Fairy tale composing as an alternative creative processing in group GIM

Abstract

Fairy tales have universal themes and can be viewed as dramatic representations of basic psychological processes. They encourage creative thinking, universalise human problems and establish hope for the future. In Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) practice, self-understanding and personal growth is approached through imagery evoked by music-listening; however, the emerging imagery may be fragmented, unclear or incoherent. Writing a fairy tale may be used to integrate the GIM experience into a coherent narrative, to promote meaning-reconstruction and re-scripting of one’s life. Furthermore, the enactment of fairy tales, as well as the interactive group process, may enhance personal insight and group functioning. This article describes the process in which Group Guided Imagery and Music (grpGIM) material is transformed into a fairy tale which is then narrated. In grpGIM, verbal interaction occurs between group members, or group members and the guide (group co-coordinator), while listening to the music. The project presented in this article has evolved through the authors’ personal experience of a musical and creative analysis of Ηelen Βonny’s Quiet Music Program (HBQMP). It is suggested that the writing of fairy tales could be an alternative, creative post-session analysis of the emerging grpGIM material.