tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post2952804591079666554..comments2023-10-31T02:17:01.448-07:00Comments on Navigating the Life of Your Dreams: Working with Dreams in Psychotherapy (Hill)Teresa L. DeCiccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03488365635624237105noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-69209620157589255952012-11-13T07:47:33.940-08:002012-11-13T07:47:33.940-08:00The self-guided method of dream interpretation is ...The self-guided method of dream interpretation is an excellent way to understand one's waking day emotions, fears, or anxieties. Through self-report and self analysis, an individual can gain insight into their everyday actions and feelings. TSM and the 2A method are excellent initial steps into dream analysis, as they allow for personal reflection on the imagery and not reliance on secondary opinions or interpretation. <br /><br />Personally, I believe the self-guided methods of dreaming should be used when the individual is simply trying to better understand their basic needs and wants. TSM and the 2A method are excellent techniques to gaining insight into factors such a romantic relationships, family struggles, phobias, and basic anxiety. Through self-guided interpretation of dreams, the subject can discover self-attributes that may be lying just below the surface of consciousness. <br /><br />In contrast, therapist guided techniques of dream interpretation should be used for individuals with deep emotional trauma, extreme phobias, or psychopathy. Such deep emotional and psychological issues may be too powerful to be fully understood and discovered through self-guided methods. Therapist guided techniques allow for a deeper and more intense analysis of dream imagery. Reasoning behind anxiety and phobias can be brought to the surface of consciousness through methodical and personalized stages of dream interpretation. <br /><br />Therapist guided techniques are also important when the patient may have very extreme cases of anxiety or trauma. Being in the presence of a clinician allows for patient safety as well as immediate support if the resulting discovery is emotionally painful or frightening. Nicole Floodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-90364591361078157412012-11-09T16:45:44.293-08:002012-11-09T16:45:44.293-08:00I believe that a person should use therapist guide...I believe that a person should use therapist guided-methods when self guided aren't working. By using a therapist method it gives you a fresh set of eyes. The therapist may be able to something that the patient has been missing while using the self method simply with themselves. That is how people deal with other things in life, so why not in dream therapy. If a patient is struggling, that is when you go and seek professional help, that is if one needs an excuse. As I believe there would also be nothing wrong with always using therapist-guided methods. Both have the positives and negatives, but I do not see one any better than the other. Erin Campbellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-21325739281909037922012-11-09T07:34:57.403-08:002012-11-09T07:34:57.403-08:00I think the self-guided method should always be us...I think the self-guided method should always be used first to see if any problems can be solved that way. If someone can discover why they have an issue with the self guided technique then they can look for a solution that may be going to a therapist. Since, self-guided is much easier. However, the problem arises when the individual learns that they have a problem but are unable to fix it on their own. Then therapists can use their guided techniques to help the individual. Thomas Guerettenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-4015768456519187512012-11-08T21:05:57.571-08:002012-11-08T21:05:57.571-08:00Self-guided methods allow us to discover suppresse...Self-guided methods allow us to discover suppressed memories and emotions. Self-guided methods can be very useful when they are used correctly and all directed instructions are followed. Although if an individual struggles with deeply hidden emotions that we supress to avoid feeling hurt, then we may not achieve discovery with the single self-guided method.<br /><br />Therapist guided methods should be used if supressed emotions are too powerful and realization is not achieved, then considering a therapist guided method would most likely solve this issue, that an individual has not been able to on their own using the self guided techniques.Daiana Locatelli 0405414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-76110245005156792632012-11-08T19:15:06.312-08:002012-11-08T19:15:06.312-08:00A person should use the self- guided method when t...A person should use the self- guided method when they are trying to discover something that isn’t painful or hard to deal with. For example if someone is trying to figure out what they want to do with their life, or decide their career choice it would be a good method. However, if you are having problems in waking life and they are showing up in your dreams and they are difficult or painful to deal with it might be best to use a therapist guided method. This would be beneficial if the person discovers something that they don’t know how to deal with because then the therapist can guide them. Cait Woodheadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-9861660120065750512012-11-08T11:20:20.664-08:002012-11-08T11:20:20.664-08:00I agree with Heather that self-guided dream interp...I agree with Heather that self-guided dream interpretation techniques would be a useful place to start because these methods are easier to complete and cheaper as well. Therefore people should