Embracing Life with AIDS: Psychotherapy through Guided Imagery and Music

Authors

  • Kenneth E. Bruscia Temple University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v10i3.500

Keywords:

AIDS, guided imagery, music, mandalas, music therapy, psychotherapy, Bonny Method,

Abstract

 

This case describes individual psychotherapy with Matt, a 26-year old man recently infected with the AIDS virus.  In the eleven sessions, Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) was used as the main technique within a psychodynamic orientation.  Through an intense process of imagery transformation, Matt gained insight into how traumatic events from his past prevented him from coping with the emotional challenges of living with AIDS.  Ultimately, this led him to confront one of the most important questions of his life:  Shall I live dead, or shall I die living?

Author Biography

Kenneth E. Bruscia, Temple University

Kenneth E. Bruscia is Professor of Music Therapy at Temple University (Philadelphia, PA – USA), where he has taught undergraduate and graduate students for 37 years. Board-certified as a music therapist, and Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery, he has worked clinically with diverse clientele. He has authored several books, clinical articles, and research studies, and he has presented his work internationally.

Downloads

Published

2010-10-26

How to Cite

Bruscia, K. E. (2010). Embracing Life with AIDS: Psychotherapy through Guided Imagery and Music. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v10i3.500

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2010): Special Commemorative Issue on the Life and Work of Helen Bonny

Section

International Archives

License

Articles published prior to 2019 are subject to the following license, see: https://voices.no/index.php/voices/copyright