A feeling of being a complete person with a brain injury

Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) as a psychotherapy intervention for people with acquired brain injury in a rehabilitation centre

Abstract

A case-based article on Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) as a psychotherapeutic intervention for people with an acquired brain injury in a highly specialised rehabilitation centre. Based on a bio-psycho-social model and the concept of existential health, the article will describe the music therapeutic method Guided Imagery and Music and an adaption of the method for people with an acquired brain injury at a rehabilitation centre. The article will focus on the meanings of the ‘personal factors’ as described in the ICF for the individual’s experience of crisis reactions and life chances in the rehabilitation process. A theoretical basis is formulated and a presentation of the GIM method is given. Theoretical suggestions will be given to understand the strains in the nervous system activated by a brain injury and the psychological consequences in combination with the personal factors. A model will be presented for the selection of music regarding the degree of strain of the nervous system supporting the therapeutic process. The music in GIM stimulates inner images in forms that images and metaphors can emerge and express inner psychological processes that cannot be expressed in everyday language. Through two case examples, the article will offer suggestions on how psychotherapy with an adaption of GIM can help the client have an increased understanding of reactions, or help to create an experience of meaning, connectedness or a sense of a coherent identity. Theory and cases are discussed based on the concept of existential health in relation to a holistic approach to the individual and regarding the individual’s potential for personal growth in a rehabilitation process. The findings indicate the adaptions of GIM can provide personal growth and resilience for the two clients in the cases.