What is GIM?
Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a psychodynamic and multimodal therapy that incorporates music listening in a deeply relaxed state to stimulate imagery, memories and feelings to help the client understand life issues from a holistic perspective.
Typically an individual GIM session lasts from 1.5 – 2 hours, and has four components:
GIM is practiced in a series of sessions. A minimum six sessions is advocated to enable the client to use the GIM process effectively. Often clients elect to extend the series, as new areas of exploration unfold.
GIM is also practised with groups, where participants image silently during the music, and then explore experiences within a group discussion.
Registered Guided Imagery and Music Therapists (RGIMTs) are experienced therapists who have normally completed a Bachelor’s degree in a therapeutic modality, such as music therapy, social work, nursing, or psychology, and who have completed a Certificate in GIM and a 2-year Graduate Diploma in GIM, or other course approved by the Music and Imagery Association of Australia. During the 3-year GIM training program trainees study Jungian theory, grief and loss, Integral psychology and the music programs used in GIM.
Typically an individual GIM session lasts from 1.5 – 2 hours, and has four components:
- A preliminary conversation between the client and therapist that allows the client to express any issues or concerns, and concludes with a focus for the music and imagery segment
- The therapist provides a relaxation induction that enables the client to relax deeply. A focus image is then provided to help the client enter the music experience
- A program of recorded music is selected by the therapist. The music programs used in GIM have been trialled over many years, and follow an affective contour, or are designed to support specific emotional states. As the music begins, the client is encouraged to describe imagery, memories or feelings as they emerge. The role of the therapist is to be a supportive guide, facilitating the client to explore imagery more deeply.
- At the end of the music program the client is encouraged to reflect on the experience through a drawn mandala, or clay moulding, or verbally. This bridges the experience from the symbolic world to the reality of the day.
GIM is practiced in a series of sessions. A minimum six sessions is advocated to enable the client to use the GIM process effectively. Often clients elect to extend the series, as new areas of exploration unfold.
GIM is also practised with groups, where participants image silently during the music, and then explore experiences within a group discussion.
Registered Guided Imagery and Music Therapists (RGIMTs) are experienced therapists who have normally completed a Bachelor’s degree in a therapeutic modality, such as music therapy, social work, nursing, or psychology, and who have completed a Certificate in GIM and a 2-year Graduate Diploma in GIM, or other course approved by the Music and Imagery Association of Australia. During the 3-year GIM training program trainees study Jungian theory, grief and loss, Integral psychology and the music programs used in GIM.
More Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) Therapy Videos:
Variations of Guided Imagery and Music
GIM may adapted in several ways, including:
- A shortened form (over one hour)
- Music and Drawing Narrative
- Verbal session
- Relaxation only
- Dream work
- Various art modalities, including clay work or sand play
- Receptive music therapy
