The Dream and its Dreamwork

The Dream and It’s Dreamwork : 

The Dream and It’s Dreamwork ASD Featured Presentation, June 19, 2004, Copenhagen, Denmark Strephon Kaplan-Williams ©2004 www.dreamwork2000.com

Introduction : 

Introduction The following is a summary of Strephon’s discoveries and an outline of his development of Dreamwork Psychology as a separate branch of psychology For professionals interested in dreamwork psychology training Dreamworkers can evaluate their own work by the key ideas presented here Dream researchers can see the key concepts and clinical observations that can be placed within a research context The author would appreciate acknowledgement and a copy of books and papers in which the ideas are used

Presentation Description : 

Presentation Description The Dream and Its Dreamwork The Exciting Discoveries In this new approach the presenter has discovered that dreamers who truly work with their dreams cannot feel safe in their confrontation with what the dream is saying about them. Referencing thirty-five years of professional dreamwork and research the presenter finds that the dreamer’s point of view is not the objective view in the dream itself. Only by dreamworking the dream do we make our subjectivity objective. We objectify the dream to objectify ourselves. We find out who we are by finding out who we are in our dreams.

Dream Definitions : 

Dream Definitions A dream is an internal ego experience of meaning occurring internally during sleep A dream is an experience in image, action and feeling occurring internally in sleep A dream is a coherent whole using the universal language of imagery to convey our internal and external life issues and how to deal with them, including our limitations in facing their reality A dream is an internal experience of meaning coming to our awareness in the aware sleep state from a wisdom source other than ego

Dream Functions : 

Dream Functions A dream functions to present life issues and how we are and are not dealing with them A dream functions to train us in better dealing with life and personality issues A dream uses intense imagery to affect us at the emotional level regarding issues to deal with A dream represents us in our attitudes and patterns in a more objective way than we usually see ourselves A dream functions to illustrate the need for internal and external integration and wholeness

Some Dreamer Fallacies : 

Some Dreamer Fallacies The dream is only or best understood by the dreamer That you can interpret dreams using outside symbol systems That a dream symbol can be explained out of context That sharing dreams is a private occupation That the dreamer needs to fear what dreams reveal or others say about the dream That dreams are not meaningful in themselves That you can understand your dreams without needing to understand your dream ego also

The Dreamworker : 

The Dreamworker The committed dreamworker writes down at least three dreams a week for the rest of her life and dreamworks at least one dream a week The committed dreamworker uses dreams and dreamwork as an objectifying process for making conscious oneself and ones life issues so as to develop, integrate and live realistically The committed dreamworker chooses the objective view of the dream over that of the dream or waking egos in the choice for objectivity, resolution and wholeness

What We Know About The Dream : 

What We Know About The Dream Dreams are created by a wisdom source other than ego because dreams present us with our life issues and our challenges in dealing with life and personality We dream objectively about ourselves The dreamer is represented by the dream ego Other symbols, figures and actions represent unconscious inner dynamics and attitudes, but also outer issues, perceptions and persons Dreaming is congruent with the intuitive function not under control by the ego Only the ego feels fear. Nightmares show the ego handling situations and issues ineffectively (continued)

What We Know…(cont.) : 

What We Know…(cont.) The dream presents our conscious ego response to inner and outer dynamics and situations The dream functions to highlight issues and to train the ego consciousness in attitude change and development based on the wholeness principle and reality function Dreams are created out of a core thrust for wholeness and resolving inner and outer issues Dreams lead and we follow. We commit to wiser direction than the ego personality provides Our ongoing dream task is to become more congruent with the issues and dynamics of the dream itself There are many ways to live life but only one way to live the dream

About The Dream Ego : 

About The Dream Ego The Dream Ego represents our operational identity in dreams similar to the ego in waking life The Dream Ego is only about one seventh of the dream’s dynamics, perspective and issues The ego identity of the dreamer is challenged by the dream source in the dream Ongoing analysis of dream ego behavior, characteristics and attitudes through a series of dreams is highly effective for personality assessment and measurement of personal growth