see if self guided methods can lead to discovery. However, often dreams are too complex to reach discovery through only self guided methods and this is when a therapist may be needed. In addition, a therapist could help the dreamer work through extremely emotional dreams because if they were to only use self guided methods they may actually dear discovery and therefore be tempted to not complete dream interpretation. A therapist could provide the support they need to follow through with dream interpretation and then help them deal with the aftermath of discovery.Jessica Uptonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-60999126643206222332012-11-08T10:22:25.808-08:002012-11-08T10:22:25.808-08:00Self-guided dream therapy techniques can be really...Self-guided dream therapy techniques can be really helpful as a starting technique to release emotions that relate to waking day events. Once these emotions are released they can be quite powerful and should they cause distress and substantial discovery which could impact your emotions then you should seek help through guided dream therapy techniques. Self-guided are useful because not everyone may feel comfortable sharing their personal and intimate dreams with others. Therefore it allows for an avenue where people can analyze in their own comfort zones without others. However, there are instances where guided dream therapy could be helpful should your dreams cause you considerable distress and possible insomnia. I believe at this point people should seek a therapists to help them with their dreams and discoveries to waking day events.Heather Braundnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-63301186940836859142012-11-07T22:49:54.878-08:002012-11-07T22:49:54.878-08:00Except for the situation of psychosis dream interp...Except for the situation of psychosis dream interpretation may be shown to be resourceful to the individual in terms of self-help, or with the accompaniment of a therapist who assists in problem solving. I would imagine self-help could be beneficial at all levels of analysis, from body/mind to existential dimensions as long as the dreamer understands that it was an intuitive process, whereby there may not be perfect alignment, but rather a signalling is taking place that provokes attentional faculties of the waking mind. Yet, hypothetically if the individual was self-diagnosing, or predicting their own symptomology, this could be problematic, and would probably not be most reliable. However, the recommendation that the service of a practitioner be taken for an empirically based, detached analysis ensuring more reliability would disempower people to use the tools at their disposal. Taken together, I would propose self-help always be supplemented by a therapist in regards to assumed abnormality, and replaced by a therapist in the case of psychosis where a greater distinction may need to be articulated. Brewster Hattonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-77227731916979756642012-11-07T21:01:32.666-08:002012-11-07T21:01:32.666-08:00I believe that the self-guided method should alway...I believe that the self-guided method should always be an individual’s first attempt, and if there is no discovery this is when the therapist-guided methods can be sought out. When an individual is using the self-guided method, they may also be confused with what the results showed or denial may occur. In addition, what may also cause someone to consider a guided method would be if they have suffered a traumatic event and believe they need more emotional support. By going to a psychotherapist, the individual will be in a supportive environment and if discovery occurs it will be done safely. The psychotherapist can also suggest additional resources that would be beneficial for the person if needed. <br /><br />In addition, if a therapist-guided method was used a dream journal would be needed. I think that by having a dream journal in place it would allow the therapist to have a clearer picture of how the dreams have progressed, and common themes that are present throughout. It would also allow the dreamer to recall the details of the dream clearer and see if these events relate to specific waking day issues. Overall, if an individual believes that a therapist-guided method would be helpful, the idea should be encouraged as a more in-depth discovery could occur. <br />Karen Honeywellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-89569805337105318142012-11-07T20:47:19.584-08:002012-11-07T20:47:19.584-08:00I believe using therapist-guided methods are more ...I believe using therapist-guided methods are more geared towards: 1) clinical cases of psychopathology and 2) those who want in-depth analysis and discovery from another source. With therapist guided methods, if people are in distress or experiencing any sort of loss of daily function over their lives, these methods may be able to pinpoint causes and subsequent treatment. The goals for both methods are different. Self-guided methods are used to gain insight to everyday problems, while therapist-guided methods can be used to solve and clinically treat everyday problems. With self-guided methods, the client is an active agent for change. Through therapist-guided methods, the therapist moderates treatment and discovery. Having a professional psychotherapist could offer a second opinion if self-guided treatments do not lead to discovery. If a client has tried and exhausted all methods of self-guided methods without any progress, then a psychotherapist may also be suited. However, therapist-guided methods may be uncomfortable for some, because they operate on such a deep, personal level. Issues that are not yet realized, that operate