The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (GIM)

Music can safely induce non-ordinary states without relying on the use of psychotropic medications

GIM, a brief history: The Bonny Method of Guided Music & Imagery began at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center in the 1960s when researchers, including Helen Bonny, were provided grants to explore altered, or non-ordinary states of consciousness through psychedelic experiences. Later, Helen Bonny, a classically trained musician and music therapist, continued her research independently on music’s capacity for inducing non-ordinary states and providing a container for healing without a psychedelic component. She integrated the power of music and the knowledge of healing in non-ordinary states of consciousness to develop The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, which is sometimes referred to as GIM.

GIM provides experiential explorations of consciousness with music

If you struggle with anxiety or the effects of trauma and have experienced unintentional reactions to personal interactions or situations that you can’t really explain, you know how extremely frustrating and discouraging this can be. Learning rational coping skills can certainly help, but sometimes our emotional brain continues to express itself in uncomfortable or unwelcome ways. Additional challenges might also include struggling to maintain boundaries, developing patterns of unhealthy attachments, avoiding emotions, disconnecting from our bodies, and enduring what might feel like a disproportionate sensitivity to the world around us. Responses can improve over time, but sometimes our bodies hold onto patterns related to traumatic experiences below the surface of our conscious awareness and we can benefit from exploring these patterns through a safe, experiential lens.

Therapy that connects with your innate wisdom and inner voice

Our rational brain can understand why we might react, but it doesn’t help keep us from feeling threatened by things we can’t explain or from surrendering to intense reactions. The only way we can really connect with the emotional brain and restore our body’s faulty alarm systems is through deep self-awareness.

Using music and the client’s own imagery as co-therapists, GIM encourages the intentional exploration of emotions, perceptions, visual and sensory imagery, and somatic responses, which can lead to increased self-awareness and emotional and spiritual growth. This deep, personal work allows for healing, transformation, and acceptance of one’s whole self.

Experience with the Bonny Method process allows one to connect with the wisdom of the body and subconscious mind. I use this modality with clients to validate feelings, encourage movement in and through difficult emotions, explore belief systems and core values, release blocks to creativity, and support clients in learning to trust the process of healing.

A world of insight is within all of us

I’m Jess Talley, a certified Fellow of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. I have had years of training and supervision in the Bonny Method and in understanding the essential ethical considerations necessary when working with clients experiencing non-ordinary states of consciousness. Inspired and encouraged by the motto, “You can only take clients as far as you are willing to go” I happily embark on personal GIM adventures to support movement through my own blocks, emotions, and fears. For all of us, the journey of self-awareness is an ongoing process.

In GIM sessions, music becomes a co-therapist and my role as a guide and witness is to support clients as they become travelers through sound, imagery, and sensations to explore inner landscapes and personal dimensions. Along the way, clients may move in and through difficult or painful feelings, learn to recognize and strengthen inner resources, and discover ways to build new narratives about how they show up in their lives. Throughout this process, I’m committed to providing safety, compassion, validation, and unconditional acceptance of each client’s unique journey.

When you’re ready to truly heal your connection with your authentic self, the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music provides the experiential opportunity and sacred space to bridge body, mind, spirit, and soul.

Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about GIM and your innate wisdom.