Dream Ego Assessment Profile : 

Dream Ego Assessment Profile List dream ego actions and inactions through a series of dreams List key issues and actions being repeated in a series of dreams Find similarities of repeat actions and inactions through the series of dreams regarding repeat issues Do analysis of attitudes behind dream ego behavior Design changes in drego behavior to deal more effectively with repeat dream issues or situations Analyze future dreams for changes in drego behavior and attitude regarding repeat dream issue situations

Dreamwork : 

Dreamwork Dreamwork is the conscious relation of the dreamer to the dream Dreamwork creates meaning out of reexperiencing the dream and its dynamics Dreamwork requires objectifying by separating out the Dreamer Ego from the Dream Ego Dreamwork deals with the personality and life issues dramatized by the dream

The Beginner Dreamer : 

The Beginner Dreamer The beginning dreamer is passive and reactive in dreams and life The beginner dreamer lives from fear and the principle of playing it safe in life using a defense system The beginner dreamer tries to be in control in dreams and life but has many dreams wherein trying to control does not work The beginner dreamer does not live in dreams or life that effectively in the sense of realizing potentials and relationships in a growthful and integrative way

The Beginner Dreamer (cont.) : 

The Beginner Dreamer (cont.) The beginner dreamer is not committed to writing down dreams and working with them to mirror personality and to solve life issues and develop potentials The beginner dreamer is not committed to self-growth and change via shifts in ego point of view The beginner dreamer does not base life action on following the portrayal of the dream ego in the dream

The Beginner Dreamer (concl.) : 

The Beginner Dreamer (concl.) The beginner dreamer is not committed to changing to become congruent within the dream and in life The beginner dreamer does not have an organized and developed consciousness but lives through others and projects freely The beginner dreamer has large areas of life lived in fantasy and symbol systems about how life should be but isn’t The beginner dreamer tries to control or ignore dreams and life issues that are uncomfortable

The Dreamer Commitment : 

The Dreamer Commitment The commitment to remember and write down many of ones dreams The commitment to work with a dream a week with reactions to the dream The commitment to make changes in oneself and life based on reexperiencing and understanding dream situations and issues The commitment to becoming active, not passive and reactive, in dreams and life

The Dreamer Commitment (cont.) : 

The Dreamer Commitment (cont.) The commitment to give up ones egocentric need to control in dreams and life The commitment to become congruent in dreams and life The commitment to serve the greater principles of integration and wholeness The commitment to develop the reality function based on dream revelations about dream ego behavior and attitudes in dealing with life

The Dreamer Development : 

The Dreamer Development The dreamer experimentally commits to recording dreams as personal mirroring The dreamer commits to working with recorded dreams for insight and creativity The dreamer commits to personality and life change based in part on dreamworking the dream The dreamer commits to give up the defense system and live from the reality principle as reflected in dreams and life The dreamer begins giving up egocentric control The dreamer begins dealing with unconscious traumatic material and repressed potentials

The Dreamer Development (cont.) : 

The Dreamer Development (cont.) The dreamer begins applying dream insights and values to personality and life The dreamer develops an organized and objective consciousness based on dreamworking many dreams The dreamer develops an effective and fulfilling personality based on solving dream-evoked life issues and developing dream potentials in life The dreamer develops a well-rounded personality and life style by solving dream and life issues and developing dream and life potentials The dreamer becomes integrative and whole by becoming congruent in the dream

The Dreamer Development (cont.) : 

The Dreamer Development (cont.) The dreamer becomes integrative and whole by living the potentials other characters carry in the dream for the dreamer The dreamer becomes a self-integrating and self-contained personality by disidentifying from archetypes and integrating projections The dreamer no longer tries to live through others but lives from ones own core being The dreamer no longer lives through unconscious attitudes, symbol systems or fantasies, but from the reality principle, dealing with what is

The Dreamer Development (concl.) : 

