Helen Lindquist Bonny (d. May 25, 2010) is a music therapist who developed "Guided Imagery and Music"

Helen Lindquist Bonny (d. May 25, 2010) is a music therapist who developed "Guided Imagery and Music" often referred to as "GIM". Music therapist Kenneth Bruscia uses the following definition to describe Guided Imagery and Music:
"(GIM) refers to all forms of music-imaging in an expanded state of consciousness, including not only the specific individual and group forms that Bonny developed, but also all variations and modifications in those forms created by her followers."
Helen Bonny studied with E. Thayer Gaston at the University of Kansas in the early 1960s, where she received her bachelor's degree in music education, with a major in music therapy. She continued on to receive a master's degree in music education with an emphasis in research. After completing her PhD in the late 1960s, she began researching the effects of music on imagination, and in 1973 authored a book, co-written with Louis Savary, entitled "Music and Your Mind: Listening with a New Consciousness"
Although Guided Imagery and Music draws from various schools of psychology, Helen Bonny has cited as its main influences the humanistic and the transpersonal psychology of Carl Rogers, and Abraham Maslow. Bonny was also profoundly influenced by the work of Carl Jung.
Helen Bonny's grandson, Miles Bonny is an active recording musician in Kansas City, Mo.


HE BONNY METHOD OF GUIDED IMAGERY AND MUSIC

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a music-assisted process of self-discovery. It is among an ever-growing number of more recently developed experiential methods which are inspired in conception, holistic in attitude, integrative in intent, synergistic in nature, holotropic in reality, and transformational in potential. These methods comprise a new paradigm (or a rediscovery of a very old paradigm) which honors the exploration of consciousness through sound, images, and alternative states as valid, valuable, and life-enhancing, and which seek to expand and enrich existing concepts of the journey toward wholeness.

The Bonny Method of GIM 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. She combined her unique understanding of music and her well-developed interpersonal skills at the Maryland Psychiatric Reserach Center in the early 1970's, where she combined relaxation techniques and classical musical selections to elicit responses from patients. She went on to research her findings and to develop The Bonny Method of GIM.

The Bonny Method of GIM is characterized by the use of specially sequenced classical music within a one-to-one session conducted by a facilitator who is formally trained in The Bonny Method of GIM. After an initial discussion with an individual, the facilitator provides relaxation and focusing suggestions to assist the individual's entry into a relaxed state. This is followed by an interactive music listening experience in which the individual listens to the music and describes the images, sensations, feelings, and awarenesses evoked by it. The facilitator, also listening to the music, helps to focus and support the image experiences of the individual in a variety of ways. At the close of the music, the facilitator assists the individual's return from the expanded state of consciousness and helps the individual integrate the experiences of the session.

For over 30 years, professionals in a variety of healing modes have been trained in The Bonny Method of GIM and are actively working with it in their chosen fields

What is GIM?

Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a therapeutic process using music and a trained facilitator to create an environment in which one can experience personal insights that provide answers and guidance for important life issues.

Guided Imagery and Music:

is a guided experience designed to help people find their own answers about life goals, critical events, relationships, behavior patterns and health issues
brings people into an immediate experience of a problem or issue, enabling them to work through problems much faster than traditional counseling methods
is a process for integrating past experiences and future goals into direction for best next-step action and problem resolution in present situations
provides an opportunity for emotions to be recognized, released and then processed productively
is recognized as a psychotherapeutic method by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)


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The method encourages:

honesty with oneself---the images one has in a GIM journey bypass mental thought-processes and are later integrated
commitment to change because the AHA! of insight and resulting problem resolution comes from the one's own perceptions
acceptance of the learning processes of life as one sees the "big picture" of life in GIM sessions
trust as the process teaches how to accept the unfolding of the healing process
conscious living---as one experiences the benefits of action based on personal reflection and understanding of oneself it is possible to live with more conscious awareness of actions and goals
creativity and intuition which develop through the process of finding positive results based upon ones' own insights
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Who benefits from GIM?

