LWL | The Extent to Which Dream Analysis Provides Long-term Benefits in Comparison to Imagery Rehearsal Therapy

Thesis: Dream analysis provides more long-term psychological benefits than imagery rehearsal therapy. 

Abstract: This paper consists of comparing dream analysis to imagery rehearsal therapy in order to prove whether or not dream analysis is more beneficial. The various methods of dream analysis are discussed to compare to the procedure and impacts of imagery rehearsal therapy. Both positive and negative results are discussed for each. 

Introduction: 

Dreaming is natural for all, since the brain is an instinctually creative source. Although dreaming each night is common, it is rare that we realize to what extent they can communicate our inner conflicts. Trauma, memories, and desires can all be implicitly or explicitly symbolized in dreams. Due to this close connection to the subconscious, the subject of dreaming is popular and widely researched in psychology. In 1900, Sigmund Freud, a psychologist well-known for revolutionary theories, released his book “The Interpretation of Dreams''. This began the revolutionary spark regarding what our dreams really mean. Amongst his theories and studies, Freud studied dream analysis believing that dissection of our dreams could help reveal meanings that were tied to outside sources and subconscious thoughts (Freud, 1900, p. 1). Another aspect of dreams showing the subconscious, Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) is a commonly used method of helping mend the past, such as helping those with PTSD get through memories. Although IRT itself is a more modern therapy and dream analysis is not, applying dream analysis would provide more effective long term results for its clients, due to how in depth the dreams are analyzed in dream analysis.

Literature Review: 

Starting off, Sigmund Freud’s “Interpretation of Dreams” is used to show how dreams became popular and important in psychology. Freud’s book goes into depth introducing his development of dream analysis, providing a basis of what it is (Freud, 1900). To follow this, symbolism in dream analysis is discussed, showing how metaphors can be used in the subconscious (Ryan, 2021). This source then helps support how emotions are shown in dreams, revealing again how the subconscious state is intertwined with our dreams; similarly, leading into the next reference. Emotional value and expression in dreams can show the mental state of an individual, and just how much dreams are connected to thought processes (Mastrangelo, 2018). Although symbolism is shown to be important with dream analysis, not all dreams show extreme implicit meanings. This following source shows how dreams can just be biological processes and results of the brain still running at night (Good therapy, 2010). Moving onto dream analysis through journaling, the symbolism and subconscious emotional impacts are broken down in more detail (Summer, 2023). This source also shows what a dream journal can be used for and how it helps process dreams, and the positive impacts of jotting dreams down. A study was then used to show how the state of mind affects the outcome of dreams (Sikka et al., 2018). Introducing the use of dream analysis through therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy is addressed and defined (American Psychological Association, 2017). In order to further investigate CBT, the history and founder of this therapy is discussed (Chand et al., 2022). In addition to this, how dreams have been viewed through cognitive therapy is also discussed (Hill & Knox, 2010, p. 4). Imagery rehearsal therapy is then introduced and defined by its procedure (Edwards, 2015). Following the definition, the history of this therapy is discussed, and the audience that it is used for (Melbourne, 2019). Effective results that were produced following the therapy’s practices are then stated (Edwards, 2015).

Symbolism in Dream Analysis: 

One of the many approaches to analyzing and interpreting dreams is through the use of symbolism. Many dreams can seem to hold arbitrary meanings, but by dissecting each dream piece by piece, explicit and implicit messages can become evident. These symbols can range from people to objects, holding a sort of subconscious value. For example, a natural disaster taking place in a dream can symbolize outside stressors (Ryan, 2021). To further evaluate, the connotation of natural disasters is normally a negatively impactful event that happens out of our control. This could reveal that the issue bothering the dreamer could feel very overwhelming and out of his or her control. Emotions are often expressed in subtle ways while dreaming, and our reactions to them could help reveal our conscious state of mind (Mastrangelo, 2018). Although dream analysis can be helpful, not every single dream can hold deep symbolic meanings. According to “Dream Analysis”, “psychiatrists Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley [state]… dreaming is simply another form of thinking that happens while we sleep” (Good Therapy, 2010). Some believe that dreams don’t hold much value in relation to how we act or feel, and it’s just another natural action being done. Despite this, symbolism helps analyze the dream itself beyond the surface, better connecting our mental images to our mental stability and emotional competence. 

Journaling for Dream Analysis: 

Journaling is another form of dream analysis and interpretation, helping get all thoughts jotted down. Writing dreams down can help precisely remember the events in dreams, realize certain symbolism, recurring aspects, and personal emotions commonly conveyed (Summer, 2023). Patterns and common themes in dreams can be identified by descriptively journaling

about dreams, breaking down each scene. Similar to using symbolism, journaling can be used to assess mental health and outside problems that are bothersome. In a 2018 study, researchers wanted to test if the conscious state of mind affected what dreams participants had. These participants filled out a mental state questionnaire and journaled about their dreams for 21 days (Sikka et al., 2018). Results showed that being anxious produced negative dreams, and feeling at peace with oneself resulted in positive dreams. This shows just how much dreams are connected to one’s state. Journaling can help process emotions and also act as creative inspirations, sparking ideas from profound images, fueling imaginations (Summer, 2023). 

