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Women trainee therapists’ growth experiences during their Guided Imagery and Music qualification training in South Korea

ABSTRACT Introduction Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) qualification training is an experience-centered training course. It emphasizes inner exploration and healing through self-therapy and teaches therapy skills to enhance trainee therapists’ professionalism. The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceived growth experiences of women trainee therapists during their GIM qualification training in South Korea. Method This study utilized a descriptive phenomenological methodology. Seven Korean trainee therapists participated in this study. The data were collected using in-depth interviews. Colaizzi’s method was used to extract significant statements, formulate meanings, identify themes and the essential aspects of the trainees’ perceived growth experiences. Results The data analysis yielded 23 meaning units, nine themes, and three essential aspects related to the trainees’ growth experiences during GIM training. The themes include avoidance and resistance, thorough (esoteric) training, public eye, individual circumstances, therapeutic power of GIM, training methods and environment, motivation and effort to grow as therapists, personal growth, and professional growth. The three essential aspects of the trainees’ perceived growth experiences are growth challenges, the power to grow, and a two-faceted nature of growth. Discussion This study corroborates and extends the research findings of previous studies on the training of GIM therapists. Also, it identifies some contradictions in the trainees’ growth experiences that could be attributed to cultural factors. Although the study was not set up to evaluate GIM training programs, it provides some practical suggestions for GIM training programs in South Korea.