As an established specialty within the field of music therapy, the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) forms an integrated music psychotherapy of value of many clients. However, the role of music has rarely been systematically studied from the client’s perspective. This study reports on client’s references to the music within a larger study of the use of GIM in recovery from cardiothoracic surgery. Six participants (aged 55–69 years) undertook six weekly GIM sessions at two major hospitals, starting 6–15 weeks postoperatively. Audio-recorded sessions were transcribed and analysed within a narrative semiotic qualitative approach. Within the emergent grand theme, “Sounding the changes” the four sub-themes were: 1) Directing the action, 2) Evoking feelings, 3) Voicing together, and 4) Unfolding communication. Self-reported responses and relationships to music were informative about the patient journey, providing further insights for clinical practice about the individualised role of music within this important therapeutic modality.

作为音乐治疗领域的一个既定专业，Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) 形成了一种对许多客户有价值的综合音乐心理治疗。然而，很少有人从客户的角度系统地研究音乐的作用。这项研究报告了客户在一项更大的研究中对音乐的引用，该研究使用 GIM 进行心胸手术恢复。从术后 6-15 周开始，六名参与者（55-69 岁）每周在两家主要医院进行六次 GIM 会议。在叙事符号学定性方法中转录和分析了录音会话。在新兴的大主题中，“发出变化”四个子主题是：1）指导行动，2）唤起感情，3）共同发声，4）展开交流。