Counselling can give you a safe space to explore your dreams without judgement and at your own pace. When working with dreams in a counselling session, I tend to lean towards Jungian theory to help clients understand symbols and archetypes within their dreams.
Carl Jung viewed dreams as meaningful messages sent from our unconscious using symbols and archetypes to reveal hidden emotions and unresolved internal conflicts. His theory provides a framework for dream analysis but interpretation can be subjective. Your own association and feelings around the imagery are at the centre of the work.
If you are open to engaging with dreams, you can gain real insight into what is happening in your internal world and it can lead to greater self-awareness.
Why do we dream?
Jung saw dreams as meaningful messages from the psyche (or our unconscious mind), helping us process emotions, resolve conflicts and discover hidden aspects of ourselves.
Symbols & Archetypes
Archetypes are symbolic patterns formed by shared human experience residing in our "collective" unconscious. These symbols shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how we see the world and ourselves.
Common Archetypes
Common archetypes in dreams include:
• The Shadow: Hidden or repressed aspects of yourself that can appear as threatening or unfamiliar figures.
• The Anima/Animus: Your unconscious feminine (anima) or masculine (animus) side, often represented by an alluring or wise figure of the opposite sex.
• The Wise Old Man/Woman: A mentor or guide offering wisdom.
• The Self: A symbol of wholeness, often appearing as a mandala, circle, or spiritual figure.
Recognizing these symbols can help uncover your dreams’ deeper messages.
How We Work With Dreams
Dream analysis is a very personal and individual process which is why I work with you to decipher your own association with the imagery in your dream. There are some things you can do outside of our sessions to help you remember and reflect on your dreams.
1. Keep a Dream Journal
Write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Even if you only remember one word, image or emotion it could be valuable.
2. Identify Key Symbols
What images, people, or places stand out? For example, if you dream of a cat, consider:
• What personal associations do you have with cats?
• What emotions did the dream evoke?
• What is the broader symbolic meaning (e.g., independence, agility or sensuality)?
3. Look for Emotional Clues
Your emotional state in the dream is often just as important as the imagery itself. How did you feel when you woke up?
4. Notice Patterns
Recurring dreams or symbols often indicate unresolved issues. Your dream journal will help you identify images that keep popping up.
5. Engage with the Dream
Use active imagination—a technique Jung encouraged—to visualize or journal about your dream for deeper insights.
6. Connect the Dream to Your Life
How does your dream reflect your current thoughts, emotions, or challenges?
Get Curious
Dreams are your psyche’s way of communicating with you. Instead of seeking fixed meanings, approach them with curiosity. The more you engage, the more insight and self-awareness you could gain.
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