Tools for Effective Guided Imagery (5 credits)

Presented by Deborah Spiegel MT-BC

Have you ever wanted to use guided imagery in a session but struggled to find a recording or script that actually fits the client, the goal, and the moment?

Pre-written imagery can be useful, but it isn’t always the right match. The language may feel wrong, the pacing may not fit, or the experience may simply have been created for a different purpose.

In this course, you’ll learn how to create your own guided imagery experiences specifically designed around the needs of the clients you serve.

You’ll explore how language, imagery, pacing, and suggestion influence the experience and learn a practical process for developing scripts with greater intention.

You’ll also examine concepts related to the subconscious mind and consider how the words you choose can shape the imagery experience. Rather than simply reading someone else’s script, you’ll develop the skills to make thoughtful choices about what you say, how you say it, and what you are inviting the client to experience.

Most importantly, you’ll learn how to move from an idea or therapeutic goal to a structured guided imagery script you can adapt for your own music therapy practice.

In this workshop, you will learn:

How to create guided imagery experiences around specific client needs and therapeutic goals.
The essential components of an effective guided imagery script.
How language and suggestion can influence the imagery experience.
How to choose words and images intentionally rather than relying on generic scripts.
Ways to structure and pace a guided imagery experience.
How to adapt imagery for different clients, goals, and clinical situations.
A practical process for developing your own guided imagery scripts for use in music therapy.

Stop searching for the perfect script and learn how to create one that fits the client in front of you.

Learning Objectives:

Identify two rules regarding the language of the subconscious mind
List 4 techniques you can add to your musical selection to take a client on an inner journey
Demonstrate tailoring the guided imagery script to the clients specific goals
Describe 3 steps to ending the journey

Here’s What People are Saying:

“I definitely learned additional ways to go within in order to promote relaxation. Using positive imagery to promote change in the form of a suggestion script was new to me as well.” Kelly L.S.

“I learned how to take a clinical goal hypothetically from a client and create a guided imagery specifically for that goal. The course stimulated me to think about how I can better elicit goals directly from the client and incorporate them into the script.”Sharin H.C.

“I liked being able to practice the skills while taking the course, in order to affirm what was taught in the course and knowing how to use the tools correctly.”Kelly L.S.

CBMT Domain Areas:

III.A.6 Theoretical frameworks for music therapy treatment implementation (e.g., educational, developmental, neurological, psychological); Task Statement 36 Engage the client in individualized music therapy experiences to address the client's established goals and objectives within multiple domains of health and well-being (e.g., psychosocial, physiological, spiritual, musical)

Tools for Effective Guided Imagery is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 5 CMTEs-Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. The Spiegel Academy, CBMT Approved Provider #P-106, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.

Class Description