“My Headphones, they saved my life”
— Bjork ‘Headphones’
Music and Imagery Therapy (MIT)
What is MIT?
Listening to recorded music is used increasingly as a powerful way we can alleviate stress and facilitate the emotional processing of our daily experiences. Through the use of Apps and carefully curated playlists we are all developing finely-tuned, intuitive ways of seeking the music that can bring about a positive shift in our mood and feelings. Building on this universal capacity, MIT has been developed to take this process further, enabling a therapeutic experience with a client that can be deeply meaningful and transformative. At the supportive level, this client-centred method works by employing the positive and sustaining experiences (the resource) that the client brings at the heart of the creative encounter. In a structured but flexible session, the collaboration of therapist and client enables creative responses that build on the strength of the supportive resource, offering valuable insights and illumination. This is taken further at the re-educative level, where the client can be supported in finding a new relationship to past trauma and difficult feelings and experiences.
How does it work?
As a Music Therapist, I bring a high level of experience and attunement in suggesting music that can connect with the client’s experience. Sessions can be offered at the supportive level as a short-term, 7-session series taking place fortnightly following a thorough Assessment. Sessions can work in person or online.
Who can it help?
The method is, I believe, a powerful tool in supporting people through life transitions. It can also be used longer term, sometimes in alternation with active Music Therapy, to gently address ongoing issues such as depression, anxiety and chronic illness. Sessions can also be of immense value to supporting individuals in a caring role. MIT is an evidence-based Psychotherapy Intervention in Continuum Method developed by Lisa Summer. Musical resources reflect a wide variety of cultures and genres.
Sessions usually last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes
“Abby was incredibly helpful and guided me through the SMI process in a calm and caring manner. The experience was tremendously helpful and equipped me with the skills to deal with the issues that I face. I would definitely recommend seeing Abby.”
- Client
“Music, as a structured envelope of sound, is probably the most effective and safe opener to the doors of the psyche. It reaches beyond personal defences to the realities and beauties of the person. Music gives access to the discovery of inner strength, uncovers the potential for creativity, and manifests ways in which life can be lived from a centre of inner security.”
— Helen Bonny
