Level I Training

The introductory training in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music at Appalachian State University is taught as a 5-day, 45-hour intensive in a beautiful retreat setting off-campus. This immersion in the Bonny Method offers experienced therapists an entryway into training in this method and provides advanced students in music therapy and counseling with an experiential taste of the power of music as an agent of change. A minimum of one personal GIM session with a trained facilitator is pre-requisite to this training; additional sessions are recommended.

Through lectures, demonstrations, and supervised experiences as guide and traveler, this Introductory Level training will prepare participants to demonstrate skill in facilitating relaxation and inductions [CBMT Scope of Practice III.A.3.g (1)] as well as emerging skill in

1. Basic guiding interventions [CBMT Scope of Practice III.A.5.h(1)]
2. Basic processing techniques [CBMT Scope of Practice III.A.5.d]
3. Imaging to music in an altered state of consciousness [CBMT Scope of Practice III.A.5.i].

Participants will also demonstrate basic knowledge of

1. Altered states of consciousness [CBMT Scope of Practice III.A.2.a]
2. Music for GIM [CBMT Scope of Practice III.A.4]
3. Transpersonal aspects of GIM [CBMT Scope of Practice III.A.2.a]
4. Clinical applications and contraindications [CBMT Scope of Practice II.A.5].

Following completion of the Level I training, the therapist may facilitate relaxation experiences or simple and structured music and imagery techniques (not GIM) with peers or with those groups or individuals in a clinical setting in which the therapist has experience and for whom such an intervention is indicated. Satisfactory completion of this training will meet the pre-requisite for GIM Level II training and may be used toward completion of requirements for becoming a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery.

Three hours of graduate academic credit (MUS 5060) are available through Appalachian State University. Students registering for academic credit will be required to complete follow up assignments. Those who have never attended Appalachian must apply for admission to the Graduate School and pay a $50.00 non-refundable application fee.

In addition, this training is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 45 continuing music therapy education credits. Credits awarded by CBMT also are accepted by the National Board for Certified Counselors. The Southeastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association (Approved Provider # P-024) maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria. This workshop is designed for music therapists and other mental health professionals. Advanced students also are welcomed.