How much information about the dreamer is in one dream report? An experimental study and its clinical implications

Abstract

Working with dreams is a technique commonly used in psychotherapy. The present study showed that by presenting two different dreams from one dreamer differing estimations of the dreamer’s personality results. The implication for clinical practice is that single dreams should not be over-interpreted regarding their meaning or what they may reveal concerning any pathology in the dreamer’s state. In addition, the subtle effects of dream telling on the attitude and, thus, the therapeutic relationship, should be recognized. The present study is only the beginning of a project to study the effect of dream sharing on social interactions in everyday life and in the clinical setting in a more detailed way.