Dream Analysis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: 

Though dream analysis itself is not a therapy, it can be used in therapy. By breaking down the emotional values and personal meanings in dreams, it can also help the client apply these skills to real-life situations. Learning how to name emotions and what causes those emotions can be used beyond just one occurrence. One particular example of dream analysis in therapy is Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). According to “What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?”, “Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems… and severe mental illness” (American Psychological Association, 2017). As mentioned previously, dreaming has been a studied phenomenon for decades, showing high prevalence in the connection of the conscious state of the brain. Aaron Beck, the original developer of CBT, did many studies on patients with psychiatric disorders such as depression, in order to realize that their mindsets were the root of their dysfunctional actions and thoughts (Chand et al., 2022). In order to help these disorders, they needed to be closely analyzed; thus, the subconscious needed to be dissected. Since dreams are a large part of our subconscious state, defeating self sabotage in our unconscious state of

mind would be accessible through the messages in our dreams. Beck believed in dreams holding a sort of reflection to our life conflicts and mental issues; additionally, once these problems were identified through dreams, it would “help clients recognize their distorted thinking” (Hill & Knox, 2010, p. 4). Later on, Arthur Freeman and Beverly White also studied dreams being used in CBT. These cognitive therapists believed that the overall message of dreams was the most vital part to pay attention to, and by realizing the overall message, clients would be able to better understand their mindsets (Hill & Knox, 2010, p. 5). These methods of using dream analysis therapeutically have provided positive effects and better long-term understandings of evaluating emotions. 

Procedure and Impacts of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT): 

In contrast to dream analysis, imagery rehearsal therapy has more of a set procedure to follow. While dream analysis can be applied to a variety of dreams, imagery rehearsal therapy focuses on primarily nightmares. IRT, also used in cognitive therapy, has clients journal about their recurring or traumatic nightmares, rewriting a more positive ending to the dream to be rehearsed (Edwards, 2015). Imagery rehearsal therapy was originally developed in the late 20th century by Isaac Marks, and is normally used today for those suffering from PTSD (Melbourne, 2019). This therapy has been proven to be highly effective results wise; sleep quality was increased and nightmares were reduced amongst clients “ for 6 to 12 months following treatment” (Sandy, 2021). The rewriting of nightmares into having a more optimistic ending aspect of IRT helps evolve a more positive outlook on memories that are hard to look back on, providing an overall better mindset. As discussed previously, a better mindset can result in less distorted outlooks on life, helping mend subconscious conflicts. Although Imagery Rehearsal Therapy was proven effective by clients having less nightmares, this kind of therapy may not directly address the root

issues of psychological conflict. IRT could avoid the conflict causing the nightmares and replace it with something more ideal. Even though this may work for a certain amount of time, subconscious ways of thinking would still be there, possibly affecting clients in the future. 

Conclusion: 

All in all, imagery rehearsal therapy and dream analysis both provide positive results and each their own limitations. IRT has more scientific results of nightmare reduction after the therapy, but the procedure itself can’t widely apply to different situations like dream analysis can. Dream analysis can also be applied in different ways while imagery rehearsal therapy solely focuses on changing negative outcomes into positive through multiple sessions. Imagery rehearsal is an effective therapy, but if dream analysis was further applied in more therapeutic procedures, it would prove to be highly beneficial. 

Works Cited 

American Psychological Association. (2017). What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? American Psychological Association. 

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral Chand, S. P., Kuckel, D. P., & Huecker, M. R. (2022). Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/ 

Edwards, S. (2015). Nightmares and the Brain. Hms.harvard.edu. 

https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/nightmares-brain

Freud, S. (1995). The interpretation of dreams ; and On dreams : (1900-1901). Hogarth Press. https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Interpretation_of_Dreams/kzeHzbCedNAC? hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover (Original work published 1900) 

Good Therapy. (2010). Dream Analysis. Goodtherapy.org. 

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/dream-analysis 

Hill, C., & Knox, S. (2010). The Use of Dreams in Modern Psychotherapy (p. idunnomye) [PDF]. 

https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1130&context=edu_fac Mastrangelo , L. (2018, June 20). How Naming the Emotions That Emerge in Our Dreams Helps Us Heal. GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog. 

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/how-naming-emotions-that-emerge-in-our-dreams-hel ps-us-heal-0620184 

Melbourne, A. P. A. P., University of. (2019, September 5). Understanding posttraumatic nightmares. Pursuit. 

https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/understanding-posttraumatic-nightmares Ryan, T. (2021, June 29). Dream Analysis and Interpretation. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams/dream-interpretation 

Sandy. (2021, July 29). Imagery rehearsal therapy. NeuRA Library. 

https://library.neura.edu.au/ptsd-library/treatment/psychological-treatments/therapies-psy chological-treatments/imagery-rehearsal-therapy/index.html 

Sikka, P., Pesonen, H., & Revonsuo, A. (2018). Peace of mind and anxiety in the waking state are related to the affective content of dreams. Scientific Reports, 8(1). 

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-30721-1

Summer, J. (2023, May 3). What Is a Dream Journal Used For? Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams/dream-journal#:~:text=Keeping%20a%20dream %20journal%20may