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The Integrative GIM Training programme
The UK based Integrative Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) Training Programme provides online training in Music and Imagery (MI) and GIM for those already suitably qualified as therapists in the UK and Europe. Therapists eligible to train include music therapists, other creative arts therapists, psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists who have a minimum of one year's post qualification experience and are registered with a professional regulating body such as HCPC, BACP or UKCP.
Please note that it is not possible to practice the Music and Imagery (MI) and Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) methods taught safely or effectively, nor train in them without having a prior therapeutic training. MI and GIM training is specialist or advanced level training which develop and expand therapist's existing competencies (knowledge and skills).
The Integrative Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) Training Programme was founded by Martin Lawes after he was endorsed as a GIM Primary Trainer by the Association for Music and Imagery (AMI) in 2013, the training programme endorsed in 2015. Martin continues as the course director with Helen Wallace-Bell assistant director. A team of trainers, supervisors and affiliated therapists are involved in the delivery of the programme and in providing the associated supervision and personal therapy.
The training programme was the first in Europe to teach the MI methods taught. It was Sumi Paik-Maier who began this as assistant course director in 2016. Sumi was the first practitioner anywhere in the world to complete doctorial research in MI, having taught MI as assistant trainer for 10 years previously in South Korea. MI training was originally integrated within the training provided in the Bonny Method of GIM. MI is now taught separately in accord with international trends in training in Europe. Whilst MI training is complete in itself, for those who undertake additional training in GIM, MI and GIM can be integrated in practice.
The Integrative Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) Training Programme is insured to issue qualifications and certificates of competence in MI and in GIM. Those who complete both Levels 1 and 2 training in Supportive and Re-educative MI respectively, are eligible to register with Music Imagery Hub as Music Imagery Therapists and be listed as such.
MI training outline
Both Level 1 training (in Supportive Music and Imagery, SMI) and Level 2 training (in Re-educative Music and Imagery, RMI) begin with a training seminar taking place online over two consecutive weekends. In each case this is followed by a period of supervised client work, taking around 6 months to complete or more if needed. Those engaged in training also receive personal MI therapy, learn to use MI as self-care and develop a music pool suitable to use with clients. Various self-reflective learning and literature review reports are completed to consolidate the learning process which concludes with a case presentation.
For those considering training Music Imagery Hub runs an annual MI symposium. This includes an introductory session about MI followed by case presentations.
GIM adaptations training outline
The Certificate in GIM Adaptations consists of 9-days training spread over a 9-month period. The techniques taught are Music Breathing, Progressive Body Relaxation, and Directed Music Imaging. There are self-experience, client work and other practical requirements to complete in between the 2-3 day training seminars, with a music pool and reflective learning report required to complete the training. Group supervision is included in the training seminars.