Dreams are a direct portal to the unconscious, a space where truths are revealed that words alone cannot capture. For therapists, engaging with dreams is a way to open up the deeper layers of the psyche, to move beyond the surface and touch what is hidden. They aren’t just random images or fleeting stories; they are rich, symbolic expressions that hold the emotional and psychological truths we might not even be able to articulate. They reveal parts of us that are veiled in shadow, parts that, when brought into the light, can foster true healing.
In therapy, dreams function much like the bodily sensations explored in Focusing. They are not abstract concepts; they are felt experiences, a physical manifestation of unconscious thoughts and emotions. Dreams invite us to engage not only with our minds but with our bodies, guiding us to the place where unresolved emotional material is stored. Like Focusing, which helps clients tune into their bodily sensations, dreams help access parts of ourselves that can’t always be reached through conscious awareness. In that space, profound shifts and insights unfold, creating the potential for deep emotional integration.
One of the most fascinating aspects of dreams is how they bring forward the anima and animus—the masculine and feminine aspects that reside within each of us. These figures often appear in dreams as guides, as symbols of energies we may not have fully integrated or embraced. Through working with these figures, we can begin to understand the parts of ourselves that have been repressed or ignored. This is the heart of what Carl Jung called individuation—the process of becoming whole by embracing and integrating the unconscious. Dreams are the doorway through which we can walk toward this wholeness.
When we dive into dream work, we’re not just interpreting images; we’re tuning into the felt sense of the dream, much like we do with the body in Focusing. The body, the psyche—both carry unresolved memories. If a client dreams of being trapped in a cage or lost in an endless journey, it’s an invitation to explore the feelings of stagnation, conflict, or frustration that may be lingering beneath the surface. These dreams don’t just live in the mind—they echo the body’s unspoken experiences. By focusing on the emotions, sensations, or symbolism within a dream, we’re giving the unconscious a voice, allowing it to be heard and integrated.
And let’s not forget: dreams speak in a symbolic language, one that is personal yet often universal. Working with dreams requires an openness to those symbols, a willingness to sit with them and trust they hold meaning, even if it’s not immediately clear. The symbolism, just like the felt sense in Focusing, is not to be rushed. It’s an invitation to slow down and listen deeply, to connect with the emotional terrain of your inner world. Dreams, in this way, are not just reflections of our thoughts—they are living expressions of what’s happening in our bodies and spirits. They are the messages of the soul, offering the kind of emotional clarity and healing that comes when we honor both the symbolic and the felt. Through dream work, we can engage in a deeper, more holistic form of healing—one that speaks to the entire being: body, mind, and spirit.

When therapists engage with dreams, they are inviting a deeper, more intimate connection with the self—one that goes beyond surface-level awareness. Dreams are a raw, unfiltered expression from the unconscious, carrying wisdom about our hidden fears, desires, and the forgotten or repressed parts of the psyche that influence our lives. In this way, dream work opens up a doorway to the full wholeness of a person, much like both Jungian and Focusing therapies seek to. It’s an invitation to reconnect with those parts of ourselves that have become fragmented, buried, or overlooked.
Working with dreams is not merely about interpreting symbols or analyzing the imagery that arises. It’s about creating space for the whole person to be present—to be seen, felt, and heard in a way that allows all parts of them to come into the light. This process of integration, where each piece of the self is welcomed into the healing journey, mirrors the very essence of Focusing and Jungian work. It’s a holistic approach, one that acknowledges the body, the mind, and the spirit as interconnected, all needing attention, understanding, and compassion.
In this space, dreams become more than just dream images—they become a living expression of the self, guiding the client toward greater alignment with their true nature. This process fosters a deeper understanding, unlocking the insights that lie dormant beneath the surface. By honouring the full spectrum of the self, clients can begin to heal emotionally, cultivating a more authentic and whole experience of being.
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