An analysis of a recurring dream experienced for 20 years in the context of the theory of processing emotions

Abstract

This publication presents an analysis of a recurring dream which had been experienced for 20 years. The platform for understanding the dream consisted of one of the contemporary theories of dreaming, which defines a dream as a function that serves to consolidate and integrate the emotions of dreamers arising from the state of wakefulness. The analysis of the dreams itself did not show a preference for any school of psychotherapy but resulted from research-based assumptions. It consisted of three steps. In the first step of the analysis the dream emotions were defined in accordance with the theory of continuity as the real emotions of dreamers originating in wakefulness. In the second step the dream contents were analysed on the basis of research assumptions as the personal tendencies of dreamers. The third step consisted of a preliminary interpretation which was verified in the therapeutic conversation itself. The dream analysis indicated the validity of the dream theory, which understands dreams as a function of processing emotions.