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Focused Music Imagery (FMI) is a music psychotherapy technique that is facilitated by trained and credentialed therapists. It is adapted/derived from the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), which requires three levels of advanced training. Focused Music Imagery is a Level II training in GIM and qualifies clinicians to be accepted as associate members of the Association for Music & Imagery.  A trained therapist can facilitate either individual or group FMI sessions.

There are three elements in this technique: the music, the imagery, and the session guide:

• The music: the music will help session participants to stay in a current topic to work with an image.

• The imagery: the imagery that arises in you, as a session participant, will give you constant internal material with which to work and to relate to the session guides. That imagery can be positive or ambivalent.

• The session guide: The session guide provides the framework for the experiences and with verbal facilitation they can help the session participants to divide the images that arise into manageable pieces and connect them to inner resources.

You do not need to be a musician, play a musical instrument, or have artistic abilities to participate in FMI.

Each FMI session follows a consistent structure as follows:

• ~10 minutes/Prelude: We will start our session with short greetings and verbal check-in. We will also agree on a focus of imagery for the session (feeling relaxed/calm; comfortable place; or gratitude).

• ~10 minutes/Induction: We will do a brief relaxation spoken over recorded music. During the relaxation you will find a comfortable sitting position and you can close your eyes if you like. Our relaxation will direct you to the chosen focus of imagery.

• ~15 minutes/Music Listening: I will invite you to open your eyes and continue your imagery experience on paper by drawing.

• ~20 minutes/Postlude & Processing: We will verbally process your imagery experience referring to your drawings.

Group FMI sessions have a similar structure to the individual sessions. However, other creative activities might be incorporated such as movement or playing instruments. Our prelude/check in is longer to allow each group member to participate in the verbal check-in and for the group to agree on a common focus for the imagery. Our postlude and verbal processing also takes longer. Group sessions are 90 minutes and group size is between 5-7 participants.

Dr. Pasiali is a board-certified music therapist and teaches in the music therapy program at Queens University of Charlotte. She has completed specialized level 2 training on FMI and has worked as a board-certified music therapist since 2002.  Read more information. 

Adults who seek self-development, coping skills, and new insights can benefit from FMI.  This approach to treatment helps individual seek their own answers/solutions and identify what will work for them in addressing their needs. Please note that a good reality orientation is essential for FMI as imagery pauses some risks. FMI is not indicated for people with distorted perception of reality (e.g., psychosis) or suicidal ideation.