Dream Work
Before we get into making sense of a dream - a little bit about how I got interested in dreams. I had been a therapist for many years before I started getting interested into Jungian theory and archetypes. At the time I stumbled onto this new path I was a new mother. Although it was really fulfilling in many ways, I was having a hard time adjusting to my new identity. I had been pretty used to doing whatever I wanted whenever I wanted, and having a newborn pulled that particular rug right out from under me! I sought therapy, as I had many times before, but this time from a Jungian Analyst, given my newfound interest. As a part of things, she asked that I record and bring in my dreams. I knew this was part of the Jungian schtick so I wasn’t surprised, and was interested in what would became of it (plus, I absolutely love Moleskin notebooks and this was an opportunity to buy a new one (red) and dedicate it to writing down dreams).
However, when I brought my first dream in to my therapist, I couldn’t understand how someone could make any damn sense of what was happening in that dream which detailed adventures in a Wal-Mart parking lot, a room with school chairs nailed upside down the ceiling and a squirrel dressed in a small pink dress. I thought it was HILARIOUS and ridiculous. I think my inability to discuss this with any seriousness became quickly annoying to her. Anyways, after working with the dream, and subsequent dreams after that, I was hooked. I had to know more about this world of symbols, myths, and all the figures that were showing up in my dreams every night.
I struggled through a variety of all different kinds of ways of working with, and understanding dreams over the years, including working with client dreams, my own dreams, participation in dream groups, trainings and reading LOTS of books. Through this, I’ve come to my own way of understanding dreams, their origins and purpose (which leans heavily into late-Jung, James Hillman, Sharon Blackie, Steven Aizenstat - area of thought) I don’t believe there is a “right way” of working with dreams, just the way that most resonates with the person. Paying attention to my “night life” in the way I have come to know has enriched my life immeasurably, and it made me want to bring it further into the world so that others could have access to this fascinating aspect of unseen life. Dreamwork can offer a profound and multi-faceted approach to understanding and addressing distressing symptoms. Dreams are the window into the unconscious mind, where unresolved conflicts, repressed emotions, and unacknowledged aspects of the self reside. By exploring and interpreting dreams, we can gain invaluable insights into their inner workings, leading to profound healing and personal growth. Key benefits of utilizing dreamwork in working with anxiety, trauma, and depression include:
Access to the Unconscious: Dreams provide a direct pathway to the unconscious mind, where many of the root causes of anxiety, trauma, and depression are stored. Through working with dreams, we can access and explore these deeper layers of the psyche, uncovering hidden traumas, fears, and unresolved conflicts that may be contributing to emotional distress.
Symbolic Language: Dreams communicate in a symbolic language, using images, motifs, and archetypal themes to convey meaning. By deciphering these symbols and themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of our inner worlds and the issues that are affecting mental health. This symbolic language often bypasses the defenses of the conscious mind, allowing us process difficult emotions more effectively.
Personal Mythology: Dreams often contain elements of personal mythology, reflecting our unique life experiences, cultural background, and psychological dynamics. By analyzing recurring themes and motifs in dreams, we can uncover our personal mythologies and gain insight into the underlying patterns and narratives that shape our lives. This deeper understanding can be empowering, as it allows us to rewrite our stories and create new narratives that are more aligned with our values and aspirations.
Creative Expression: Dreamwork encourages creative expression as a means of processing and integrating dream material. This can take various forms, including writing, drawing, painting, or engaging in active imagination (a technique in which individuals interact with dream images and symbols in a conscious, creative way). By engaging in these creative practices, we can deepen our connection to dreams and explore their meaning in a more embodied and experiential manner.
Overall, dreamwork offers a rich and transformative approach to working with anxiety, trauma, and depression. By exploring dreams and engaging with the symbolic language of the unconscious, we can gain profound insights, achieve greater self-awareness, and embark on a journey of healing and personal growth.
