Thursday, November 3, 2011

You as Dream Workshop Leader

You are a dreamwork leader and you have 3 methods that you use in your workshop. One is TSM, the second is the 2A and the third is The Projective Method. You have 6 people in your workshop and they meet with you once a week for group work. How would you personally run your workshops and why?

Also, one person in the group just cannot get past her first dream which is a nightmare about her exboyfriend. She tends to dominate the group and wants to constantly talk about her nightmare. What is the best approach to deal with this and the group as a whole?

36 comments:

  1. If I were a dreamwork leader, I would start off using TSM because the methods get more difficult as they progress. I would structure the group like the seminars have been structured in class. I would explain each method first and do an example and then allow each person to work individually using TSM. After they have had some practice with that we would discuss whether we found any insight using this method or not. In future sessions I would move on to the 2A method and the projective method using the same strategies. In order to deal with the one individual who constantly talks about her nightmare, I would structure the group so that everyone has equal turns to speak. I would tell them to try TSM or the 2A method first for their nightmare and if they did not find insight using those then we would spend some time on it within the group using the projective method. If this also did not help I would ask them to come see me on their own so we can go over the methods they used and check to see they are doing it correctly.

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  2. I agree with Megan, as a dreamwork leader I would run my workshop by first teaching The Story Telling Method, than allow the group to practice with it.

    TSM which can be constructively linked to waking day situations in the form of a story, is the easiest of the all three story methods, not time consuming and safe.
    When my group has firmly grasped TSM (gaining or not gaining insight into their dreams), than I would teach the 2A method. The 2A method of dream therapy, which takes a bit longer, explores suppressed emotions in the unconscious. This method of dream interpretation would allow an individual to explore the underlying emotions of a complex dream (unable to be interpreted in TSM) in order for them to discover what their dream images mean.

    When my group has firmly grasped the 2A method, than I would teach the Projective method. If both the previous mentioned dream techniques prove not to lead to a meaningful interpretation, than the projective method in a group setting would be next logical step. Whereas the previous two methods allow for dreams to be interpreted internally the projective method allows one’s own dream to be projected and put into the context of someone else’s waking day situation. This external perspective might help individuals see part of themselves in other people allowing them to surpass their self-serving bias hindering them in the previous two steps.

    In the case of the one person dominating the group and constantly talking about her nightmare I would advise this person to listen to others in great detail and properly project so that others might shed light on her nightmare. If no meaningful interpretation has been made, than similar to what Megan said I would ask the person to try the TSM first than the 2A method as these internal techniques might be more useful.

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  3. I would at first run TSM workshops until most people experienced discovery. Then I would run the 2A method for a while once again until most experienced discovery. The projective method I would save for those dreams that people were not able to achieve discovery for from the first two sets of workshops.
    As for the girl with the nightmare I would ask her to try the TSM method, then the 2A method, and if that doesn't work then allow some time for the projective method. If she still does not achieve discovery from the opinions of the 5 other people then I would maybe recommend the meditative dream reentry if there is another workshop for that. Otherwise I would just mention to her that we devoted some time for her to resolve her dream issues and now other people need time to resolve their dreams.

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  4. As a dreamwork leader I would begin my workshops using the TSM method, as I would not want to jump into anything more complicated than that at the beginning of the workshops. After a certain comfort level is established within the group moving on to the 2A method would seem appropriate. After group members become familiar with this method, I would progress the group into the Projective Method. The Projective Method requires groups members (especially the ones sharing their dreams) to be comfortable in their setting and speaking in front of other group members. They need to be open and honest, along with critical and understanding of each other. I would use the methods in this order because they progress in level of difficulty (TSM, 2A, and then the Projective Method).

