Dream Analysis and Interpretation is a therapeutic technique used by therapists to explore and interpret dreams to understand their meaning and how they relate to you or your waking life. It can help people address problems they are currently facing, as well as address mental health issues.

Dreams have been a source of fascination and mystery since time immemorial, with different cultures and belief systems interpreting them in different ways. The Kemetians (ancient Egyptians) saw dreams as a way for the gods and ancestors to communicate with them, while the Greeks believed that dreams were messages from the gods. Many native American tribes believed that dreams were a way to connect to the spirit world. In modern times, many people including researchers have suggested that dreams may be a by-product of the subconscious mind and a way to process and express our own inner experiences and feelings.

As a therapist, I find working with dreams particularly beneficial with clients who suffer from anxiety and those who have difficulty expressing themselves. Dream work allows individuals to connect with their emotions as well as gain insight into potential meanings.

Dreams can be powerful tools for self-discovery and navigating life’s challenges. By paying attention to our dreams, we can gain insight into our innermost selves and identify underlying issues that may be causing distress. Dream analysis can also help us unlock the hidden meanings in our dreams. By exploring our dreams, we can gain valuable insight into our current life issues and mental health.

Therapists use different models such as Gestalt, IRT, psychoanalysis, and other traditional and non- traditional therapies in order to find a model and interpretation that suits their client’s needs. It is important that the work is collaborative, and that it fits and resonates with the dreamer.

Image rehearsal therapy or IRT is a newer cognitive behavioural technique and is designed to help with PTSD and chronic nightmares. In IRT, the client is encouraged to write their dream down and cognitively reframe it from negative to a positive one. This method of interpretation has been found to be effective in the treatment of nightmares, according to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

Gestalt on the other hand uses the “take the place of” technique and focuses on the here and now, bringing attention to how the dreamer is feeling in the present moment. Again, the dreamer is asked to write their dream down and then act out the different parts of the dream, creating a dialogue between the various parts within the dream. For example, the dreamer dreams of a tree falling on them. The therapist might encourage the dreamer to ask the tree a question, such as “why did you do that?”, the tree might answer and say “because I don’t feel grounded, my roots are not strong enough”.

I have found that dreams can be deeply personal and often reveal underlying issues, both in my own life and in the life of others. Through dream analysis, we can uncover our subconscious thoughts, fears, and desires, allowing us to move forward with greater self- awareness and understanding.

By Lebo Molefe