Ep 90 Helen Wallace-Bell

In this podcast, Martin Lawes talks to Helen Wallace-Bell
about SMI and RMI which are part of the contemporary spectrum
of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) and Music and Imagery (MI)
methods


Helen explains what these approaches are and how the recorded
music used is chosen collaboratively to help the client develop
their inner resources or work on issues. Helen is involved in
MI training which also gets discussed. In addition, Helen talks
about her work with clients who have PTSD and about online
groupwork with carers. She discusses various music used in this
work including Breezin’ (George
Benson, https://open.spotify.com/track/1m3BAsNsQAaSNMD2M6vlKY?si=af7875cabc884295), Angels
Nest (Peter
Kater, https://open.spotify.com/track/3ijj6aeXCKMZWsD0EdzneJ?si=ce6f4f6551184195),
and Darkest
Hour (Sevdaliza, https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZbHjO6HyoGMLq5dCQIYWm?si=f41ece3b7bf64b45).


The podcast begins with Martin explaining how GIM in
contemporary practice is a spectrum of different methods and
approaches including MI. He outlines what the Bonny Method of
GIM is, as the original GIM method, and how MI has been
developed in part to meet the needs of clients where GIM is
contra-indicated or is in other ways unsuitable. For music
therapists wishing to use GIM with their existing clients, the
MI methods are especially important.


 


Helen Wallace-Bell, MA, BA (Hons), FAMI, MIT(Dip.),
IMBP(Dip.) trained as a Music Therapist at the University
of Roehampton, qualifying in 2007. She then worked for many
years with adults with a learning disability. During
this time, Helen began training in GIM, an experience she found
transformative and enlightening both professionally and
personally. She is now a GIM Fellow and MI Therapist
(MIT) working in mental health, trauma, personal
development, and group
work (https://www.routesforchange.uk/). She is also an
Independent Music Breathing Practitioner, Assistant Trainer and
Supervisor at The Integrative GIM Training
Programme (www.integrativegim.org), and a BAMT registered
supervisor.




Helen’s GIM training cohort were the first to be trained
in SMI and RMI in the UK and she is passionate about
the efficacy and value of MI as a therapy process. She has
presented case studies at a number of conferences, including
sharing the results of an SMI groupwork pilot project
undertaken with music therapy organisation Whole Step CIC
during Covid-19 lockdowns, and her own experience as a trainee
using MI to process transference/counter-transference.




In her spare time, Helen enjoys living by the sea, and is a
singer, songwriter, and percussionist in a folk trio.




References




Wallace, H. (2010) 'An Inquiry into an Integrated
Approach to Music Therapy for Children with Autistic Spectrum
Disorder & Sensory Integration Dysfunction'. MA
research project, Roehampton University (unpublished).




Margetts, L., Wallace, H. & Young, E.
(2013) 'A Potential Space: Approaching "Outsider
Research" with Classroom Practitioners working with Children
with Complex Needs in Belarus', British Journal of
Music Therapy, Vol.27, 2 p.6-23 (Co-Author)




Wallace, H. (2018) 'A Whirlwind of
Being', Music & Imagery Therapy Case Study
outlining MI to process transference/counter-transference),
presented at the 13th European GIM Conference, European
Association of Music and Imagery (EAMI)




Wallace, H (2021) 'Containment Through
Collaboration: Online Therapy During Lockdown - A Pilot
Project', Music & Imagery Therapy Groupwork Case
Study, presented as part of a roundtable (Supportive Music
& Imagery: Integrating Artwork & Imagery into Music
Therapy practice), at The British Association for Music
Therapy's annual conference (theme: 'Open Ground: Music Therapy
in Collaboration & Exchange)




Wallace, H (2022) 'The Way We Were: A multi-method
approach to Music Therapy to support an adult with Learning
Disability through bereavement', Music Therapy &
Music & Imagery Therapy Case Study, presented at the 12th
European Music Therapy Conference (theme: 'Music Therapy in
Progress - Please Disturb')




Wallace, H (2022) 'Online Group Music &
Imagery Therapy During Lockdown', presented as part of
a roundtable (The Use of Music & Imagery Methods as
stand-alone interventions and as part of the continuum
model), at the 12th European Music Therapy
Conference 




Wallace, H. & Jakubauskas, R. (2022) 'A Sense
of Belonging: Piloting an online Supportive Music & Imagery
Therapy Group for Adult Carers during Covid-19',
poster presentation at the 12th European Music Therapy
Conference 




Wallace, H (2022) 'Reclaiming Jocelyn: One Woman's
Journey Back to her Self through Music & Imagery
Therapy', poster presentation at the 12th European
Music Therapy Conference




Wallace, H, & Jakubauskas, R (2023) 'Piloting
Online Group Music & Imagery Therapy for Adult Carers
during Covid-19', poster presentation at the World
Federation of Music Therapy World Congress of Music Therapy