The Role of Guided Imagery and Music in Diagnosing Physical Illness or Trauma

This article addresses the use of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) with problems of a bodily nature, including physical illness or trauma. Connections between mind and body are outlined from the literature. The technique of GIM is described, its clinical application to physical illness and trauma is outlined and explained, and excerpts from three indicative case studies are presented. GIM-produced imagery sequences are discussed and analyzed in detail with regard to the nature and possibilities of preliminary diagnostic information concerning the physical status of the client. Of the three cases presented, the first addresses recalled memories of physical/sexual trauma elicited by the imagery; the second addresses current acute pain and possible cancer recurrence; the third deals with the ongoing physical status of a client in remission from cancer. In all cases, links between imagery and the body are established and interpretations made regarding physical status. The article concludes with ethical considerations, implications for treatment, and suggestions for further investigation in the use of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music with physical illness or trauma.