    For the individual who cannot move past her nightmare about her ex-boyfriend, I would recommend beginning with the TSM, trying to find a discovery through association of other words, and then 2A, bringing more emotions and complexity into the discovery process. If these methods did not help her with any type of discovery in her nightmare, I would recommend her to take part in the Projective Method with the rest of group as they move on to this step. As she is the dominator of the group, she would be instructed to take part in a listen-and-tell exercise that requires her to listen to each group member’s dream before she can discuss hers further. I believe that it would be essential for her to listen to other people’s dreams, seeing if she can gain any insight from them and use it in her own situation. After all the group members have their chance to partake in the Projective Method, she would then be able to share hers. Hopefully this would help her with her nightmare and any discovery that she made.

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  5. I would probably begin the process with a more casual discussion about dream interpretation in general in hopes of starting to open up a dialogue about it. As recommended in class, I would want to start with a simpler technique, such as The Story Telling Method. This would be a good place to start since it is relatively simple and there is no disclosure to the other participants in the group. It also has a proven history of success and often leads to discovery. This might be a good way to motivate participants to continue with the process. After people are comfortable with this technique I would want to move to the 2A method and then eventually to the projective method. I think it would be a good idea to move towards the projective method since it does involve more discussion with the group members. Even though the person never has to disclose any discoveries, it still might make people feel more vulnerable than the other two methods.
    As for the group member who wants to dominate the group with her own dream, I would probably want to talk to her in private. I might suggest she and I meet for a session together where the two of us could just discuss that particular dream if it was important to her to make connections and get to the bottom of it. I wouldn’t want to discourage her from participating in group sessions, as the input of others is so important for methods like the projection method. However, if there was one particular dream that she was very concerned with, it might benefit her to have a one on one session to explore it deeper.

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  6. As a dream work leader, similar to the other responses I would start the session discussing the importance of dreams and dream journals, as well as explain how the first method is used. I would start with the TSM, for the same reasons as everyone else, it is simple and there is a large chance of getting some insight from the method. This insight I believe would increase the interest in the use of dream work. As stated in class and the text, being interested and wanting to remember your dreams, learn about your dreams and gain insight will only help your success at gaining that insight.
    Due to the fact that the Projective Method works best with people that don't know each other and has a high safety level, I would move to this method next. I feel that because there may not be a bond between any of the clients yet, they may have a more objective perspective and therefore, hopefully a more useful projection for each dream. Again, this only works if the safety is followed precisely.
    I would then introduce the 2A method, as it reaches a deeper level of emotions, having a couple sessions to get used to dream work initially, I feel would only be beneficial.
    As for the client that tends to dominate the sessions, I would try to allot a general amount of time that each person has to share and discuss just as Megan mentioned, as well as suggest we try and work through the 2A Method together. I feel the 2A method would work well for someone who experienced a high emotional or stressful dream such as a nightmare. As this nightmare in particular seems to have made an emotional impact on her, as she constantly and continuously wants to talk about it.

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  7. In the first seminar, I would introduce the topic and benifits of Dream Interpretation, as well as different methods used to reach discovery. Examples would be shown for each Method. I would also assign the group to keep a dream journal. Each week I would then assign them to do the TSM and 2A method at home, using any two of their dreams. They would also be assigned to save their most intense dream for workshop, where they would try to interpret it using the Projective Method. Because there is only 6 people, there would be enough time for each individual to share a dream. During the workshops, saftey MUST be followed.

    I would suggest using multiple methods, which would be done in the workshop arrangment I planned. Allowing her to try different methods at home increases her chances of discovery. Allowing her the share her dream in the Proective Method would perhaps lead to discovery, as well as allow her to "express" herself to the group. As each individual is allowed to share one dream per week, this would satisfy the group and the individual.

    Grace Williamson

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  8. I would do a similar style to what has already been mentioned. I would begin by using The Story Telling Method. This method is fairly easy to use. An example would be given to explain how it works and then I would ask everyone to interpret their own dreams.

    Next I would introduce them to the 2A method. This would be introduced next because it is a bit more complicated then the STM. I would follow the format of the first dream by presenting them with an example.

    Following that I would introduce the Projective method.

    For the one with the nightmare I would suggest the the STM as well as the projective method to see if the group could help find a meaning to it.