GIM has been used as a problem-solving method for a wide range of issues. It has been found to be useful for people seeking help with:

relationship problems
divorce-related issues
career changes
health problems
stress-related problems
anxiety
grief and loss
depression
addictions
sexual abuse
creativity blocks
goal-setting
clarity about life experiences
GIM is not recommended for people with serious mental disorders. It has the potential for uncovering deep emotional issues and unconscious material. This is not helpful for persons who are struggling to maintain balance and deal with the realities of everyday life.


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What happens in a GIM session?

In a GIM experience, one becomes a "traveler" in an inner journey with the GIM facilitator working as a guide to assist the process. Sessions generally last 1 to 1½ hours.

Preparation
Each session begins with a discussion of significant issues and concerns of the traveler. A focus or intention is agreed upon, and the guide chooses appropriate music for the session.

Once these preparations are complete, the traveler lies down and closes his or her eyes. The guide helps the traveler into a relaxed and focused state and then begins the music.

The Music Experience
The music evokes images, sensations, and feelings and the traveler and guide dialogue together about the unfolding "journey". The traveler spontaneously describes experiences stimulated by the music while the guide supports and encourages. The program of music selections usually lasts 30 - 40 minutes.

Closure and Integration
When the music ends, the guide helps the traveler gain closure and return to an alert state. The remainder of the session is spent reflecting on the traveler's images and experiences and, if appropriate, their relevance to life issues. Often, the art therapy technique of mandala drawing is used to bring the experience into greater clarity.

Private sessions are available with Chris Brewer.


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Music and Imagery as Insight Tools

The imagery in GIM is not directed from a script and does not come from the guide. The imagery unfolds from the person experiencing the session in a spontaneous manner, stimulated and carried by the music and by skilled guiding. This process works easily, without having to think about or plan the imagery.

The process energizes self-healing in the form of dream-like images that have great personal relevance. This phenomenon parallels the ability of the injured physical body to activate white blood cells and other functions to bring about physical healing. The mind and spirit also have an innate capacity for self-healing that is triggered by the music and the environment that is created.

GIM music is chosen from the great masterworks of composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Debussy, Vaughan Williams and many others. The selected music was researched by GIM founder, Dr. Helen Bonny and formulated into specific music programs. GIM facilitators are trained in the use of these programs and the methods necessary to create an optimal environment and assist travelers in their imagery journeys. Some of the Mid-Atlantic music programs use contemporary musicians such as Daniel Kobialka, Michael Hoppe, Tingstad and Rumbel, Paul Winter, Kostia, David Arkenstone and others.

The use of music and imagery in the focused, relaxed state created in GIM encourages unresolved issues to surface and helps to remove mental, emotional, and spiritual blocks to problem-solving. It also awakens new levels of creativity while encouraging a deep inner connection to what is most meaningful to the individual.



History of Guided Imagery and Music

Helen L. Bonny, Ph.D., RMT, a music therapist, brought her special knowledge of the potential of music for helping people enter deep levels of consciousness to a research team in Baltimore exploring altered states of consciousness. She felt that music was the perfect vehicle for exploration of the mind because it could carry someone through the heights and depths of an experience. Eventually she developed a powerful yet safe therapeutic method for healing using music---the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. This method honors the ancient method of awakening inner vision to connect with meaning and conscious action.

For more information about the history of the Bonny Method of GIM, click here to visit the Bonny Foundation website.



The Mid-Atlantic Institute

The Mid-Atlantic Institute was founded to provide training in the Guided Imagery and Music model. Founders of the Institute, Carol A. Bush MSW, LCSW and Sierra Stokes-Stearns Ph.D., MT-BC have been pioneers in the practice, development and application of GIM. The Institute now has many trainers teaching GIM. Visit the Mid-Atlantic Institute website.



Training in Guided Imagery and Music

GIM training is useful in a wide variety of professional fields including:

private-practice therapy
school, organizational and pastoral counseling practices
nursing
Hospice
mind-body practices
music therapy
mental health organizations
Chris Boyd Brewer offers training in GIM. An introductory workshop entitled, Rhythms of Healing, is available in a one-day or 3-hour format. She also offers the three levels of certified GIM training. Chris' training and that offered by the Mid-Atlantic Institute and it's trainers are approved for all levels of training by the Association for Music and Imagery (AMI).