Facing Death Through Music: Palliative Patients’ Experience of Guided Imagery and Music
Sheila M. Killoran - Volume: 20
Music and imagery techniques can support the management of both the physical and psychosocial-spiritual needs of persons living with a life-limiting illness. The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)is a promising yet under-researched music psychotherapy method within the palliative care setting. In this study, six palliative inpatients received GIM sessions and participated in phenomenological interviews about their experience with the method. The resulting themes included (a) deep relaxation, (b) facing death, (c) messages of support, (d) diverse emotions, (e) relationship of self to past and present, (f) music as a guide, and (g) empowerment. Study participants benefited from using this method to help them cope with distressing symptoms and for emotional and spiritual processing at end of life. Applications for symptom management, clinical considerations, and future research directions are discussed.
Keywords: palliative care, Bonny Method, GIM, music therapy, spiritual support, symptom management, death anxiety
Killoran, S. M. (2023). Facing death through music: Palliative patients' experience of Guided Imagery and Music. Journal of the Association for Music and Imagery, 20, 27–50. https://doi.org/10.59451.jami.87535
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