Transpersonal-spiritual BMGIM experiences and the process of surrender

Abstract

This is a study of BMGIM (the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music) transcripts with the purpose of deepening the understanding of transpersonal BMGIM experiences. The intention was to deepen the understanding through a relational perspective. Based on intersubjective theory, categories of analyses were pre-defined and used in the analysis of two transcripts from a course of therapy with the same client. Questions addressed were, how are the relational modes that constitute shared lived experience shown in the BMGIM session transcripts? How is the emergence of the process of surrender shown in the BMGIM session transcripts? Results showed that it was possible to find examples in the transcripts illustrating the categories, and that transpersonal experiences could be described as resulting from a Relational Mode of Surrender, a concept defined as a result of this study. In this article, a new understanding of transpersonal-spiritual BMGIM experiences will be discussed from the perspectives of intersubjectivity, phenomenology and psychology of religion.