The Bonny Method of
Guided Imagery and Music
Level I Training
Cathy McKinney, PhD, MT-BC
Katurah Christenbury, MMT, MT-BC
May 12–16, 2025
Wildacres Retreat, Little Switzerland, NC
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a music-centered depth approach to therapy that uses selected sequences of classical music to support the generation of and movement through inner experiences. Through lectures, demonstrations, and supervised experiences as guide and traveler, this introductory level training will prepare participants to demonstrate emerging skills in
Facilitating relaxation inductions (CBMT Domain III.A.2.pp, III.A.5.t, III.A.5.gg)
Providing supportive music and imagery (CBMT Domain III.A.5.aa)
Basic guiding interventions (CBMT Domain I.3, III.A.5.ff)
Verbal and nonverbal processing techniques (CBMT Domain II.A.1.b, III.A.2.fff)
This course will address following AMTA Advanced Competencies:
I.A.1.2 Differentiate the theoretical orientations of The Bonny Method from theories of other music therapy approaches
I.B.4.3 Understand the contraindications of music therapy
II.B.8. Utilize self-awareness and insight to deepen the client’s process in music therapy.
II.B.8. Identify one’s personal issues as may be relevant to the music therapy process.
II.B.8 3 Use personal reflection
II.B.8.4 Practice strategies for self-care
Training Staff
CATHY MCKINNEY is a board-certified music therapist and a Fellow and Primary Trainer with the Association for Music and Imagery. Professor of music therapy and founding director of the Music Therapy Programs at Appalachian State University, her clinical interests are the use of music improvisation and the Bonny Method of GIM as vehicles for personal awareness, growth, and transformation. Her research has focused on the effects of GIM on mood and physiology in healthy adults and women with breast cancer, and on the effects of music on imagery.
KATURAH CHRISTENBURY is a board-certified music therapist and Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery. Senior lecturer of music therapy at Appalachian State University, she maintains a clinical practice providing Bonny Method of GIM sessions and supervising advanced trainees in GIM. She holds the Master of Music Therapy degree from Appalachian State University and is currently in training in the Austin Method of Vocal Psychotherapy. She has published in Music Therapy Perspectives and the Journal of the Association for Music and Imagery.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Bonny Method of GIM training at Appalachian State University is founded on beliefs in
(a) the self-actualizing potential of every human being,
(b) the wisdom of the Psyche to lead one toward growth,
(c) the power of music to facilitate such growth, and
(d) the capacity of the human imagination to provide a door into the Self, thereby serving as a conduit for growth-inducing experience.
Prerequisites
An individual (1:1), full Bonny Method of GIM personal session (35–40 minutes of music) with a trained GIM facilitator is required. Please call or email for assistance in locating a GIM therapist. In addition, assigned reading with one-page response papers and a 1-hr video will prepare the trainee for the didactic portions of the residential intensive.
Questions?
For information, visit Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music or contact Cathy McKinney by email or by phone at 828-773-4630.
Registration covers room and board (4 nights, 12 meals) and non-credit registration for the course
To reserve your space, $395.00 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted at the time of submission of registration.
Early Registration before February 15, 2025 registration total is $1,145
Regular Registration by March 15, 2025 registration total is $1,245
Late Registration after March 15, 2025 registration total is $1,345
Credit card payment can be made through the registration form.
To pay by check or money order, please make payable to "Appalachian State"
and mail to
Conference & Event Services
Attn: GIM
ASU Box 32042
Boone, NC 28608-2042.
Enrollment is limited; early registration advised.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
A $395.00 nonrefundable deposit is due with registration. You may cancel your registration on or before April 1 for a full refund minus the deposit. After April 1, there will be no refunds.
Registration
To register for academic credit, the student who has not previously attended Appalachian State University must apply for admission to the University as a nondegree graduate student and pay a nonrefundable application fee of $60. Once admitted and registered, tuition and fees will be charged to the student’s account and billed to the student. In addition, the student will remit $515 for room, board, and materials by credit card or debit card here, of which $395 is nonrefundable
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
A $515.00 refundable deposit is due with registration. Of this amount, $385 is nonrefundable. The registrant may cancel the registration on or before March 24 for a refund of $130. After March 24, there will be no refunds.
Schedule
Monday, May 12
4:00-5:30 Registration
6.30 Dinner
7:30-9:30 Opening Session
Tuesday-Thursday
9:00 - 12:15 Morning Session
12:30 Lunch
2:00 -5:30 Afternoon Session
7:30-9:30 Evening Session
Friday, May 16
9:00-12:15 Morning Session
12:30 Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 Final Session
NOTE: There will be a 15-minute break during each morning and two each afternoon.
Wildacres Retreat is near Little Switzerland, NC. '
From Marion, go north 7.4 miles on Hwy 226 toward Spruce Pine, and then turn left onto 226A. Go 6.5 miles and turn left onto Wildacres Road. Go 1.1 miles on the gravel road to the paved drive on the right.
From Boone, go to Spruce Pine and take 226 south toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go south on the Parkway to Little Switzerland. Follow Hwy 226A south to Wildacres Road. Turn right onto Wildacres Road. Go 1.1 miles on the gravel road to the paved drive on the right. Both Wildacres Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway beyond Little Switzerland were badly damaged by Hurricane Helene and are not expected to be passable in 2025.
Charlotte (CLT) is the recommended airport. Print driving directions, since GPS is not consistently reliable in the mountains and may quit just when you need it. If flying, please plan to arrive at CLT before 2:00 and depart after 5:00.
Accommodations
The training will be held at Wildacres Retreat, a beautiful, mountaintop setting near Little Switzerland, NC. All participants must stay on-site. All rooms have 2 beds and a private bath. We will assign you a roommate unless you identify one when you pre-register. Wildacres Retreat is a smoke-free facility. Linens are provided.