There is significant evidence for the positive effect of music listening to reduce stress, enhance mood, celebrate, and mourn. The music psychology literature indicates that we listen to music intentionally throughout the day sometimes for many hours. Therapists therefore might include a discussion of the role of music in their client’s lives, as part of a deeper understanding of how clients regulate affect. The Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) literature demonstrates that focused music listening enhances an active imagination, so that images, thoughts, memories and body sensations can be explored in a relaxed state. Music has a central role in GIM and elements of music influence imagery in myriad ways.
GIM can be practiced within a mindfulness-based philosophy for groups, or as individual therapy across a series of sessions. This workshop explores the elements of music that enhance relaxation/stress reduction and stimulate an active imagination, applications of group music and imagery for clients undergoing treatment for drug and alcohol dependence, and a case study of a woman’s search for wellbeing and creative inspiration that articulates the role of music as psychotherapy.
