1. Using Dreams In Homeopathic Practice

2. ALL DREAMS ARE AN ATTEMPT TO HEAL THE ORGANISM.

3. Goal of Dream Analysis To bring the conscious and the unconscious together. Unites these two forms of Consciousness – gradually bringing them together rather than split. This heals and develops the personality. Helps the body communicate with the psyche. Brings consciousness to the trauma. Dreams don’t lie. For the most part we can’t manipulate our dreams- they help to see symptoms even when they are suppressed.

4. Dream Facts Dreams are facts. We cannot cheat in our dreams- because they are independent of our conscious mind. Think of the dream as a map of the psyche- a real place- just like the body. With the use of dreams we get a better connection with our client.

5. Steps of Dream Analysis All dreams must be understood within the context of the dreamers life. Ask the dreamer about each detail of the dream. Stay as close to the imagery as possible. Ask what it means to the dreamer. Keep returning to the image. Do this for all of the images in the dream. Do not attempt to understand or interpret. This narrows the possibilities. Give up all theories.

6. Dreams are the most important tool to open up an avenue to the unconscious. The main idea is to get the message from the unconscious. We must not assume we know anything- must not suggest. Personal opinions are more or less arbitrary judgments-we are never sure we are right.

7. Levels of Analysis First level - literal. Dream books, not genuine symbols, rational approach. Second level - relating the dreams to our concerns- reading the psychological situation into the dream. (Many psychotherapists do this.) Final level- feels right- bell goes off- aha! Comes from the unconscious - dreamer must be in tune with her unconscious to do this. Patient must confirm and accept the dream- try various interpretations until it rings the bell.

8. External vs. Internal Dynamics 90% of dreams are really about internal dynamics. You can check which way the dream works better. Ask what happened before the dream.

9. Process of Dream Analysis Don’t try to understand- this immediately narrows the possibilities. Establish the context of the dream in minute detail. Stick as closely as possible to the dream images (be specific). Keep returning to the image. (suppose I had no idea of a pig, etc.) Do this for all of the images in the dream. Ask yourself- what conscious attitude does the dream compensate for?

10. The Initial Dream May bring forth the etiology. Can reflect the patient’s attitude toward the therapist (and to homeopathy). Often lucid and clear. As work continues, the dreams lose clarity (this is mainly our lack of ability to understand). May give a prognosis.

11. Important Dreams Recurring dreams (especially those that have recurred since childhood). A dream that is remembered from childhood. A dream that is dreamt the night before the consultation. Dreams that occur immediately after taking a remedy.