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  9. Assuming they have read The Giant Compass and have mastered TSM and 2A, I would first offer the clients their choice of what they would like to do with their group time, but would inform them that they can do TSM and 2A as self-directed. More bang for the buck if they do a group based intervention in a group. This could perhaps all have been done when the group was forming and norming.
    With the domineering client, I would use immediacy and ask her if she would be receptive to some feedback. If yes, I would tell the client and the group that I experience her as being stuck. I would offer her referral to individual sessions to get over the hurdle, and put the group to task to brainstorm solutions. Hopefully the client will pick one, and contract to follow-up. I would also get the group to go through another norming exercise, where things like sharing air-time are agreed on.
    The rest is up to the client!

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  10. I would structure the workshop as we have in seminar. Explain what all three methods require from the individual and how they work. Go through a few short dreams (perhaps the same dream) for each method. I would explain the benefits of each method, perhaps suggest methods if a person cannot decide or guide them towards the one that I feel would give them the most insight. Basically, I would leave it open to their choice as long as they get help/answers/insight/discovers or which ever from the workshop. Perhaps do the projection method as a group and focus on the TSM and 2A method at first.

    As for the individual who cannot get past her nightmare, this has obviously impacted her greatly in terms of her life as well as her emotions. I would encourage her to keep coming to the group sessions but privately ask her if she would like to have a one on one session where we could discuss and focus on her specifically.

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  11. As a dream work leader, I would also structure the sessions as they are introduced in class. I would begin by informing the individuals what each dream method was and that they all work best while including meditation as well as a constant awareness of their dreams (dream journal) and how they relate directly to waking life. I would start off with TSM first, as this is the method that is easiest to gain insight, followed by the 2A method and ending with the projective method.
    For the individual who has reoccuring nightmares, I would tell her to do all the methods I mentioned in order (TSM, 2A, projective) as well as meditating twice a day. Hopefully the projective method might help her/him get over the nightmare, and like Ashlee mentioned, I would speak to the individual and let them know that if they still cannot find insight, they could meet me for ana individual session.

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  12. As a dream workshop leader, I would begin with the easiest method (TSM)to get my group comfortable with the dream interpretation process and to ensure that each individual gains some insight from the first method. TSM will allow them to make clear connections from the subconscious to their conscious mind, making insight more probable. Once everyone has practiced this method and is comfortable with dream interpretation, I would progress to the 2A Method so the group can begin to associate specific waking day emotions and amplify them through the dream analysis. Once each group member has gained some insightful connections to their waking life, I would use the Projective Method as the last dream interpretation method. Using this method last allows each member to be comfortable with each other and confident in their ability to find discovery.

    As for the one group member who has one specific nightmare that she cannot seem to make peace and discovery with, I would also use the Projective Method to help lead her to insight. Using this method allows her to listen to other people's interpretations of the dream and hopefully give her a new perspective on what her dream symbolizes in her waking life. This method would also allow her to discuss the dream as she wishes, while still having the rest of the group participate in the workshop.

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  13. As many have said above, it is best to structure the dream interpretation from the easiest to the more complex methods. Starting with the TSM and then moving to the 2A Method once people have found discovery with the TSM. Once people have found discovery with both the TSM and the 2A Method, then we could move on to the Projective Method. By going from more simple to complex methods it allows the participants to build up confidence in their ability to find discovery and as they continue it will provide a way to find deeper meaning in their dreams.
    In regards to the woman with the dream of her ex-boyfriend, I would advise she go through each of the techniques again. During the projective method, I would encourage as many people in the group to give a projection. If this continues to be a problem and she is unable to find insight and discovery with any of the methods being provided, it may be suggested that she find a more in-depth method or a one on one session with myself, as the dream work leader.

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  14. If i were a dream worker, I would first start off using the TSM becauses it is easy and fun! Then, due to the number of members in the group, the projection method. Each dreamer would get 5 projections, rather than 3, which could help the dreamer get even more insight into their dream.

    As far as the dominating person, suggest instead that she do the 2A method since it focuses on emotions in dreams. she can possibly get some insight into other feelings in her life, without disrupting the group. in this case, each dreamer in the group setting would then only get 4 projections per dream, which is still more than the standard 3.