beneath the surface (such as traumatic incidences) could be fully realized by the therapist. This would lead to discovery, but it may be unpleasant for the client. Alternately, it could also start a path to recovery.Andrew Kowalskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-62690180830331928002012-11-07T20:27:40.659-08:002012-11-07T20:27:40.659-08:00I agree with you I think that there are pros and c...I agree with you I think that there are pros and cons on an individual basis to which method would work best for people and I think that it is important for them to discover which method would help them discover meaning in their dream.Megan Feigehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07037881207248130478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-86821692615322823532012-11-07T20:25:02.751-08:002012-11-07T20:25:02.751-08:00I believe that both self-guided and therapist guid...I believe that both self-guided and therapist guided methods are very useful. I think that the self-guided method is a great resource however it can be very difficult to interpret the dreams and in this case a therapist-guided method would be quite useful. The self-guided method is very good for people that are interested in their dreams and people that are open to exploring the methods and themselves to find meaning in the dream. This method can also be done on ones own time and can give an answer to the dream quickly and inexpensive.<br /><br />The therapist-guided method can be very useful in working through what the person may be thinking and it might be easier for people to find meaning to the dream then they would on their own. This is also much more costly then a self guided method. This method is also a good way to ensure that people reflect on their dream and make sure that they are following the steps correctly so they can be as accurate as possible and have as much success as possible in interpreting their dream. Megan Feigehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07037881207248130478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-7521648875860269102012-11-07T20:09:42.617-08:002012-11-07T20:09:42.617-08:00I agree, it is difficult sometimes to let someone ...I agree, it is difficult sometimes to let someone else interpret something that is so personal like a dream. The self-guided method would be a good start to begin to feel comfortable exploring dreams before allowing someone else to interpret your dream for you.<br />I also agree that individuals who are suffering from something traumatic should look into dream interpretation with a therapist that way there is the added bonus of receiving help as well as dream interpretation.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06905587295832796624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-1179883058036540102012-11-07T20:06:24.157-08:002012-11-07T20:06:24.157-08:00I believe the self-guided methods would be useful ...I believe the self-guided methods would be useful for someone who is very open and willing to explore the methods. It takes a lot to open up and explore true feelings that can result from ones dream and to not be afraid of the results. If an individual is worried they won't like that they find this could bias the result and make the method results moot. Self-guided methods are also useful for those who are looking for quicker answers and are not interested in very deep revelations. Not that the self-guided methods cannot produce real information about daily waking life but the results may not be as deeply emotional without help. <br />With the therapist-guided method, individuals who don't want to explore alone should invest in this method. A therapist would be able to pull together deep seated emotions lying within dreams because they are professionals and have worked with many dreams before. Someone who is just started out and trying the methods may not be as able to extract such emotions because they are not as experienced. Being with a therapist could also prove relaxing as they can tell you what the dream means rather then being confused whether or not the analysis from the self-guided method is correct. Therefore those who are worried about what they might find could benefit from a therapist-guided method.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06905587295832796624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-14035396823157954782012-11-07T19:59:09.553-08:002012-11-07T19:59:09.553-08:00It is important to understand and interpret ones d...It is important to understand and interpret ones dreams when dealing with a stressful time. If an individual is dealing with issues in their life and their dreams are being affected I believe that they should start to use a self guided method of dream interpretation. In addition if an individual as never used dream therapy before they should start off with using a self guided method. This will help them to understand how the method works and how to successfully steer their dream towards interpretation. Using self guided methods also allow for personal interpretation and discovery, which can help many people do not want to share their dream imagery. When someone unsuccessfully uses self guided methods they should use a therapist guided method or some sort of method were they talk to a second party. Allowing an individual to talk openly about their dream may cause better interpretation and discovery. In addition people suffering from traumatic events should also consult with a therapist to interpret their dream imagery and make sure they are working towards discovery and therapy to get better. Sara Borgardtsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-41027900461099900822012-11-07T18:53:00.584-08:002012-11-07T18:53:00.584-08:00I