Dream Theories

Fritz Perls Perls' Dream Interpretation: The Gestalt Approach Dreams are seen as being projections of parts of oneself. Often these are parts that have been ignored or rejected. The dream needs to be accepted in its own right - not broken down and analyzed. The dreamer is encouraged to enter into dialogue with the various aspects of the dream. The dreamer is encouraged to take the part of the dream elements, to act out the dream from their perspective. This applies as much to inanimate as to animate objects. So, for example, if you dream of being chased across a field you might begin a dialogue where you turn to face the pursuer and start asking him/her/it questions. Then you might take the place of the pursuer and start describing the chase from that point of view. This process could then be repeated from the perspective of a tree in the field overlooking the chase - a new perspective that could bring unexpected realization. All symbolism is unique and it comes from the dreamer and only the dreamer can truly interpret it.

Alfred Adler Adler and Dream Theory For Adler, dreams were a way of addressing our insecurities. In a dream we can safely face things that would otherwise scare us. We can try out strategies for overcoming our shortcomings. Adlerian dream analysis involves looking at the parts of a dream and analyzing what problems they might represent. Then how we act in response to those dream elements represents a way of overcoming the issue. For example, a dream about falling could express a direct fear - especially if the dreamer is soon to fly or climb a mountain. However it could be subtler, representing a "fall from grace" or loss of face and social standing. If the dreamer were then to be caught by an angel it might have religious or spiritual meaning or simply refer to trusting and relying on one special person. By showing us our innermost fears and our preferred strategies for dealing with problems, dreams also tell us a lot about our personality and style of life.

Carl Jung Like Freud, Jung believed in the existence of the unconscious. However, he didn't see the unconscious as animalistic, instinctual, and sexual; he saw it as more spiritual. Dreams were a way of communicating and acquainting ourselves with the unconscious. Dreams were not attempts to conceal our true feelings from the waking mind, but rather they were a window to our unconscious. Dreams offered a solution to a problem we are facing in our waking life.

Jungian Dream Interpretation Jung noted certain symbols in dreams that possess the same universal meaning. While dreams are personal, our personal experiences often touch on universal themes. These symbols were believed to occur in every culture throughout time. Jung identified seven such symbols in what is referred to as the major archetypal characters 1. The Persona is the image you present to the world in your waking life. It is your public mask. In the dream world, the persona is represented by the self; the Self may or may not resemble you physically or may or may not behave as you would. However, you know that this "person" in your dream is you. 2. The Shadow is the rejected and repressed aspects of yourself. It is the part of yourself that you do not want the world to see because it is ugly or unappealing. It symbolizes weakness, fear, or anger. In dreams, this figure is represented by a stalker, murderer, a bully, pursuer, a frightening figure, or even a close friend or relative. Their appearance often makes you angry or leaves you scared. 3. The Anima / Animus is the female and male aspects of yourself. Everyone possess both feminine and masculine qualities. In dreams, the anima may appear as a highly feminized figure or a hyper masculine figure in the case of the animus. These imageries serve as a reminder that you must learn to acknowledge or express your masculine (be more assertive) or feminine side (be more emotional).

Carl Jung 4. The Divine Child is your true self in its purest form. It not only symbolizes your innocence, your sense of vulnerability, and your helplessness, but it represents your aspirations and full potential. You are open to all possibilities. In the dreamscape, this figure is represented by a baby or young child. 5. The Wise Old Man is the helper in your dreams. Represented by a teacher, father or some other authority figure, they serve to offer guidance and words of wisdom. They serve to guide you into the right direction. 6. The Great Mother is the nurturer. They may appear in your dreams as your own mother, grandmother, or other nurturing figure and provide you with reassurance. Negatively, they may be depicted as a witch or old bag lady in which case they can be associated with seduction, dominance and death. This juxtaposition is rooted in the belief by some experts that the real mother who is the giver of life is also at the same time jealous of our growth away from her. 7. The Trickster, as the name implies, plays jokes to keep you from taking yourself too seriously. He may find himself in your dream when you have misjudged a situation or if you are uncertain about a decision or where you want to go in life. The trickster often makes you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.