    Melissa Van Grootel

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  15. Similar to what other have said, I feel like the story telling method is the easiest so I would begin with that. I would encourage each person from the group to share a dream so that each person had an opportunity to work with me in discovering their meanings.
    The next week I would work on the 2A method, again encouraging each individual to share a dream as long as they felt comfortable with it. This would allow for them to get a good handle on the method and they would be able to ask any questions they may have.
    Finally I would do the projective method, once again encouraging everyone to share a dream they are comfortable sharing with the group.
    In regards to the woman with the dream of her ex boyfriend, I would allow her to use it as her dream of choice for each of the methods if she chose to, but when it was other people's turns I would ask her to listen to them. I would give her some worksheets and information about the methods so that she could work on the dream on her own time if she wasn't satisfied with the results she got in the workshop, and let her know I would be open to communicate with her through email or after class if she still had issues with it.

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  16. As a dream work leader, I would also start off using the TSM because I think it is one of the more simple methods to use. I would probably structure the seminars similar to how we have been doing in our classroom. For example, I would do a group example with the class, and then ask each individual to practise the method using their own dreams. Once they have tried this method on their own, I would introduce the 2A method using the same structure previously used for the TSM method. Finally, I would introduce the Projective Method in small groups, as an effort to make people feel more comfortable sharing their dreams. I would use a few examples to illustrate how the method should be practiced, then ask people from the small groups to share if they would like to, and then ask them to go home and try it on their own.

    I agree with Farooq regarding the scenario about the one person constantly talking about her nightmare about her ex boyfriend. In the case of the one person dominating the group and constantly talking about their nightmare, I would advise this person to use the Projective Method, and to listen to others in great detail so that others might shed light on her nightmare. However, I might ask her to first perform the TSM, as well as the 2A method to try and gain insight on her own, and to also be able to compare with what other have come up with using the Projective Method.

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  17. I would start off with The Storytelling Method, because as most other people have said, it is the easiest way of dream interpretation. Also, this method is most likely to lead people to insight within their dreams, which would help people to become more confident with interpreting their own dreams. Once The Storytelling Method has been used and insight has been found, then I would move onto the 2A Method, which would show more emotion in their dream interpretations, and hopefully create further insight into the dreams that they have already interpreted. Once everyone has found insight, or worked long enough with their dreams, then I would move onto the Projection Method. This way, the people in the group have the tools they need to interpret dreams, and they have had a while to work on their own dreams, so interpreting other’s dreams as their own would be easier for them because they already have the knowledge.
    As for the person in the group who is dominating the group discussion, I would look at the interpretations that she is coming up with for her dream, and see if she is having any sort of insight. It could be that she is lying to herself about the problems that she is facing in her life, or that she does not want to take any action on the insight that she is coming up with. If she is still trying to dominate the group discussion, then I would set up the group so that each person has a certain amount of time to go over their own dreams, and then set a certain amount of time for the projection, so that way she cannot continue to direct the conversation only in her favour.

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  18. If I were a dreamwork leader I would run workshops similar to the way workshops were ran in class. Each person would receive more individual attention as it would be a smaller group. I would start informing the group that they will need to begin by keeping a dream journal. I would then start with the TSM method. It is a simple method to get people started with dream interpretation. Since one person is dominating the group I would explain as a group that we need to take turns and listen to each other. If the problem continues I would mention to the individual after class that perhaps they need one on one therapy since they are dealing with a nightmare so they need to be extra careful when interpreting their dreams.

    The next method I would introduce is the 2A Method. It is similar to the TSM method therefore it is a good method to be learned next. This method deals with emotions and may provide people with a deeper insight. People who may not have got any insight using the TSM method may get insight using this method.

    Lastly I would teach the projective method. This would work well as it is a small group of only 6 people. Perhaps the person suffering from the nightmare could be the person whose dream is being used as an example. Everyone then will be able to project about what that dream would mean if it was their dream. Safety would be taught just as it was in seminar in class.

