Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)

Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a music psychotherapy approach developed by Helen Bonny, which involves listening to set music programmes in a relaxed state, specifically selected for the client’s needs to facilitate depth exploration. The therapist guides the client through the music, and supports the client in arriving at their own meaning and insight from the experience.

Here are some links to explore, should you wish to know more about GIM:

• Information videos from the Music and Imagery Association of Australia

• FAQs about GIM

Vocal Psychotherapy

Vocal Psychotherapy is a model of music psychotherapy developed by Dr Diane Austin. It involves the use of breath, sounds, vocal improvisation, songs, and dialogue within the therapeutic relationship to support interpersonal growth and change. The integration of voice and body within a safe relational space can be helpful for the processing of deep emotions, trauma and related mental health challenges.

You may find out more about vocal psychotherapy from the links below:

• Glimpse of a session

• Interview with Dr Diane Austin

Sandplay Therapy

Sandplay therapy is a non-verbal, bottom-up expressive psychotherapy approach. In the safe and contained space of the sand tray, the therapist witnesses the client’s formation and expression of their inner world, and journeys alongside the client to arrive at their own meaning and insight. The client is invited to share as much or as little as they wish about the world they have created in their tray. Sandplay therapy can be suitable for clients of all ages, and has been shown to be effective in supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, self-image issues, and other mental health challenges.

Sessions can meld a variety or combination of these approaches, including verbal processing, depending on the individual’s preferences and choice.