think self-guided methods are appropriate in mos...I think self-guided methods are appropriate in most circumstances when people are dealing with personal problems, life stresses, or out of general personal interest. However, if there are deeper issues that the person feels they should talk to someone about, then I think that guided interpretations with the assistance of a trained psychotherapist are the best option to help get to the deeper psychological meanings within the dreams. It helps too that the therapists is involved in other communication with the patient, so that they may have a more complete picture of the patient's life and any problems that may be occurring. That said, for the vast majority, self-guided dream interpretation should be just fine and can provide an interesting window into the subconscious and unconscious realms.Brent Morrisonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-44536005882741677152012-11-07T18:10:47.224-08:002012-11-07T18:10:47.224-08:00Good question(s)Scott, I had the same inquiries. I...Good question(s)Scott, I had the same inquiries. I blogged about my beliefs on therapist-guided methods; suggesting that perhaps someone may need to use the therapist-guided method if they could not gain any insight through combinations of self-guided methods. But then again, if we are supposed to be the best interpreters of our own dreams, then what would we need a therapist for? Maybe it would be good to just have them there for professional support? I guess if a victim of a traumatic event hit breaking point and went into a severe anxiety attack after realization; it might be good to have one around. Jenn Ficarellanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-63488349983337503732012-11-07T18:10:04.841-08:002012-11-07T18:10:04.841-08:00Dream interpretation as the Giant Compass suggests...Dream interpretation as the Giant Compass suggests, is and should be a very personal thing since it is most often used when people are looking to find hidden meanings and suppressed emotions and feelings in their dreams. For this reason I believe that self guided interpretation should as often as possible be done first before even thinking about using therapist guided methods. Personally I agree with many of the previous posts which suggest that therapist guided methods should only be used when the dreamer is having difficulty with interpreting their dreams and may need some professional assistance in doing so. I also agree that if a person is having severe difficulties in finding meaning in their dreams that this could be a sign of severely suppressed emotions which may be better dealt with in the care of a professional therapist since trauma could be involved. I also agree that people should begin to use therapist guided methods when their dreams and dream imagery start to negatively impact their waking life since a therapist could better offer support and understanding to these individuals rather then the person dealing with it all by themselves. Paige Currienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-43772140112100868912012-11-07T15:04:10.683-08:002012-11-07T15:04:10.683-08:00I agree with your point that everyone should be op...I agree with your point that everyone should be open to using the self-guided method. I think people should try the self guided methods first. These methods are very reliable, they help people discover how images of their dreams are directly relate to personal life circumstances. These self guided methods also "guide" the dreamer to uncover conscious meanings from their dream. <br /><br />I believe therapist-guided methods are very useful too, since not all people are aware that their dreams relate to aspects in their waking day life. Dream therapists have a lot to offer someone who is distressed about a dream or <br />experienced a traumatic event in their life. A dream therapist would be helpful for people not only having a trauma but people of all types of dreams since they attempt to interpret their clients dreams to better their mind and learn more about themselves. I think it would be beneficial for people of all experiences to try dream analysis from therapist and self guided methods. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672268713476447121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-84911990620550795732012-11-07T10:38:43.922-08:002012-11-07T10:38:43.922-08:00You raise a very good point,Christina. A person co...You raise a very good point,Christina. A person could potentially do more harm by using the self-guided methods if they reach a discovery they are not ready to face. Just from the dream interpretations we've been doing with our assignments, I know I have already reached a discovery that I was unprepared for. At the time, I was home alone and it was difficult reaching such a discovery and having no one around to talk to or comfort me. Janice Perhinskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-1931926693317023242012-11-07T10:26:53.872-08:002012-11-07T10:26:53.872-08:00A person should use the self-guided methods of dre...A person should use the self-guided methods of dream interpretation when trying to interpret their everyday dreams. The Storytelling Method and the 2A Method have been proven to be very effective and user friendly (DeCicco, 2008). These methods should be used by individuals who are simply just interested in knowing what their dreams are telling them, with the dreams having no detrimental effects on their waking life. A person using the self-guided method may be looking to find insights on their relationships, careers, or just their own emotions. The Storytelling method can also be used by individuals