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  19. First I would gauge how much the group knows about dreaming. For the first session I would want to give some background information about dreams, where they come from, the research, things we would have talked about in the first lecture about dreams. This would be done in order to give them a better understanding of their dreams. I would also tell them in that same session to start meditating (to help with dreaming) and to start keeping a dream journal in order to give them something to work with. In the second meeting I would introduce the TSM because it is a very simple and easy way of interpreting an individual's dream. In the third meeting I would then introduce the 2A method, which is a step up. In the next dream workshop, I would have them use the projective method. In each session I would explain how each method works, and like in our seminars, would use ask for a dream from someone to run through each dream interpretation method.

    As for the individual who dominates the group discussion, I would like to use her as an example of how each method would work. This will give her an opportunity to voice her concerns about the dream and would provide insight into how each method would work. I would only do this if she is willing but it seems that she is very vocal about it. Because each method could be used on the same dream, it would be possible to use her nightmare as an example for the methods we have.

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  20. If I was a dreamwork leader and ran my own workshop I would organize the workshops in the same way our seminars have been organized in our dreams and dreaming class. First all I would introduce the TSM method while providing examples and then allowing the classmates to have a take home assignment relating to this method. I would then introduce the 2A method using the same process that the TSM was introduced, and lastly introduce to the class the projective method. Presenting these method in this pattern is the most beneficial way to teach the students because each method becomes a little more complex and confusing. Also, during seminar period, I would assign each student a 5 minute time period where they can share and discuss anything dream related or ask any questions they have regarding dreams or the method being learned in class. This will help structure the class so that no student overpowers the discussion and takes up all the times for themselves.

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  21. If I were a dream leader and ran my own workshop I would go about organizing the workshops like we do in class. I would start off with the storytelling method because this is the simplest of them all and it introduces you to the idea of dream interpretation. I would continue in the order we did in class. Following TSM is the 2A method, then projective and finally MDR. This is because each method is more complex than the other. The story telling method will give an you a simple idea of what your dreams mean but with the MDR you can go deeper into your dreams and reveal emotions and thoughts you weren't aware of.

    As for the individual I would talk to them individually after the session and explain to them that we will be learning various methods of dream interpretation. If the storytelling method did not give them insight on their nightmare then they can use the other methods to hopefully find deeper meaning to their nightmare.

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  22. As with most of the group, I feel that following the various methods found in the Giant Compass, in order, would be the most beneficial way to run workshops. I would probably spend several sessions with the group per method, depending on how many sessions were allotted to the workshop. This is because the methods build nicely onto each other. Starting with a simple method like the STM and ending with a method where the group interacts with each other and their dreams would mean an increased understanding of their dreams before being asked to share.

    As for the group member who likes to dominate the discussions, I would enforce a timed turn-taking strategy for sharing and discussion that would allow for each member to have an equal chance to say what they wish. I would also approach that member and suggest that we work through that first dream in private, without the group, to allow her to move past it and to more recent dreams. I would stress the importance of being able to move past a single dream to current ones in order to interpret how else the themes found within that dream may be manifesting in her current dreams. If this did not help her move past that first dream in the group workshop, I would introduce a rule that group members must present a new dream each session in order to assess whether the group therapy was helpful in allowing them to move forwards in their lives. These dreams could be revisited when we moved onto the next method, enabling members who wished to expand on certain dreams the opportunity to reuse that dream at least once per method, but no more.

    - Carey-Ann Bettesworth

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  23. As a dreamwork leader I would begin the first workshop by obviously introducing myself and my background in dream research. I would then get each group member to introduce themselves to the group and maybe state why they are there, discuss any issues regarding questions they have about dreams, etc (of course only if they wanted to share). I would then explain the importance of keeping a dream journal, techniques to remember dreams, discuss the history of dreams, and then hammer home the importance of safety. I would also explain how dream imagery is specific to the dreamer and that you can't tell people what their dreams mean. I would end the first workshop by introducing the three dream interpretation techniques and providing examples of each to leave them thinking about which one(s) best suit them.

