What is GIM?

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music is a music-centered, consciousness-expanding therapy developed by Helen Bonny. Therapists trained in the Bonny Method choose classical music sequences that stimulate journeys of the imagination. Experiencing imagery in this way facilitates clients’ integration of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual


Association for Music and Imagery http://ami-bonnymethod.org/

Who can take this training?

The GIM Training is designed for interested professionals with a background in music therapy, music, counselling, creative arts therapies, and related health care professions. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. This training is endorsed by the Association for Music and Imagery.

What will happen in this training?

Introductory GIM (Level I) training provides opportunities to learn the basic components and philosophy of the Bonny Method. It includes didactic and experiential components; a thorough introduction to the fundamental introductory music programs; instruction in the therapeutic effects of classical music and the facilitation of imagery with music; demonstration and practice of beginning guiding techniques; exploration of adaptations of this work; and personal experiences with GIM as a therapist and as an imager. Advanced training in GIM is necessary before a student is fully qualified to practice this therapy.

Training dates

April 19-23, 2023

GIM Introductory Training (GIM Level 1)

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music

 

  • Training of 5 consecutive days
  • Daily Schedule
    9 am-12:30 pm, 2-5 pm, 6-8:30 pm
  • Location
    Department of Creative Arts Therapies
    Concordia University, Montreal, QC. Canada

Our Team

Guylaine Vaillancourt

PhD, MTA, Primary Trainer

Guylaine Vaillancourt is a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI) since 1994, who trained with Madeleine Ventre at the Creative Therapies Institute (New York, US). Since 2011 she has assisted and offered training in The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) at Concordia University (Montreal, Canada) and Acadia University (Wolfville, Canada) for the Inner Journey with GIM-Canada program directed by Liz Moffitt. She became a Primary trainer in GIM in 2016 and is pursuing her practice as a GIM supervisor and therapist. She holds a master’s degree in music therapy from New York University (US) and a PhD in Leadership and Changes in the Professions from Antioch University (Ohio, US). Music Therapist certified (MTA) by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) for over 30 years, she has specialized in oncology, palliative care, and mental health. She received the Canadian Association for Music Therapy’s Peer Recognition Award in 2013 and served as president on the CAMT and Association québécoise de musicothérapie boards. She is an Associate professor in Music Therapy and the Chair of the Department of Creative Arts Therapies at Concordia University. She also worked as a Registered Nurse in intensive and coronary care units and in hemodialysis. In the last 40 years, she has worked in Switzerland, United States and Venezuela, in addition to teaching music therapy at various universities in Montreal, in Martinique, France, and Cuba.


Laurel Young

PhD, MTA, Assistant trainer

Laurel Young is a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI) since 2009 who trained with the Inner Journey with GIM Canada program directed by Liz Moffitt. As part of this program, she has assisted with The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) training held at Concordia University (Montreal, Canada) and Acadia University (Wolfville, Canada) and has served as a GIM supervisor and therapist. She holds a master’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Canada) and a PhD from Temple University (Philadelphia, US) in music therapy. She is a music therapist certified (MTA) by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) and holds a psychotherapy permit under the Order of Psychologists of Québec. Laurel Young is also an Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Graduate Programs’ Coordinator at Concordia University. Prior to joining Concordia in 2011, she was the Professional Leader of Creative Arts Therapies at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, Canada) and has over 25 years of diverse clinical experience. Laurel has received awards from Wilfrid Laurier University and Temple University for outstanding contributions to the field of music therapy. In 2014, she received the Canadian Association of Music Therapists’ Research and Publications Award.  She has also authored several publications, presented internationally, and served on the CAMT and Canadian Music Therapy Fund Boards. 


Ruth Roberts

MMT, MTA, Assistant Trainer

Ruth Roberts is a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI) who trained with the Inner Journey with GIM Canada program directed by Liz Moffitt. She assists and offers individual sessions with The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) training at Concordia University (Montreal, Canada). She holds a master’s degree in music therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Canada) and is a music therapist certified (MTA) by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) from the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (Canada).  She is a health care professional with over 20 years experience as a music therapist and 20 years as a Registered Nurse. She initiated music therapy at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, (Canada) in 1999 and is also working in long term care.  She is specialized in childhood trauma, women's issues, end of life, grief/bereavement, and spiritual development.


Martine Létourneau

MA, MTA, Assistant Trainer

Martine Létourneau is a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI) who trained with the Inner Journey with GIM Canada program directed by Liz Moffitt.  She offers individual sessions and assists with The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) training offered at Concordia University (Montreal, Canada). She holds a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy (Concordia University) and a master’s degree in Musicology (Université de Montréal). She is a music therapist certified (MTA) by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. She specializes in grieving work and has also clinical experience in geriatrics, developmental disabilities, oncology, and palliative care.


Sarah Milis

MA, MTA

Sarah Milis is a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery (FAMI) who trained with the Inner Journey with GIM Canada program directed by Liz Moffitt.  She serves as a therapist and supervisor with The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)training offered at Concordia University (Montreal, Canada). She holds a master’s degree in Music Therapy (Concordia University) and is a music therapist certified (MTA) by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) who specializes in oncology and palliative care, she also acquired clinical experience in mental, health, geriatrics, and developmental disabilities. Finally, she is an accomplished violinist. 

Guided Imagery and Music / Eastern Canada

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