My research explores the presence of mythological, archetypal, and symbolic structures within the human psyche through experiences of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), a receptive music therapy method developed by Helen Bonny. Situated at the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and religious studies, the research examines how music-induced altered states of consciousness may facilitate the emergence of symbolic imagery, mythic narratives, and archetypal patterns associated with experiences of transcendence, self-knowledge, and connection with the sacred.
The study adopts a qualitative and hermeneutic methodology based on the analysis of transcripts from GIM therapeutic sessions provided by accredited therapists affiliated with the International Association for Music and Imagery. These narratives are interpreted through an interdisciplinary theoretical framework drawing from analytical psychology, mythology, phenomenology of religion, and consciousness studies, engaging authors such as Gaston Bachelard, Gilbert Durand, Carl Jung, Mircea Eliade, Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, and William James.
The central aim of the research is to investigate the transformative potential of mythic and archetypal imagination mediated by music, and to explore whether Guided Imagery and Music can function as a contemporary pathway to numinous experience and spiritual meaning-making. Particular attention is given to the therapeutic and existential significance of archetypal symbols emerging during musical imagery processes.
By bridging music therapy, psychology of religion, and mythological studies, this research contributes to current interdisciplinary discussions on spirituality and consciousness, proposing music as a symbolic mediator capable of activating profound dimensions of human experience and inner transformation.
My topic’s research aligns very closely with the conference’s interdisciplinary focus on Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.