There are 5 Stages to work through to complete a successful GIM Therapy Session.
In each session, the client is referred to as The Traveler and the therapist as The Guide.
In each session, the client is referred to as The Traveler and the therapist as The Guide.
- Pre-Session & Music Selection
- Each session begins with a general discussion and check-in to determine a particular focus or intention that the Traveler would like to address during his or her session/ journey. The intention gives purpose and meaning to the journey and enables the Guide to choose the appropriate or prescriptive music for the session. The music not only represents the client’s intention, but it also matches the Traveler’s current mood and energy.
- Each session begins with a general discussion and check-in to determine a particular focus or intention that the Traveler would like to address during his or her session/ journey. The intention gives purpose and meaning to the journey and enables the Guide to choose the appropriate or prescriptive music for the session. The music not only represents the client’s intention, but it also matches the Traveler’s current mood and energy.
- Relaxation/Induction
- The Traveler lies down on a massage table, is invited to close their eyes and the Guide engages them in a short relaxation that may focus on breathing, body scanning, the release of tension/stress, or focus on a Traveler’s already established relaxation techniques. Through this induction, the Traveler naturally transitions into an altered state of consciousness, not to be mistaken with hypnosis. The Traveler has complete control and directs the session. The intention is reiterated to the client again as the music begins.
- The Travel
- In guided imagery and music, the music is seen as the co-therapist and partners with the guided. It can act upon the mind, body and spirit of the traveler and naturally cab elicit images, feelings, memories, and intuitions. The Guide begins to ask questions which helps the Traveler to focus on the emerging imagery. A dialogue forms between the Guide and Traveler which continues for the duration of the travel. The Guide takes notes, tracking the dialogue that is exchanged between the Traveler and Guide throughout the travel for use in reflection and integration in the post-session.
- In guided imagery and music, the music is seen as the co-therapist and partners with the guided. It can act upon the mind, body and spirit of the traveler and naturally cab elicit images, feelings, memories, and intuitions. The Guide begins to ask questions which helps the Traveler to focus on the emerging imagery. A dialogue forms between the Guide and Traveler which continues for the duration of the travel. The Guide takes notes, tracking the dialogue that is exchanged between the Traveler and Guide throughout the travel for use in reflection and integration in the post-session.
- Closure and Integration
- This occurs after the music has ended. The Traveler is prepared to return to his or her ordinary state through the instruction of the guide.
- This occurs after the music has ended. The Traveler is prepared to return to his or her ordinary state through the instruction of the guide.
- Post-Session
- The Guide helps the Traveler process his or her travel to determine any insights or messages that they received and how it may relate to their original intention. The Traveler is often invited to complete a mandala (or circular drawing) that reflects what their experience was. This enables the traveler to further integrate their experience, gain closure and fully return to an alert state.
- The Guide helps the Traveler process his or her travel to determine any insights or messages that they received and how it may relate to their original intention. The Traveler is often invited to complete a mandala (or circular drawing) that reflects what their experience was. This enables the traveler to further integrate their experience, gain closure and fully return to an alert state.
