Dream therapy is a progress that takes time and commitment on the individual's part. In dream therapy the theory is held that the reason we dream is to make us aware of feelings or information in our minds that we have either suppressed or not even thought of yet.

Lucid Dreaming

A lucid dream in simplest terms is a dream where you are aware what you are dreaming and that you are dreaming. The term was coined by the Dutch psychiatrist and writer Frederik van Eeden in the early 1900s.

A lucid dream can begin in one of two ways. A dream-initiated lucid dream (DILD) starts as a normal dream, and the dreamer eventually concludes it is a dream, while a wake-initiated lucid dream (WILD) occurs when the dreamer goes from a normal waking state directly into a dream state, with no apparent lapse in consciousness.

Treatment for Nightmares

Sufferers of nightmares sometimes benefit from the ability to be aware they are indeed dreaming. In 2006, a study found that lucid dreaming treatment was successful in reducing nightmare frequency. This treatment consisted of exposure to the idea, mastery of the technique, and lucidity exercises.

Awareness and Reasoning Lucid dreaming has been done in a variety of contexts, including meditation and yoga. For example, Düsum Khyenpa was a master-level practitioner of Tibetan lucid dream yoga.

While dream control and dream awareness are correlated, neither requires the other. In some dreams where the dreamer is lucid and aware they could exercise control, they can choose simply to observe.

Dream Recall

Dream recall or dream recollection is the ability to remember dreams. Good dream recall is often described as the first step towards lucid dreaming. Better recall increases awareness of dreams in general; with limited dream recall, any lucid dreams one has can be forgotten entirely.

To improve dream recall, some people keep a dream journal, writing down any dreams remembered the moment one awakes. An audio recorder can also be very helpful. It is important to record the dreams as quickly as possible as there is a strong tendency to forget what one has dreamt

Interpreting Dreams

Symbols are the language of dreams. A symbol can invoke a feeling or an idea and often has a much more profound and deeper meaning that any one word can convey. At the same time, these symbols can leave you confused and wondering what that dream was all about. Acquiring the ability to interpret your dreams is a powerful tool. In analyzing your dreams, you can learn about your deep secrets and hidden feelings.