The Music and Imagery Association of Australia (MIAA) was established in 1994 with the late Dr Helen Bonny as the patroness. She is pictured below with our founders Dr Denise Grocke and Florence Holligan. MIAA became a Member Association of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) in 2000.
Dr Helen Bonny (1921-2010, pictured left) was a qualified Music Therapist and researcher at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Centre and the Baltimore Psychiatric Centre, USA, in the 1970s. Grounded in her seminal work, the Bonny Method of GIM (BMGIM) is researched and practised world-wide, and has been offered in Australia since 1985. BMGIM is an individual receptive music psychotherapy approach originally based on humanistic and transpersonal psychology, which today incorporates a wide range of theoretical approaches and models. It is a potent synergy of verbal therapy, music and art, and is often used in a series of individually tailored psychotherapy sessions.
The day to day decisions of MIAA are made by the Council, which comprises between 6-10 people. In 2024 the positions are held by the following persons:
President: Louise Terry-Clark
Vice President: Vannie Ip-Winfield
Membership Secretary: Gail Godfrey
Treasurer: Vannie Ip-Winfield
Council members: Ann Maree Billings, Minky van der Walt, Satyamo Judy Roberts, Dr. Carman Cheong-Clinch
The PPC processes applications for Registration from persons who have completed an approved course of study in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music and is responsible for monitoring standards of professional practice, ethical conduct and professional development.
The Committee comprises:
Chair: Cherie Baxter
Committee members: Ann Maree Billings and Meran McKenzie
The Education and Training Committee oversees standards of education and training in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) in Australia and the requirements for approval of new education and training programs. It maintains standards of supervision and the training of trainers in GIM programs in Australia.
The Committee comprises:
Chair: Anja Tanhane
Committee members: Professor Denise Grocke, Cherie Baxter and Gail Godfrey
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MIAA is a Member Association of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Inc.
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