Exploration of the Depth of GIM with Medical Patients
Yoshihara, Nami - Volume: 17
Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a form of music psychotherapy known for its in-depth capacity. GIM has been applied to various medical patients; however, literature shows that patients in medical
settings have physical limitations related to receiving GIM. The current research study asked why therapists use GIM with medical patients, how they perceive the depth of GIM, how limitations influence the therapists’ choice of the depth of GIM, and how therapists know the appropriate depth for medical patients. Modified grounded theory was used to analyze semistructured interviews with four GIM therapists. Five main categories emerged: Medical GIM, Past-present-future, Limitations, Competency, and Depth. The findings illustrated that the depth of GIM was understood through
a delicate balance among patients’ needs, limitations, and therapists’ competency.