    I would introduce the interpretation techniques as they were introduced in class, starting with TSM and then moving to the 2A and then to the Projective Method. I think this would be beneficial for all of the group members. I think progressing through the interpretation techniques in this order would be quite beneficial for the girl who can't get past her nightmare about her ex boyfriend. I would try and encourage her to use the interpretation methods in this order because each technique becomes more involved and can lead to further/more detailed discoveries. Since she can’t get past this nightmare and always wants to talk about it, I wouldn’t jump into the Projective Method right away. This is because I wouldn’t want to push her too far too fast because as we have learned, too much insight too quickly is not a good thing. On the other hand, obviously we would want to help her reach discovery and since she wants to constantly talk about her nightmare in the group then the Projective Method might suit her the best. I would make sure she gets the chance to use the Projective Method (probably once she has at least tried TSM or 2A).

    I would make sure that I developed a one-on-one relationship with each of the six individuals. I would want to be sure to include things in the workshops that suited each individual. I would let the group know that they can talk about their discoveries if they are comfortable doing so and if they don’t want to share with the group then I could provide one-on-one workshops with the individual.

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  24. If I were a dream work leader, the first thing I would do is introduce the 2A method and TSM. Since these are self directed methods I would suggest that each person not only keep a dream journal, but also go through each individual dream with the method most appropriate based on the dream content at home (for example using the 2A method for dreams with a strong emotional component). Then I would suggest that they bring in dreams which a) they failed to gain insight or discovery through the self directed methods or b) dreams which they would like to gain further insight, so that the group as a whole could use the projective method and help each other achieve insight into their dreaming lives.

    For the woman that cannot get passed her nightmare I would suggest using all three methods of dream interpretation on her nightmare. If she still could not get the dream out of her head, I would suggest the group use the projective method on her nightmare, to hopefully help her gain some perspective. Furthermore I would structure the group so that each person had an equal opportunity to speak (this way avoiding one individual from dominating the entire workshop)

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  25. If I were dreamwork leader, I would start off my workshop by introducing myself and getting everyone else to introduce themselves to each other. This would encourage a certain comfort level in the group and would form a basis for the group to work together efficiently. Next, I would explain the importance of dreams and instruct each individual in the workshop to keep their dreams documented in a journal. I would share some of my own experiences with dreamwork and try to make everyone feel comfortable.

    Throughout the course of the workshop, I would gradually introduce each type of dream interpretation. I would start with the TSM for the first meeting, then the 2A method for the second meeting, and then the Projective method. In each meeting, I would fully explain each method and ensure that every individual in the group had a firm understanding of each method. I would instruct them to utilize the methods on their own dreams. I would ensure that each person in the workshop knew that their findings were for their own personal growth, and they did not have to share them with the class unless they wanted to. After introducing each of the methods in order, I would tell everyone to explore each method of interpretation on different dreams, and encourage them to find the dream interpretation method that works best for them.

    In regards to the person who could not get past her first dream, I would encourage her to have a one on one session with myself, as well as attending the workshop. This way, she may feel that she is getting some extra time just to discuss her dream. I think that this would fair, because if she continued to dominate the workshop the other members may not get what they want out of the workshop.

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  26. As a dream work leader, in the first session I would stress the importance of meditation as it helps keep individuals balanced and rested which is important when dealing not only dreams but every aspect of waking day life. I would also stress that each individual should feel comfortable sharing and discussing their dreams and it would be a judgment free environment which would only add the the effectiveness of the program.

    As for dream interpretation, the first method I would use due to its simplicity would be TSM, followed by the 2A method. The 2A method would be used second because it nicely expands on TSM and would be an easy transition in to a new method.

    Due to the nature of the Projective method, I would use this last. I would mention to the girl who is dominating discussions with her dream that she may be able to get most insight with this method and use it to learn other peoples opinions on the dream.

