The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) is a music-assisted transformational therapy that offers persons the opportunity to integrate mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of themselves.
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music is characterized by the use of specially sequenced western classical music designed to stimulate and sustain a dynamic unfolding of imagery experiences. Sessions in this one-to-one modality are conducted by facilitators who are formally trained in The Bonny Method of GIM. In an extended session of up to two hours, you and your facilitator discuss your current life situation, set goals for your work together, and establish a focus for the session. After following a guided relaxation, you then turn your attention to listening to the selected music, allowing it to become a vehicle for exploring deeper states of consciousness. You verbalize to the facilitator the images, feelings, sensations, memories, and other awareness’s evoked by the music. The imaginal realm provides a rich milieu for personal insight. Your facilitator interacts verbally with you to help you develop and expand your imagery experiences. At the close of the music, your facilitator assists your return from the deepened state and reinforces the insights you have gleaned from the exploration.
Your music and imagery experiences are reflections of you and are unique to your personal relationships, feelings, and personality. You may have glimpses of transpersonal inspiration which both challenge and nurture your sense of who you are and who you can become. Your creativity may be awakened. You may gain new perspectives on your life issues and may feel empowered to work with them with renewed energy.
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music was conceived and developed by Helen L. Bonny, Ph.D. Inspired by a mystical experience with music while playing the violin, Dr. Bonny felt called to bring other persons to the healing power of music. Over several years, Dr. Bonny combined her unique understanding of music, her extensive therapeutic training, and her spiritual insight, to research and develop The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. At the present time, many professionals in a variety of therapeutic and healing modalities have been trained in the Bonny Method of GIM and are actively working with it in their chosen fields.