THE BONNY METHOD OF GUIDED IMAGERY AND MUSIC (GIM)
The Bonny Method of GIM (Guided Imagery and Music) was developed in the 1970s by music therapist Dr. Helen Bonny and was inspired by consciousness raising, Jungian and transpersonal theories.
It is a music-centered transformational therapy that uses specially selected classical music to stimulate imagery and travel to different levels of consciousness, support the dynamic opening of inner experiences, transformation, personal growth, and restoration of physical, psychological and spiritual wholeness.
GIM is an interactive approach: at the beginning of each session, the therapist helps the client find a question for internal exploration and formulate a clear intention, allowing the facilitator/therapist to choose the music that best fits the purpose of the journey. To the music, the therapist asks simple questions, which allows the traveler to penetrate into the inner world and deepen the connection with the emerging material / images.
The mental images, symbols, and deep feelings that emerge from the deeper conscious self promote aesthetic, religious, and transpersonal experiences, self-understanding, holistic healing, and personal growth. The unique combination of music and the experiences that music evokes provides a therapeutic environment in which the creative and holistic resources of consciousness are activated.
There may be insights or meaningful moments that can change lives. As the client achieves insight, his inner strength and self-awareness grows.
Usually, GIM is practiced over a series of sessions. A minimum of six sessions is recommended to allow the client to get used to the process and achieve therapeutic results. In many cases, clients choose to use GIM therapy for longer periods of time.
Clients experiencing GIM undergo profound changes and, within a few sessions, make choices that lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.