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BONNY
METHOD GUIDED IMAGERY AND MUSIC
Linda uses the effective healing tool of Guided Imagery and
Music (GIM) to help children find ways to apply newfound insights
in their daily life challenges.
Linda shares, "I have seen how GIM helps children and
teens take an honest look at themselves. This process is a catalyst
to help them move from a stuck, troublesome place, to a new view
of themselves. From this new perspective, they can relate to themselves
and others more effectively."
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music
(GIM)?
How was Bonny Method GIM developed?
What are the benefits of GIM?
Who can benefit from GIM sessions?
What is a session with Linda like?
Who practices The Bonny Method?
Is there a certification process for facilitators
of The Bonny Method?
How is Bonny Method GIM different from guided
imagery with music for relaxation?
Is the Bonny Method GIM used for
individuals or for groups?
Is there research to support the Bonny Method
GIM?
Why is Bonny Method GIM helpful for the child?
Can the Bonny Method GIM help my child deal
with fears?
WHAT IS THE BONNY METHOD OF GUIDED IMAGERY
AND MUSIC (GIM)?
Bonny Method GIM is a music-oriented exploration of self-awareness.
This method gives clients the opportunity to go into their sense
of self and discover their own uniqueness. It is a place and space
to develop understanding and open the doors to creativity.
GIM sessions offer clients the opportunity to integrate mental,
emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of well-being. Using the
healing power of music and a dynamic unfolding of inner experiences,
the client can bring about therapeutic change in a safe and supportive
environment.
HOW WAS THE BONNY METHOD GIM
DEVELOPED?
The Bonny Method of GIM was developed by music therapist, Helen
L. Bonny, Ph.D. While performing on her violin, she had an extraordinary
experience that inspired her and opened her awareness to the power
of music for positive change and healing. She worked with clients
in a relaxed state of consciousness and observed that the music
was evoking spontaneous and creative imagery, frequently leading
to life-enhancing insights and transformation. Inspired by this
work, she developed the method now known as The Bonny Method of
GIM.
WHAT
ARE THE BENEFITS OF GIM?
• Learn to relax and deal with stress.
• Build self-esteem.
• Develop self-awareness, inner listening, and self-understanding.
• Find creative solutions to life challenges.
• Explore new possibilities and creativity.
• Heal past trauma and loss.
• Discover and expand heart qualities (qualities of the spirit).
• Increase physical, mental and emotional well-being and health.
• Expand spiritual awareness.
• Get in touch with emotions.
• Better integrate body, emotions, mind, and spirit.
WHO
CAN BENEFIT FROM GIM SESSIONS?
Music and Imagery is suitable for people who:
• have anxiety and stress disorders.
• are dealing with emotional blocks.
• are working through major life issues.
• are in a transition phase.
• are dealing with an illness.
• have addictive patterns of behavior.
• are searching for self-identity.
The Bonny Method has been used effectively with adults, adolescents, children, persons in recovery, psychiatric inpatients, terminally ill patients and others. Linda Powell’s area of expertise is in working with children and teens. She has been successfully using GIM with children and teens since she graduated from the GIM program in 1992.
WHAT IS A SESSION WITH LINDA LIKE?
The child/teen indicates an issue or aspect of their life they would
like to explore. Linda chooses music that will be most effective
in meeting the client’s unique needs.
Linda guides the session while the child/teen listens to music in
a relaxed state. The child/teen allows their own images to come
to conscious awareness and expression. These images may include
visuals, feeling states, memories, awarenesses, and/or body responses.
This process encourages discovery and awareness in a supportive
environment. When the music ends, the child/teen will have an opportunity
to explore applications of the session in their daily life.
WHO PRACTICES THE BONNY METHOD?
GIM facilitators are graduates of the three-year Bonny Method training
programs endorsed by the Association for Music and Imagery (AMI).
AMI is the national organization that sets standards for the field.
Many facilitators hold GIM training as a career specialization,
acquired in addition to the other degrees the facilitator holds,
much like a post-graduate degree. Facilitators adhere to the AMI
Code for Ethical Conduct
and Standards of Practice.
IS THERE A CERTIFICATION PROCESS
FOR FACILITATORS OF THE BONNY METHOD?
Each AMI-endorsed
training program has entry and graduation requirements which follow
guidelines established by the AMI. Facilitators train in those aspects
of therapeutic skills necessary for working with clients in their
area of professional expertise. Graduates of these programs may
apply to the AMI for recognition as Fellows of the Association.
Linda completed her GIM training and was recognized as a Fellow
in 1992.
HOW IS BONNY METHOD GIM DIFFERENT
FROM GUIDED IMAGERY WITH MUSIC FOR RELAXATION?
The Bonny Method has specific therapeutic goals. The facilitator
is professionally trained to lead a session designed to meet the
specific needs of the client. Integral parts of the GIM process
include the following: specific music to elicit and support the
spontaneous imagery process of the client, guidance through the
imagery process, and exploration of practical applications in daily
life.
In contrast, the goal of guided imagery and music for relaxation is simply relaxation. Thus, images and music used are chosen solely for their ability to promote and support relaxation.
IS THE BONNY METHOD GIM
USED FOR INDIVIDUALS OR FOR GROUPS?
GIM is primarily a dynamic process between client and therapist,
but can be adapted by experienced facilitators to include group
processes. Linda provides sessions for individuals and groups.
IS THERE RESEARACH TO SUPPORT BONNY
METHOD GIM?
Many written accounts of the effectiveness and applications of Bonny
Method GIM are found in The Journal of the Association for Music
and Imagery, professional periodicals, and resource newsletters.
WHY IS BONNY METHOD GIM HELPFUL
FOR THE CHILD?
Some children spend many hours staring at TV, movies, computer games,
and commercial advertising. This passive experience is different
from the creative and healing experience of discovering the power
of one’s own imagery. Through Bonny Method GIM, a child can
develop skills of imagery so that what is conceived in inner images
and experiences can then be brought into outer form on the screen
of life. This is a learned life skill that prepares the child for
success.
CAN THE BONNY METHOD GIM HELP MY
CHILD DEAL WITH FEARS?
Fears can be addressed in a safe
place where the child is heard and supported in moving through these
fears. Fears get bigger when they are suppressed and hidden. The
Bonny Method GIM session provides a space where fears can be acknowledged,
expressed and faced in a way appropriate to the child’s situation.
DESCRIPTION
OF SERVICES
Adawehi Institute
92 Adawehi Lane
Columbus, NC 28722
828-894-5260
Contact: Linda T. Powell
info@storiesmusicandimagery.com
Age of clients: children and teens
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
• Full hour of Bonny Method GIM with music specifically chosen
to explore the existing issue
1 hour – $50
• Half hour sessions with short piece of music (appropriate
for the younger child)
1/2 hour – $25
GROUP SESSIONS
• Group Sessions of 2 to 4 clients for one hour
$25 per client
ON-LOCATION SESSIONS
• Linda is willing to discuss giving on-location sessions
for individuals or groups.