This study was conducted in the Master program at The Music Pedagogical Center (MPC) at The Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Korta musikresor (Short Music Journeys) is the Swedish term used for a receptive method of music therapy adapted from the tradition of The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) and the theory and practice of Expressive Arts Therapy. The KMR method uses carefully selected short pieces of music, lasting between 2 and 5 minutes, to work on various psychological problems and life- crises. The music session is conducted in a slightly altered state of consciousness with a clear focus being established beforehand in a verbal dialogue with the psychotherapist. There is also the possibility of using artwork to process and explore the imagery after the music listening. KMR can be used as the main approach in short-term therapy, or as one of various methods that are applied in the course of treatment.

The overriding aims of the study were to develop theoretical perspectives and clinical understandings of the use of KMR. Three different possible research domains were established:

• to study the method from the perspective of practicing therapists
• to study the method from perspective of clients
• to study the effects and uses of the method with the aim of identifying client groups for whom it can be particularly helpful

This study at hand, focuses on the first area – how therapists practicing KMR experiences and describes this approach. Initially five therapists that had undertaken a specialized one-year training in KMR were interviewed. The material was analyzed using the qualitative method of Grounded Theory. More data was collected as the process proceeded. The study resulted in a theoretical model called the KMR-mandala which places the method in an intersubjective context where music listening helps building and deepening the relationship between client and therapist. The model consists of one main category termed The musical experience, and six related categories called: Surrender, Stream of Feelings, Here and Now, The Aesthetics, Imagination, The Music Choice.

Further research is suggested to modify and further develop a theory of KMR in music therapy. A client perspective is seen as the next natural research step.