Dissertation - World Federation of Music Therapy

• The complete narrative, based on the configuration of several metaphors into a
coherent story.
Through the analysis of the imagery found during only one piece of music it is in
principle not possible to say anything definite about a client’s life problems. All three
types or levels of metaphors can only rarely be identified in an episode based on one
piece of music or even in one single session (Bonde 2000, 2003). However, with the
inclusion of information from other sessions (Appendix 8.2) it becomes possible to
say something about the significance of the metaphors presented in the ESA.
INLA: The naked maple tree is a core metaphor enabling the client to express her
vulnerability. The recognition of the eternal cycle of Fall/Decline/Death and
Spring/Rebirth/Life evoked by the tree metaphor is a good example of the second
level of configuration: The client expresses her confidence in the music, the imagery
and the metaphoric process.
ESMA: The experience of wind and sea at the “homely beach“ is an episode
configured around the core metaphor of the “‘beach wanderer“: In the surroundings of
the well-known and beloved nature it is possible to reflect on the ups and downs of
life; the wind blows cold or warm, and it is possible to find shelter.
PIJØ: The double position – and core metaphor of the “‘beach wanderer“/kayak rower
is characteristic of an episode where the client may learn something new about being
alone or isolated (as a cancer patient in rehabilitation). Looking at oneself from the
outside and inside out enable the emergence of new perspectives.
WIFU: In this excerpt only a flash of light is shed on the client’s GIM process. In all
ten sessions this woman is deeply involved and engaged in her imagery. Even though
she only speaks very little in the session it is obvious that the interaction with the little
girl has existential significance. The girl is a metaphor of a part of the client’s self
(intuition, self-confidence) and is configured in several sessions.
ANHO: No images are configured in this session, but the psychodynamic problem of
“being good enough“ (without producing images) is present and dealt with.
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