Supportive Music and Imagery (SMI)

What is SMI?

Listening to recorded music is used increasingly as a powerful way we can alleviate stress and facilitate the emotional processing of our daily experiences. Through the use of Apps and carefully curated playlists we are all developing finely-tuned, intuitive ways of seeking the music that can bring about a positive shift in our mood and feelings. Building on this universal capacity, Supportive Music and Imagery has been developed to take this process further, enabling a therapeutic experience with a client that can be deeply meaningful and transformative. The client-centred method works by employing the positive and sustaining experiences (the resource) that the client brings at the heart of the creative encounter. In a structured but flexible session, the collaboration of therapist and client enables creative responses that build on the strength of the supportive resource, offering valuable insights and illumination.

How does it work?

As a Music Therapist, I bring a high level of experience and attunement in suggesting music that can connect with the client’s experience. Sessions can be offered as a short-term, 7-session series taking place fortnightly following a thorough Assessment. Sessions can work in person or online. In my experience, SMI can help prepare individuals for verbal Psychotherapy as it can open a client to their inner world in an accessible way.

Who can it help?

The method is, I believe, a powerful tool in supporting people through life transitions.It can also be used longer term, sometimes in alternation with active Music Therapy, to gently address ongoing issues such as depression, anxiety and chronic illness. Sessions can also be of immense value to supporting individuals in a caring role. SMI is an evidence-based Psychotherapy Intervention in Continuum Method developed by Lisa Summer. Musical resources reflect a wide variety of cultures and genres.

Sessions usually last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes