1. Structure of the training in Guided Imagery and Music
The postgraduate training in Guided Imagery and Music is divided into a basic level, an intermediate level and an advanced level. Building on the competences of a previous psychotherapeutical and musical training, the candidates are sensitised to the specific therapeutic potential of music and imagination in the basic and intermediate levels of the Resource-oriented Music Imagination (RoMI). The advanced and deepened psychotherapeutic foundation of clinical work with The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) takes place in the Advanced level.
After completing the basic level (Module 1) and the intermediate level (Modules 2 and 3) and providing the certificates of achievement, this part of the training is concluded with a private law certificate in „Resource-oriented Music Imagination (RoMI)“, formerly „Music Imaginative Methods“ (MiMe), which the graduates can present in their respective contexts as proof of qualification. The RoMI-certificate attests to the competence to be able to integrate music in a supportive and resource-oriented sense into clinical work. Further it entitles to continue the advanced training in BMGIM.
The advanced level of BMGIM includes modules 4, 5, 6 and 7 and concludes at the IMIT with graduation in BMGIM. Only after graduation are therapists entitled to independently apply Guided Imagery and Music according to Helen Bonny in the sense of an integrative and psychodynamically oriented method with patients with various clinical disorders. The recognition of this graduation certificate by the European Association of Music and Imagery entitles the graduate to apply for the title „EAMI accredited BMGIM Therapist“, which is recognised worldwide as a confirmation of qualification.
Phases of attendence
The entire training at the IMIT comprises a total of 9-10 modules with presence phases lasting several days and/or online phases as well as periods for theoretical self-study, practice, documentation of practice, homework, teaching therapies and supervision.
The attendance phases comprise a total of 108 units (in Switzerland 144 units) of 45 minutes each in the certificate course RoMI in the basic and intermediate levels. The certificate entitles the holder to apply for accreditation as an EAMI accredited RoMI Therapist.
The subsequent further training in BMGIM in the advanced level comprises additional attendance phases with 120 units of 45 minutes each.
- Basic level (Module 1): 36 units
- Intermediate level (Module 2, 3 and if applicable 4): 36 units each (108-144 units)
(RoMI certificate)
- Advanced level (modules 4 – 7): 30 units each 120 units
Total training: 228 – 264 units
Graduation and Certification as Therapist for Guided Imagery and Music according to Helen Bonny (BMGIM). The certificate entitles the holder to apply for accreditation as an EAMI accredited BMGIM Therapist.
Self-study and practice
After the respective attendance phases, the further training candidates receive tasks for self-study, for practice and for practice documentation. Extensive material is provided for this purpose.
Self-experience and teaching therapy
The contents of the training in RoMI (basic and intermediate level) as well as the contents in BMGIM (advanced level) are experienced and taught in a theory-practice interweaving. During the attendance phases, the candidates therefore bring with them a motivation for self-awareness processes in the group.
In addition to the intensive musical self-awareness processes in the attendance phases, the candidates also explore themselves in individual teaching therapy in music-imaginative experience.
Supervision
Supervision of patient work with RoMI and the Bonny Method is supervised by IMIT supervisors outside of the attendance phases. This can take place in different forms: a) as ‚onsite‘ supervision (live), with the help of audio or video material with transcriptions and b) process-oriented continuously after every 5th session with patients.
2. Target Groups
The training is aimed at psychotherapeutically trained and clinically experienced therapists and psychotherapists (e.g. music therapists, art therapists, Gestalt therapists, licensed psychotherapists, psychiatrists and doctors of psychotherapeutic or psychosomatic medicine with previous musical training) who would like to specialise in GIM.
3. Entry requirements & procedure
The admission requirements are based on the Training Standards of the European Association of Music and Imagery (EAMI). At the IMIT, admission to the basic level of the training requires a degree in a psychotherapeutically informed training , e.g. Music Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Psychotherapy and at least two years of clinical work experience. The course director decides on the aptitude for music therapy and the ability to engage in an imaginative process through music in an aptitude interview and 1-2 trial sessions.