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Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music
“The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music is a music-centered, consciousness-expanding therapy developed by Dr. Helen L. Bonny. Therapists trained in the Bonny Method choose music sequences that stimulate journeys of the imagination. Experiencing imagery in this way facilitates clients’ integration of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of well-being“.
- The Association for Music & Imagery-
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Verbal Counseling Psychotherapy
My aim is to build a relationship between us that supports you to fully experience your present circumstances & challenges, make sense of past factors that are related to your present and in creating a positive path forward in your life. My goal is to understand your perspective and to support your vision of your life. I have specific training in Trauma Therapy, Grief Counseling, and Mindfulness-based therapy.
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Music & Expressive Arts Therapy
The sensitive and therapeutic use of music and other expressive arts modalities to meet a range of self-identified needs. A personalized process that can include active musicking, receptive approaches, improvisational explorations, expressive art, poetry and somatic movement. For individuals and groups.
Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music
“The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music is a music-centered, consciousness-expanding therapy developed by Dr. Helen L. Bonny. Therapists trained in the Bonny Method choose music sequences that stimulate journeys of the imagination. Experiencing imagery in this way facilitates clients’ integration of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of well-being“.
Guided Imagery and Music (Bonny Method and its adaptations: music imagery, focused music imagery, continuum music imagery, group imaging) harnesses the image stimulating properties of music to help bridge the unconscious and conscious minds thereby projecting personally significant imagery into conscious awareness. Experienced in a deeply relaxed state of consciousness and with the assistance of a guide, imaginal experiences can offer insight as well as reconstructive experiences that affect therapeutic change in a gentle and non-invasive manner.
Bonny method sessions last at least 90 minutes and includes a Prelude (check in), Music & Imagery session, a Postlude (processing of the experience) and potentially a concretizing experience (mandala or alternative).
Other adaptations of the method may be experienced in a standard 50 minute therapy hour. These may be covered by insurance if there is a corresponding diagnosis.
While the work can certainly be experienced in single sessions, it is recommended that Imaginal psychotherapy be undertaken in a series. I offer 6 and 12 session series. Summative sessions are included in the series.
Photo credit Terra Merrill
Verbal Counseling Psychotherapy
I believe that there is a creative potential in each person that allows them to process life challenges, transition and change, and to strive for wholeness and healing. The trusting relationship is healing in and of itself and I strive to create a warm and positive counseling environment that is supportive of that trust.
My aim is to build a relationship between us that supports you to fully experience your present circumstances & challenges, make sense of past factors that are related to your present and in creating a positive path forward in your life. My goal is to understand your perspective and to support your vision of your life.
I work from a client-centered perspective and offer creative approaches to life challenges through trauma-informed approaches, mindfulness cognitive therapy and arts-integrative approaches. My knowledge of neuroscience grounds my use of mind-body approaches to trauma and anxiety including that which is grief related. My training in dialectical behavior therapy as a music and expressive arts therapist informs my approach to distress tolerance and life management. I have experience and additional training in grief counseling.
My goal is to provide you with a respectful, non-judgmental, collaborative, and supportive environment where you feel comfortable disclosing personal issues. We will work on identifying goals that are important to you and help you explore ways you can achieve those goals. If at any time, you find that this therapeutic process is not meeting your needs, you have a right to request a change in direction or discontinue treatment.
Neurodivergent and LGBTQ allied
Music & Expressive Arts Therapy
I have been a music therapist for 36 years. I received my training in Canada and completed my PhD at Michigan State University. My clinical music therapy work has focused on medical music therapy and end-of-life care (Palliative and Hospice). I have many years of experience working with older adults and families of older adults living with life-altering conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Neurodegenerative disorders (various types of dementia). I am a published author, consultant and professor of music therapy.
I use music and other expressive arts modalities as either a primary or an accompanying treatment with other psychotherapeutic modalities.
I have a small number of spaces in this practice for direct music therapy services to individuals in care- either at home or in a residential living community.
I am also available to speak to groups, and I offer trainings and supervision for music therapists in advanced practice concepts and techniques. Please contact me if you are interested in any of these services.