Introductory Course in

Guided Imagery and Music (Bonny Method) 2025

 

This Introductory Course in GIM (Bonny Method) is a hybrid program that covers 37 instructional hours. It is taught in two parts – part 1 is two days online, part 2 is an intensive over three full days.

 

Part 1 topics include: Music & Imagery methods, including applications for children, young people, adult clients with health-related conditions and adults seeking personal growth, in individual and group contexts.

 

Part 2 is an introduction to the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). The course introduces trainees to the core elements of the Bonny Method of GIM, and three Bonny Method music programs, experienced both as a guide and as a traveller. There will be experiential sessions conducted in pairs (dyads).

Please note that it is a condition of the training that you engage in the experiential sessions.

 

At the end of the Introductory course, therapists can use Music & Imagery with individuals and groups in their existing practice, and a range of other creative techniques such as Music Drawing & Narrative (MDN). Introductory training is a pre-requisite for Advanced Training in GIM.

 

For Australian music therapists, the 37 hours of teaching and learning and can be counted toward Continuing Professional Development under “Receptive Music Therapy.”

​

PRE-REQUISITES

The course is open to qualified therapists and health care professionals who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their field, plus clinical experience. A background in music will be an advantage.

 

SCHEDULE:

Part 1:  Part 1 comprises two days training online.

Dates are:  Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6, 2025, 9:30 – 5:00 (EST) with scheduled breaks.

Content includes: Intentional listening, Music for Supportive MI, Using scripts, Definitions of Guided Imagery and Music, Session Structure, Relaxations inductions and Dialogue interventions.

 

Part 2:  Part 2 is conducted as an intensive, held at the Treacy Centre, 126 The Avenue, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria. 

Dates: Friday August 22nd commencing with dinner at 6:30 and concluding at approximately 3:00 on Monday August 25th after lunch. Scheduling arrangements will allow participants who require public transport to get to Tullamarine, in order to catch flights interstate or internationally.

Content: The content includes applications of the Bonny Method of GIM and working in groups. We will also study two Bonny Method music programs, and three dyads in which participants experience being a traveller and a guide.

​

 

ACCOMMODATION

There is no accommodation at the Treacy Centre, however there is the Parkmore Motel within walking distance: https://www.hotel.com.au/melbourne/the-parkmore-hotel.htm, or at other hotels in Carlton.

 

MEALS

Breakfast is available at Parkmore for additional cost to the room. Lunch and morning and afternoon teas are included in the price at Treacy Centre. Dinner on Friday night and Saturday night are at the Treacy Centre and included in the cost. Dinner on Sunday is by your own arrangements.

 

APPLICATION DATES:

Application forms are available from Denise Grocke at d.grocke@unimelb.edu.au

Applications close Friday June 20th, 2025.

 

REFERENCES:

Two references are required. Please ensure that the referees are aware of the cut-off date.  Referee forms are available from 

Denise Grocke at d.grocke@unimelb.edu.au and close Friday June 20th, 2025.

 

Fees: 
2-day online component: $250; 3-day intensive $1400 – total $1650.

A deposit of $250 is required at the time of making application to secure a place. It covers the cost of days 1 and 2.  The balance $1400 can be paid in two instalments (to be arranged individually), or in one payment no later than Friday August 22nd.

 

Payable to:

Avalon GIM Training

BSB: 733-033 (WPC)

Account number: 591562​

 

CANCELLATION FEE:

Should you not be accepted into the course the deposit will be returned to you. However, if you are accepted into the course and cancel for personal reasons within 7 days before the course commences, the deposit will not be returned. In the event the course has to be cancelled for other reasons (e.g., insufficient enrolments), all fees will be refunded.

 

THE TEACHING TEAM:

Dr Denise Grocke (Primary Trainer) and Associate Trainer Cherie Baxter.

​

​

​