Graduate music therapists’ experiences of using the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music as a form of supervision: A creative process for exploring work-based issues, professional identity, and personal wellbeing

Journal

Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2026

Abstract

Music therapy graduates experience significant challenges as they transition into the workforce, including feelings of isolation, overwhelm, and low professional confidence. Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) as a form of supervision offers flexible, creative opportunities for deep internal personal and professional exploration. However, research has not explored GIM as a form of supervision with music therapy graduates. This study explored the experiences of four music therapy graduates who participated in semi-structured interviews following a series of six GIM sessions as a form of supervision. Interview data were examined using thematic analysis. Findings revealed a central theme of “Emerging Professional Identity,” which recognised internal and professional transitions. Five interrelated sub-themes contributed to the central theme: (a) Experiential – acknowledging the client role and supervisor modelling; (b) Creative Processing – a unique opportunity to explore the professional self through music listening and drawing; (c) Personal Work - recognising the complexity of personal issues impacting the professional self; (d) Transforming – exploring individual ways of being a music therapist as opposed to doing music therapy; (e) Reflexivity – described as deep awareness of interpersonal dynamics within therapeutic relationships. The process of GIM as a form of supervision offered a creative space using music and drawing to explore previously unconscious issues influencing practice, gain personal and professional insights, and experience music therapy as a client. Findings suggest that GIM as form of supervision supports music therapy graduates to integrate their personal and professional selves and could complement traditional talking-based supervision.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Wellness and Well-Being; Mental Health; Music Therapy; Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music; Self Concept; Subjective Measures; Healthcare Professionals

Indexed Terms

graduates; Guided imagery and music; professional identity; professional practice; supervision

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

PubMed ID

Publisher: Routledge _eprint: https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2025.2488757

Document Type

Article

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