outer resources
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activates our innate capacity for healing and transformation
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provides encouragement to get through difficult emotions and life situations as it carries the client through the heights and depths of an experience
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helps to reduce fears and anxieties
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reduces stress and enhances a state of well-being
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allows unresolved issues to surface and helps to remove mental and emotional blocks
This method is very nuanced and can go to deep and faraway places, and there is potential for revisiting and healing past trauma. As such, training is rigorous and lengthy and the method should always be used wtih caution. There are several levels of training to GIM with in-person and online seminars, research assignments, along with a supervised practicum of 70+ sessions. It is also required that trainees receive GIM extensively as a traveler. It is deep work.
I completed my Level I training at Temple University in Philadelphia with Ken Bruscia, a pioneer in the field of music therapy. I moved onto Level II at Anna Maria College in Massachussetts with Lisa Summer, but because life led me in other directions for some years, I decided to retake Level II several years later with Liz Moffitt, the warmest blanket of a woman, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I completed the remainder of my training with Liz and the graceful assistance of Noele Bird & cosmic wisdom of Nancy McMaster, and I was fortunate enough to have been supervised by Marilyn Clark, a protege of Bonny and wise and sacred myth keeper. I have great reverence for the wisdom that these wise elders passed down to me with such grace, rhythm and intelligence.
More about GIM:
(Photo: a close up of a eucalyptus tree from the base of its trunk looking upward toward its branches and leaves with hues of warm golden light peeking through.
Fallbrook, CA)