The "With That In Mind" Podcast · Red Bird Mental Health Services

Episode 37: With That In Mind | Exploring the Bonny Method: Music Therapy for Healing Trauma and Addiction

·50 min·3 clips

Jim breaks addiction recovery into physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

1. The With That In Mind Podcast episode focuses on the Bonnie Method of music therapy and guided imagery for trauma and addiction. 2. Dr. Megan Velozorzi hosts the discussion as owner of Redbird Mental Health, with Jim Borling as a board-certified music therapist and Chris Morrison as a counselor in Guided Imagery and Music training. 3. The episode asks what music therapy can do when talk therapy is not enough and why intentional music matters in clinical work. 4. Jim Borling says music can be making, listening, moving, imaging, writing, or singing, and he calls it a versatile, dynamic, eclectic way of engaging people. 5. Chris Morrison says music therapy uses music intentionally to target a specific goal and to help someone live a better life. 6. Both guests describe music as an entry point when clients already relate to songs, lyrics, or listening habits. 7. Jim names Helen Bonny as the originator of the Bonnie Method of Guided Imagery in Music. 8. He says the method combines intentional music, a non-ordinary or expanded state of consciousness, and self-generated imagery from the client. 9. He places the method in the 1960s and early 1970s, alongside behavior modification, Freud, and emerging transpersonal psychology. 10. Jim says Helen Bonny had no initial intention to develop the method but changed direction after experiences as a professional violinist. 11. He says the method supports deep exploration and integration of body, mind, and spirit. 12. Jim also says he knew Helen and saw her be shunned by parts of the professional community before the field caught up. 13. He says addiction recovery has physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, and that music therapy can address the psycho-emotional and spiritual dimensions. 14. He links the method to 12-step language about higher power, prayer, meditation, and conscious contact. 15. Chris describes practicing GIM as a process where the music acts like a co-therapist in the room. 16. He says clients keep autonomy and can stop or pause if the music or imagery becomes too much. 17. Jim says early sessions stay safe, begin with a learning curve, and often last three or five sessions before deeper work. 18. The tone is reflective and clinical, with long explanations, occasional humor, and a strong emphasis on safety and intention. 19. People interested in trauma therapy, addiction recovery, and music-based counseling. 20. People wanting a fast, light, or entertainment-only conversation.

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