The purpose of this study was to solicit information from Fellows of the Association for Music and Imagery concerning their use of the method known as Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). Modifications to the individual and group forms of GIM that were created by Helen Bonny in the 1970s have been reported in the literature over the past 30 years, but the prevalence of these practices is unknown. Based on distinctions provided by Bruscia (2002a), an anonymous electronic survey was designed to gather data on the extent to which original and modified forms of GIM found in the literature are currently practiced. In addition, data were gathered on the basic demographics of GIM fellows, as well as characteristics of their clients and their delivery of GIM treatment. Results indicated that the original Bonny Method practices were frequently used by a majority of GIM fellows. All of the modifications included in the survey were also practiced, although less frequently than original Bonny Method practices. T-tests and ANOVAs were computed to identify significant differences between GIM fellows' use of practices, and, their demographics and delivery of GIM treatment. Pearson correlations were computed to identify significant relationships between GIM fellows' use of practices and their clients' characteristics. A number of significant results were found and discussed. Results of factor analyses indicated that the boundary distinctions between the original Bonny Method and modified practices as articulated by Bruscia (2002a) are reflected in GIM fellows' frequency ratings for these practices. It is recommended that the GIM community adopt a system for distinguishing boundaries between practices, conduct research to determine where Bonny Method and modified practices are learned and for what purposes they are used, and to use this information to inform GIM training and practice. / Music Therapy

The aim of this qualitative study was to conduct a naturalistic examination of the process of a music therapy group with preverbal individuals on the autistic spectrum. The study involved a music therapy treatment process, based on music-centered music therapy and music psychotherapy, that occurred in 16 sessions over a period of approximately four months. The study investigated the nature of the clinical process, the elements that characterized the intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics of the group, and the way participants engaged with and utilized the music in their intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions. The research design was one originally developed by Smeijsters and Storm (1996) in which the researcher functions in an ongoing consultative role to the therapists as the therapy process proceeds. The study investigated and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of Smeijsters and Storm’s (1996) model. The analyses of the 16 sessions revealed that all the studied clients were able to operate, in terms of intra-relationship, according to Greenspan and Wieder’s (2006) first developmental stage: they demonstrated interest, curiosity, and initiative. In terms of inter-relationship, they were able to operate according to Greenspan and Wieder’s (2006) developmental second stage: they engaged and established relationship with others. It was concluded that music had a relevant role in the process of assessing, treating, and evaluating the individuals in the group. / Music Therapy