ABOUT GUIDED IMAGERY AND MUSIC
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)
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'
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
- relationship problems
- divorce-related issues
- career changes
- health problems
- stress-related problems
- grief and loss
- sexual abuse
- creativity blocks
- 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.
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.
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.
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,
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
- 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).
For more information on Chris' GIM training, see
To see a schedule of Chris' GIM training and link to other Mid-Atlantic training opportunities
click here. To register for training contact us or call at 336-207-7505.
Schedule a Private Session
Private sessions in Guided Imagery and Music are available through Chris and other GIM fellows. For more
information on scheduling a private session, contact us with a request or call at 336-207-7505.