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  27. Like many of my classmates stated, if I were leading a dreamwork leader I would first start by using the TSM. This is what we first started with and I found to be quite effective for the first time. I had not been introduced to dream interpretation before, so this is a good start. Once everyone got the hang of the TSM, I would then introduce the 2A method. This method is a little more difficult than the TSM. I would go through some examples before I let the group do their own. Once they understood the concept and what they had to do, they could use the 2A method on their dreams. This requires quite a bit of time so I would set aside enough time in order for them to complete the exercise without rushing. Finally, I would introduce the Projective method. By this time, people should have gotten to know one another and feel comfortable enough to share their dreams. I found this method to be the most effective for dream discovery. This also takes quite a bit of time, so it is important to set aside enough time for everyone to complete the activities and express their dreams without feeling rushed.

    In regards to the person in the group who over powers everyone, I would ask that they share what they feel they need to and let everyone else do the same. If he/she would like more feedback from the group, it would be best to ask for this during the Projective Method. It is important to let everyone know how crucial it is to listen effectively in order for the interpretations to work. If this person would like to discuss their nightmare in depth, they can meet with myself at another time to go over it. You do not want to make the person feel like their dream is not important or disregard it. Allow them to speak and intervene when it is necessary. The goal is for the entire group to gain some insight, not just one person.

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  28. If I were a dream workshop leader I would start my workshop by getting my group comfortable with myself and each other. I would introduce myself, my work and interest in dreams and I would ask the group members to introduce themselves and maybe tell us what their interests in dreams are. I would get the group members familiar with the history of dreaming, dream research and cover some common myths about dreams and dream interpretation. Next I would talk about confidentiality and safety within the interpretation methods and within the group.

    As most, I would start with TSM, then 2A and finally the projective method. I would do it in this order because I would want my group members to ease into their discoveries. I wouldn't want them to learn too much too fast. TSM does not take much time, it is fun and it is proven to be effective. 2A has a much larger emotional component and may tap deeper into ones discoveries. Lastly, projective method requires the group members to get into small groups and share their dreams (they don't have to share their discoveries). Group members will need to feel comfortable with each other by this time, this is why I would use this interpretation method last. Others Insight allows the dreamer to gain additional information, and possibly new discoveries that they otherwise may not have gathered.

    I would speak with the group member who can't get past her nightmare privately. I would tell her that individual meetings with a professional regarding her nightmare might be the best route for her. The methods being covered in workshop may or may not help her with getting rid of her nightmare. If she decides she would like to stay in workshop I would ask her to allow equal participation during workshop and to come to me, or other group members, after workshop if she has further questions or comments.

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  29. As a dreamwork leader, I have 6 people who meet with me once a week for group work. We use 3 methods in this workshop: TSM, 2A and Projective. My first thought is that using the Projective method could be problematic because by now my workshop participants are beginning to know eachother. The professor cautioned that the Projective Method shouldn't be used with people who are closely involved in the dreamer's life. However, after giving it some thought I have decided that if we are working together for a finite number of weeks (as, for example, a 10 week workshop), all methods would be appropriate to use in this setting. The relationship among the participants is more of a "professional" relationship, with professional boundaries, less intimate than a family or close friend, who would know the dreamer well. Group participants would not necessarily have a hidden agenda or be enmeshed in the dynamics that a family or significant other would be.

    I would begin by following a similar schedule to our course. On the first meeting we would talk about why dreams are important, and discuss the appropriate precautions such as confidentiality. Each participant would be given a notebook and I would instruct how to begin to record and remember dreams. After the students have had a week to experience what it is like to try to remember their dreams, we would have a feedback session, and address any questions. The third week I would begin dream interpretation, and first introduce TSM method. Dreamers would try out this method during workshop the following (3rd) week, and then attempt this method on their own as homework. The following week (Week #4) we would discuss feedback about TSM, and introduce the 2A method. And so on. Participants would need some time in between to become familiar with each method, so I would allot 2 weeks per method. This would mean the workshop "term" would have a duration of about 8-10 weeks.

