Protocol for a Neurophenomenological Investigation of a Guided Imagery and Music Experience (Part II)

Abstract

This is Part II of a two-part article that includes a step-by-step description of the methodology undertaken in my study [1], as well as a discussion regarding the clinical implications of the data collection process. This application of neurophenomenology integrated individual experiential reports with EEG data to obtain a description of responses to a modified music and imagery (GIM) session based upon the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. This article details the methodological challenges in addressing such questions, and ways in which I sought to work around and with them. The process of analyzing both the subjective and neuronal data revealed interesting questions both about the nature of the GIM experience, as well as about the limitations of integrating these very different sets of data, including: To what degree can participants fully convey their experiences to a researcher, and by extension, to a GIM therapist? How do participants recall their imagery experiences after the session, and what does this mean for practitioners during the session? To what degree can neuronal activity be attributed to specific imagery or perceptual experiences? What does a productive session look like from a neurophenomenological perspective? Pursuing these questions can lead to greater understanding of the mechanism of GIM’s effectiveness. Keywords: Bonny Method, Guided Imagery and Music, neurophenomenology, EEG, Neuroimaging.

Mechanistic research approaches in music therapy for pain: Humanizing and contextualized options for clinician-researchers

“…Neurophenomenology, initially developed by Varela ( 32 ), seeks to undertake neurobiological investigations of subjectivity and consciousness. The approach has evolved from the very focused investigation of brief mental and sensory tasks (e.g., 33 ) to include an integrated investigation of the biological and subjective experience of a guided music and imagery session ( 34 ). Given the wide range of foci and data, there is a continuum of sequencing and integrating phenomenological data with neuroimaging, summarized in Berkovich-Ohana et al ( 35 ).…”