WHAT IS MUSIC IMAGERY THERAPY?

Music Imagery Therapy is a process, which uses therapeutic music to evoke images to facilitate change in individual, couple or group therapy. During this therapy the client listens to specifically chosen music, based on certain elements of the compositions selected by the therapist, to meet the clinical goals. These compositions include classical, new age or popular music. Initially, the client is induced into a comfortable relaxed state, which allows him or her to be more open to receive the healing qualities from the music imagery process. The client may experience visual imagery, feeling states and/or body responses as evoked by the music. Music Imagery Therapy can access healing images and repressed feelings from deep unconscious states, which lead to an exploration and resolution of major life issues.

When the music ends, the facilitator helps the client return from the relaxed state, and then therapist and client reflect on the inner experience, and begin the progress of integration. Music Imagery Therapy can be used with clients who are dealing with 'emotional stuckness', depression, anxiety and trauma, or who are on a spiritual or artistic journey.

BENEFITS OF MUSIC IMAGERY THERAPY

During the clinical sessions, the therapist can experience music as a “co-therapist”, offering support. The practitioner also receives therapeutic value by listening to the compositions. This tool is a powerful antidote to the isolation which private practice therapists often experience working alone, instead of in a community clinical setting.

Music Imagery Therapy also releases creative energy in the client and therapist, which can infuse the therapeutic relationship with a sense of safe play and lead to innovative solutions towards positive change.

A benefit for clients, which is not available in more traditional analytic modalities, is that clients have a tangible representation of their thoughts, feelings, associated images held in the imagery of their drawings. We can see a thematic story told in a series of drawings. For many clients, this collection offers a positive referencing of the changes made in the course of treatment.