    With regards to the participants who is constantly talking about her nightmare, I would have to take that participant aside (set up a private time to talk with her) and explain to her that I have to give equal time and attention to each participant. I would acknowledge (validate) that she has a lot of material and eagerness, and gently suggest to her that perhaps we should set up a private appointment time for her so that I have the opportunity to devote 100% of my time to her, in the appropriate setting. I'd try to suggest this delicately. The group would require firm facilitation.

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  30. If I were a dream workshop leader, like many of the other comments, I would progressively work through the three methods. I would run my workshop like in seminar where I would first introduce and explain the method, provide examples and then go through it together before they try it on their own so that I know they understand the method.

    In terms of methods, I would first start with introducing the topic of dream interpretation and causally get a discussion going. Then I would introduce the TSM method and see if this would give any insight to their waking day lives, if not I would introduce the 2A method to explore any emotions that might evoke in waking day and lead to discovery. If none of the two methods worked then I would get the group to try the Projective method and see if the external expressions of others might lead to discovery.

    As for the girl with the nightmare that dominates the group, I would first try a method that she can work on independently such as the TSM and 2A methods. If that didn't work I would try the Projective method and advise her to listen carefully and participate in others dreams, hoping that this would allow her to listen more and talk less which would allow her to be able to relax, breath and take time to properly interpret her dream. If this didn't work then I would ask to see her on a one to one basis and work with her independently of the group.

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  31. If i was running a dream work shop I would run it in the order of the TSM, 2A and then projective method. I would do it in this order because since we have done it it seems more effective because i find each of these method help you discover the dreams in more depth. However you need to practice journaling and writing down the dreams and meanings before you go on to projecting your dream.

    If one girl was dominating the dream group I would help lead her to notice that she is not the most important person or should not dominate the group. I would ask her if she would like to see me away from the group at another time so we could discuss the dream in further detail so it does not disturb the flow of the group

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  32. If I was the leader of a dreams group, I would ease them into the process of understanding their dreams by using TSM first. My reasoning for using this method is much the same as previous posts; it is a relatively easy method and you do not need much experience with dream interpretation in order to gain some insight out of it.

    The order of the interpretations we use in seminars is probably how I would structure my seminars. I would gradually see how much information my members were taking from each and move forward. Then, maybe after a few seminars for each system, I would allow the members to choose which methods worked best for them and ask them to tell me why they thought this method was the best for them.

    TSM and the 2A method are also more private methods that the members can do on their own. The Projective Method requires "safety" and the full cooperation and discretion of the each and every member. Perhaps some members may not be as comfortable openly discussing their dreams, so The Projective Method may not work as well for them. I would do my best to ensure all group members that dream interpretation requires constant "safety" and the information learned and dreams that are discussed will be held with the strictest confidence.

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  33. If I was a dreamwork leader I would recommend that the methods be used in the order we have done them in class. However, I would give the option of choice as well. If someone feels they are capable of using a more advanced method then that would be okay to me. For the person who can't get passed her dream, I would recommend one on one therapy. She may be affected by this group setting and perhaps the methods that she would have to do on her own are too painful to do. She probably would benefit from meditation and the meditative dream re-entry method.

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  34. If I were a dream work leader I would begin my workshop by starting with TSM, this would be a warm up that would allow the workshop members to open their minds to gaining insight into their own lives. I would then use the 2a method which would allow them to further explore their feelings and emotions of the associative words they made from the TSM. Lastly, I would use the projective method, after building onto the other two methods, I feel that this would allow workshop members to relate to others and perhaps find further meaning into their own dreams.
    I believe that each group member should feel like they have a voice and that their voice should be heard, however, if this one group member could not get past her dream and constantly tried to dominate the group I would tell her it would be best if she gained the insight on her own and she would probably find the meaning she is searching for from the 2a method. The emotions and feelings surrounding her ex boyfriend should surface through the word associations.

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  35. if i was running a dream workshop i would try TSM, then 2A and then projective method in order to get more interpretation. if one the girl try to dominate the group i would talk to her let her tell me the whole dream and work with her one to one.

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  36. I would like to use tsm and projective method. also would like to use as much information and feedback possible. I would deal one on one basis with the person trying to dominate the action.

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