with health problems, proving to be effective in identifying complications or remissions (DeCicco, 2008). <br /><br />Therapist-guided methods should be used for more complicated dream imagery and by those who are experiencing damaging effects of their dreams in their waking lives. Individuals suffering from a trauma may benefit from a therapist-guided method because the therapist can provide support and understanding so the dreamer does not feel like they are facing their trauma alone. Individuals dealing with mental illness or mental and/ or physical disabilities may benefit from a therapist-guided method if they are unable to read, write, or demonstrate understanding of the process. Another reason a person may seek a therapist-guided method is if they had no luck reaching discovery using self-guided methods and are interested in reaching discovery another way. <br />Janice Perhinskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-85550613386449354132012-11-07T10:25:39.204-08:002012-11-07T10:25:39.204-08:00I think when a person has had a true trauma in the...I think when a person has had a true trauma in their lives, therapist-guided methods can be used. It isnt always easy to deal with an issue in your life without someone to help you see it in a different perspective. The therapist guided methods would be a great way to do this and allow for the person to analyze their dreams in a different way. <br />The self-guided methods can still be used for dealing with issues that arise in a person`s life as long as that person has the ability to stay in a centered place while getting into the details of their dreams. If the person is unstable it would most likely be a better option for them to use the therapist -guided methods. This would create a safer environment for people and possibly gain an outlook, they didnt have before. Jill Lavigueurnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-79298109531959407192012-11-07T10:23:34.926-08:002012-11-07T10:23:34.926-08:00I agree with you Jenelle. If an individual tries t...I agree with you Jenelle. If an individual tries to cope with issues on their own, and realize that it isn't getting anywhere than they should seek professional help within a psychotherapist.<br /><br />However, with that said, realistically I think it's a lot easier said than done. I say this because there are a great big chunk of people in the world who look at psychotherapist "side-ways." That is they don't believe in them, or feel that they are a waste of time as they could deal with issues on their own. I think this would be more of a time when an individual can deal with their own self-guided issues.<br /><br />I do believe, as Jenelle stated that if it comes to a point where there are psychological abnormalities of a deeper level, than a person should most defiantly consider professional help.<br /><br />Josette Marshallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-132900455417354152012-11-07T10:10:20.129-08:002012-11-07T10:10:20.129-08:00I think that self-guided methods should be used wh...I think that self-guided methods should be used when the person is trying to gain some insight into their dreams that can explain their lives. If they are relatively aware of the type of person they are, where their lives are going, and they are relatively in touch with their emotions then the self-guided methods should be sufficient enough to help this person to reveal the true meanings behind their dreams. <br /><br />If the person is going through a period of their life where they are confused about various aspects of their lives, they may be going through a major life transition, grief, or some kind of stressful situation this is where a therapist guided method would be necessary. As we have learned, there are many layers to a dream that can be interpreted by the person and because of the situations that this person is going through their dreams may be interpreted incorrectly or not at a deep enough level. Also if the person is not in touch with their emotions and hasn't reached a level where they understand themselves and know who they are, the therapist-guided method would also be helpful for this person so that they can interpret their dreams correctly and they can be helpfully applied to their lives.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18231006847653938571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050484728213233970.post-42832439800000048982012-11-07T08:19:13.286-08:002012-11-07T08:19:13.286-08:00As mentioned above by many, both self-guided and t...As mentioned above by many, both self-guided and therapist guided methods of dream interpretation will have a specific time and place for their use. I feel that self-guided dream interpretation is used for more personal reflection on one’s waking life; a private reflection that one can contemplate and make sense of by themself. I feel that individuals can engage in self-interpretation of their dreams when they are just looking for insight into simple matters in their daily waking life. <br />I think that therapist guided dream interpretation should be used when the individual is having major difficulties in their waking life, nightmares, or like others have said when the individual has been through a traumatic event. A therapist will provide an outsider opinion; will be able to look at the dream and the waking life issues of the dreamer without bias. Sometimes therapist guided dream interpretation methods should be used when the dreamer will be too emotionally invested in what they think it means, and will not step back and take a look at the larger picture, in order to properly analyze how it relates to their waking life.<br />Lana Shaptonnoreply@blogger.com