It is common practice in psychoanalysis for the patient to report the content of dreams as part of treatment. Sigmund Freud believed that dreams were a window into the unconscious mind. Therefor, by understanding and interpreting the content of dreams the patient would reveal thoughts and images that would possibly clarify current or past experiences, feelings and actions.

Dream analysis, once in vogue for both patients and doctors, has given way to what is termed cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT. A CBT approach to treatment might view dream content as random neural activity. However, if one considers the complexity of our dreams and the fact that there are repetitive themes and images,frankly, that hardly seems “random.” CBT examines cognition,our manner of thinking about issues. It also evaluates and treats behavioral concerns, like nail biting, smoking or other compulsive behaviors. Dream analysis is more within the realm of psychotherapeutic approaches that incorporate a deeper analysis of the complex developmental issues, or psychodynamics, which are the causal basis of personality and cognitive concerns.

The dream is divided into two components. The first level of analysis is the manifest content ( which is the actual experience of the dream). “I was driving my car down a mountain road and I had no brakes!” The second level is the latent content of the dream,( what the dream really means). In this case it might be a feeling of loss of control or an inability to control something. We dream in symbols. If we identify certain people in the dream that image could be a “stand-in” for someone else. Dreaming about snow could represent depression or a desire to “cover up” something or jus a pleasant memory of childhood.. So, how do we know the “correct” interpretation? The symbolic items in the dream can be better understood if interpreted within the context of that particular person. Freud suggested that we dream in symbols to “protect” our sleep. If we see through the symbolic process it can cause anxiety and would awaken us, possibly identified as a nightmare.

Dreams can be viewed as the dreamer’s attempt to “work through” or resolve some conflict that they are experiencing in reality. Another aspect of the dream is “wish fulfillment.” Within a dream one can see themselves mastering a task or problem. Apparently, we experience dreaming several times on most nights, even if we do not recall the experience. However, some medications can interfere with neurological function and inhibit dreaming. Interestingly, we seem to have a need to dream.In a classic study people were awakened as they began to dream.It was easy to identify the dream state since dreams are accompanied by rapid eye movements that can be identified and recorded. This procedure occurred for several days. Finally when the subjects were allowed to sleep, their number and frequency of dreams increased. Deprived of dreams, people began to dream more; possibly to make up for the deficit. Dream deprivation increases dreaming when subjects are permitted to have normal sleep.

Finally, dreaming is the only time that we can really “time travel.” One can be a young child in the dream and instantly become a teen or young adult. While the meanings in dreams may be elusive, they can provide meaningful thoughts and ideas that can help the patient to overcome the challenges and the demands of life that have brought them to treatment.

The Columbia Counseling Center offers an eclectic and integrated approach to treatment. The doctors on our staff are trained in the use of multiple techniques and strategies to relieve anxiety, improve mood and effectively modify coping strategies.

You can call 410 992 1949 for the first available appointment.