“When we sleep, the soul is lit up… by many eyes and within them, we can see everything that we cannot see in the daytime.” – Aeschylus



DREAMS

Psychoanalysis relies heavily on your dream life to explore areas of your psyche which are unknown. Everyone dreams when they are asleep, but if you cannot remember yours, it may be helpful to have a pen and pad beside your bed to immediately record them. Your initial dream just prior to starting therapy is very important, so I will ask you to bring this particular one and any recurring dreams you might be having to our first session.

Dreams are a source of wisdom and healing. They are natural and purposive expressions of the unconscious. Dreams do not speak in the verbal or logical language of waking life but speak in the language of symbolism. One must learn to speak this language through symbols and archetypal imagery. Understanding the deeper archetypal level of a dream is through myths, legends and fairytales. The psychological function of the dream is to compensate for what may be missing within one’s awareness. This compensation is for one’s maladaptive attitude and to unite a conscious understanding of unconscious processes. Dreams act as a teacher and guide on the way to wholeness.

FURTHER READING

Jungian Dream Analysis

Mythology, Folklore and Religion

Sur La Lune Fairytales