Guided Imagery and Music (GIM): Reflections on supervision in training and therapy

Abstract

Supervision is one of the scientifically neglected fields in music therapy and in GIM. One of the reasons for this is the different usage of the term in different countries. Clear definitions of supervision are needed. The author differentiates between supervision for training and job-related issues and reflects on a supervisor’s qualifications and competencies. Is an experienced GIM therapist sufficiently qualified as a supervisor or is a double qualification needed to be GIM therapist and professional supervisor? In order to give an orienting with a heuristic to be used by GIM supervisors the author refers to a multiperspective and metahermeneutic concept. Political, social, cultural, theoretical, ethical and practical dimensions are taken into consideration. An example of a supervision process is given in the form of a hermeneutic spiral including different states of consciousness and reflexivity. An example heuristic could contribute to developing a broader understanding of supervision and its goals and contents.