The Dreamer Development (concl.) The dreamer is a developed dreamworker able to work with and understand ones own dreams from the dream source viewpoint and not just the ego viewpoint The dreamer has major dreams of life and destiny and change points in ones life that are followed and developed The developed dreamer is effective and fulfilled, living a life of purpose and meaning The developed dreamer lives fate as destiny, creating a life of meaning out of ones core self

Dreamwork Research Principles : 

Dreamwork Research Principles The dream ego is the most consistent and relevant symbol in ongoing dreaming, and therefore the most measurable basis for classifying dream categories of meaning Development in life and personality can be effectively measured by dream ego classification as to action and attitude, plus development in ongoing dreaming Personality and life change and development can be measured by dream ego development and change when dream and dreamer related interventions are made through applying dreamwork methodology

Dream Research Principles (cont.) : 

Dream Research Principles (cont.) Dream ego development and change can be classified and measured in itself and correlations made to ego development and change in life Personality identity and behavior can be classified through classification of dream ego characteristics, actions and attitudes The dream record is eighty percent accurate, accurate enough for objective classification The personality of the dreamer can be objectively classified through objectifying the dream and the dream ego

Dream Research Principles (concl.) : 

Dream Research Principles (concl.) Therapeutic and growth interventions can be effectively made based on ongoing dream ego analysis The dreamer and the dream can be analyzed and classified through objectifying the dream ego The effects of ongoing dreamwork can be measured in classification of dream ego behavior, change and development The effects of ongoing dreamwork can be measured in correlations between dream ego behavior and attitude and waking ego behavior and attitude

Dreamwork Methods : 

Dreamwork Methods Objectifying the Dream as the detailing of the structures and units of meaning inherent to the dream itself as shown in the dream report Following the Dream Ego as the specific focus on the behavior, actions, non-actions and motivating attitudes and patterns of the dreamer in the dream. Then applying these discoveries to life actions and attitudes to evaluate and make changes according to the Reality Principle Dream Dialogue releases unconscious content associated with a dream symbol (continued)

Dreamwork Methods (cont.) : 

Dreamwork Methods (cont.) Dream Reentry helps the dreamer reexperience dream content by going back into the dream through the meditative state and the door of the dream’s imagery and actions. Dream Reentry also works to help resolve dream issues and scenes Dream Enactments are mini dramas enacted from simplified dream scenes to help the dreamer reexperience dream content and resolve issues Dream Tasks are the specific choices for change the dreamer commits to practicing coming out of the dream and its dreamwork

Method: Objectifying Dreams : 

Method: Objectifying Dreams Record the dream as completely and objectively as possible without interpretation List and evaluate key symbols and actions according to relevance, repetition and intensity of effectiveness in the dream itself List and evaluate dream ego actions and reactions List and evaluate dream ego “could have done” non-actions and reactions (continued)

Objectifying Dreams (cont.) : 

Objectifying Dreams (cont.) List similarities and contrasts List interrelations of parts List sequences and developments List resolutions and non-resolutions List key issues and potentials for action and change List what drego could have done differently to handle dream issues with resolution and development

Method: Following The Dream Ego : 

Method: Following The Dream Ego Objectify the dream List dream ego actions List dream ego “could have done” non-actions List dream ego attitudes behind actions and non-actions List issues the dream ego is dealing with in the dream List dream ego’s effectiveness in dealing with resolving or developing dream issues and potentials Make parallels of dream ego discoveries to waking life issues, attitudes, actions and non-actions Follow dream ego development in dreams and life

Following Dream Ego Benefits : 

Following Dream Ego Benefits Objectifies ones ego functions of awareness, identity, attitudes and choicemaking Works with ones unrealistic attitudes and behavior by seeing dream cause-and-effect behavior Forms the basis for life and personality change Disidentifies from images and archetypes Develops effectiveness in dealing with dream and life issues and dynamics Increases the range and effectiveness of dream and life behavior Obtaining ongoing objective feedback on oneself

Some Principles To Practice : 

