Esperanza Torres

Contact info

Esperanza Torres, esperanza@agruparte.com

Qualifications

Psychologist; music therapist; GIM-Terapist

Current position

Psicotherapist (private practice) , teacher in master trainer course for Music Therapy ( Institute “ Música Arte y Proceso “ ( Vitoria- Gasteiz)); PHD student at Department of Music Therapy , University Aalborg

Doctoral Study:

Títle :
“Usefulness of he method of Guide imagery an Music ( GIM) on patients with Fibromyalgia”

Supervisors:

Prof. Dr. Tony Wigram – Aalborg University, Denmark
Prof. Dra Inge Nygaard Pedersen - Aalborg University, Denmark
Prof. Dr. José Ignacio Perez – University of the Basque Country

Summary:

I will try to evaluate this study with this effectiveness of the GIM Method on patients with fibromyalgia. I will investigate if this has the potential to offer curative therapy that will transform the person, helping in “the construction of strength, virtues and skills, increasing the positive emotions” (Peñacoba Puente, 2009) as well as a better and deeper acceptance of one self.

The experimental objective of this research is to confirm if that the application of the therapy with guided imagery and music (GIM) improves the subjective perception of the individual’s psychological well-being, thus reducing the cycle of depression, anxiety and pain perception.

It is difficult to classify the Fibromyalgia (FM) as a disease because it is composed of both physical and psychological symptoms, showing a symptomatology of pain and fatigue as well as other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, decreased activity level, loss of social and working life, etc. with the gradual worsening of the quality of life of the patient, requiring a more interdisciplinary and holistic approach to its treatment.

The method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is an appropriate therapeutic approach for these patients because it combines relaxation strategies with the internalization and inner transformation through the power of music and self-generated images.
The therapeutic treatment based on the GIM method provides physical support to address the pain and physical fatigue, through the relaxation and facilitates the emotional expression - often limited in patients with FM- with the help of music. This facilitates inner resources through the metaphorical or symbolic language of images, extending, modifying or changing the internal view of these patients.
The experimental design proposed in this research includes an experimental group (receiving individual GIM treatment), with pre tests and post tests, and a control group..
The measurement will be quantitative (different tests) and also qualitative (interviews, questionnaires).
Main Research question

Can the application of a Guided Imagery and Music –GIM- improve the subjective perception of the individual psychological welfare, by reducing the circle of anxiety and depression and also the perception of pain in people suffering from fibromyalgia?