The Secret of Dreams! What is your Unconscious Mind Revealing?
Find the Drama that Lie Beneath the Surface
The neuroscience of dreaming and recall
Researchers have conducted studies to investigate the neuroscience of dreaming. One study measured participants’ brainwaves during sleep and found that those with low theta activity in the frontal lobe during REM sleep remembered their dreams more frequently. They also discovered that the theta waves during dreaming in the frontal lobe are similar to those of an individual in a waking state. The frontal lobe is responsible for programming and collecting autobiographical memories during the waking state, which suggests that individuals experience similar memories during the dream state and recollect their dreams.
In another study, researchers used MRIs to identify the parts of the brain involved in dreaming. They concluded that the amygdala and hippocampus are associated with dreaming. The amygdala processes memories and emotional reactions to events, while the hippocampus merges information from short-term to long-term memory.
The studies suggest that dreams can be a valuable tool in psychotherapy, particularly in separating emotions from experiences. While dream content may not always be accurate, the feelings. The feelings evoked are usually authentic. Dreams help to detach emotions from specific experiences, which can benefit individuals struggling with negative emotions and increased anxiety by creating memories of particular experiences.
In psychotherapy, clinicians often use dream interpretation to identify feelings and meaningful symbols within the dream. By exploring these emotions and relating them to various aspects of the dreamer’s everyday life, clinicians can provide insights into the dream’s significance. The interpersonal dynamics within dreams can also prompt dreamers to reflect on their relationships or recall memories they have yet to process.
Recent research has identified a biological basis for dream work, suggesting that clinicians who have worked with people for a long time may develop effective methods that are ultimately proven biochemically.
Dreams are connected to our waking life. The content of our dreams is related to different stages and events in our life cycle. Using the developmental life cycle approach of dreamwork, therapists can assist dreamers in understanding the connections between their dreams and their conscious and unconscious responses to different stages, events, or crises. This approach helps dreamers avoid crises more effectively (Siegel, 2016).).
Developmental Dreams in Stages of Childhood
Researchers have found that Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep occurs in fetuses in the womb. However, whether dreaming occurs in the womb or pre-verbal stages after birth is unclear. Researchers have not found evidence of dreaming before age two because visuospatial awareness has yet to develop.
It has been observed that toddlers with developed language tend to dream about shadows and silhouettes. David Foulkes conducted a twenty-year program to collect developmental dream material from preschool to high school-aged children. The program comprised two studies — one longitudinal and one cross-sectional. The longitudinal study tracked the same children’s dreams as they grew from preschool to high school, while the cross-sectional study compared children in age groups ranging from preschool to high school.
Foulkes’ study of three — to five-year-olds’ dreams. This age group showed little movement in their dreams; however, there was an active storyline involving personal action, social interaction, and gender differences. (Sándor, 2015).
Psychotherapists working with child dreamers use methods better suited for children than dream work with adults. Adults can discuss their dreams, whereas young children express the content of their dreams through play, art, and sand tray work.
Dreams During Major Life Changes
According to Siegel (2016), significant changes in an individual’s life can mark the beginning of a new chapter. These transitions can bring about feelings of joy, but they can also result in anxiety and crises. Some changes can be unexpected, such as the end of a relationship or dealing with a sudden illness, while others may be planned but still elicit mixed emotions, such as starting a new job.
Significant life changes can be powerful and evoke realizations and growth, or fraught with fears and anxieties of the unknown. Dreams that reflect transitions can be seen as coping methods. A psychotherapist assisting the dreamer can help the dreamer explore metaphors, process doubt, and accept a change in life.
It is possible to have turning-point dreams during significant life changes that can be anticipated. These changes may include getting married, having a child, entering midlife, experiencing the loss of an elderly family member, or approaching old age. By exploring the content of these dreams during these times, individuals can better prepare themselves for the upcoming stage and the inevitability of death.
Approaching Death
Approaching death, feelings, and dreams are complicated. Many factors can affect the myriad of emotions and dream themes. Some factors include the age at which one dies, life experience, and religious or spiritual beliefs about the afterlife. It seems as people age into their 80s and beyond, an acceptance of death becomes evident as it is not unexpected. Those with a strong belief in a perfect afterlife may have more peaceful attitudes about death than others. The literature discusses various dreams that may help people process their death. Some experience terrifying dreams, maybe with unresolved issues; Others may have more neutral dreams, such as symbols for time running out.
Badgery (2014) wrote about a study in Scientific American, discussing a survey performed by Daemen College and at Hospice Buffalo, an agency of the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care over eighteen months; they reported that many end-of-life dreams were comforting(Badgery, 2014). Listening to patients’ dreams allowed the clients to review their lives, process emotions about dying, and, most remarkedly, come to terms with past experiences. The experience seemed to facilitate the patients to experience a peaceful passing (Badgery, 2014)
References
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