Some Principles To Practice Make yourself conscious by objectifying yourself and life consistent with the Reality Principle (what is) Cure yourself of egocentric desire and defenses Serve a greater source of wisdom and direction than ego desire and self-centeredness Choose for wholeness and integration Balance the opposites in all things Practice and choose by wisdom principles daily Live by an objectifying source such as dreamwork Practice the wisdom principles found in dreams

Method: Dream Dialogue : 

Method: Dream Dialogue After Objectifying your dream, pick the symbol or figure with the most energy, positive or negative, Make about five key questions to ask in your dialogue using the dream’s imagery and issues In a quiet place, visualize your dream figure and ask a key question of it, writing down quickly whatever comes into your head Keep asking questions and give short responses until the flow stops or resolution occurs List what you have learned from your dialogue

Method: Dream Reentry : 

Method: Dream Reentry Do Objectifying and Following the Dream Ego Note dream ego ineffectiveness and effectiveness Choose how to interact with your dream figures and situation for development and resolution Close your eyes and visualize the dream scene but this time acting as you have chosen As you act differently allow the dream’s imagery to change naturally Stop when you have a new development or sense of resolution

Method: Dream Enactment : 

Method: Dream Enactment Do Objectifying and Following the Dream Ego Create an effective attitude and action for the dream ego to use in resolving a key issue Use a director to direct dream group members to enact in simplified form for ten minutes the dream scene Reenact again for ten minutes but first asking what the dreamer would like to change in action and attitude The director enhances the drama as necessary during the process, going for resolution The dreamer gives his or her experience followed by each person involved or watching also speaking How does the enactment resolve the issues?

Method: Dream Tasks : 

Method: Dream Tasks After using other dreamwork methods summarize the dreamwork insights and do any of the following List parallels from dream ego behavior and dream issues to waking life and personality Discard habits and behaviors based on the dreamwork discoveries Create new behaviors and principles to live by Write down or tell another a specific action, choice or practice you will undertake within a definite time Record and tell significant results from the new actions, attitudes and principles Look for changes in dream ego behavior in new dreams

Firsts In the Approach : 

Firsts In the Approach First Dreamwork Manual (1978,1980) First Dreamwork Institute (1977) First Professional Dreamwork Training (1979) First dreamwork methods: Objectifying Dreams, Following The Dream Ego, Dream Reentry (1978) First international dream association, ASD convening co-founder (1983) First Dream Cards (1991) First Dreamwork Psychology Association, IDPA (2003)

Strephon Kaplan-Williams : 

Strephon Kaplan-Williams Born April 2, 1934, New York City to poets, Gene Derwood and Oscar Williams M.A’s in Literature and Psychology from California University Married twice with two children Trained as a psychologist in the Jungian tradition with the Guild for Psychological Studies Many books published, including The Jungian-Senoi Dreamwork Manual and The Dream Cards Lives, writes and teaches in Europe

Slide 38: 

The Dream Journey Song Lord of the Night, I journey on, I journey on I dream the journey on Dream, dream, dream the journey on Dream on, my Love, dream on Dream the journey on Dream the journey on, my Love, dream your journey on Lord of the Night, I journey on, I journey on Dream, dream, dream the journey on Dream on, my Love, dream on, dream on, dream on, Dream your journey on, dream your journey on Dream, dream, dream your journey on Lord of the Night, I journey on, I journey on, I journey on - Strephon Kaplan-Williams

Slide 39: 

The Children’s Dream Prayer Oh God, as I go to sleep This my Spirit you must keep. Send a Guardian Angel from on high, And give a Dream as I lie . . . - Strephon Kaplan-Williams

For Further Information : 

For Further Information Managing Director IDPA, Daniela Seebe at danielaseebe@web.de www.dreamwork2000.com for the latest on Strephon Kaplan-Williams’ work and schedule, including IDPA IDPA - The International Dream and Dreamwork Psychology Association is being founded now. Web sites - www.dreamwork2000.com and http://www.explorarea-visurilor.ro/Uk/Sitemap.htm