308 – Dream Analysis: Understanding and Using Dreams

Description: The dream has always held a special place in psychoanalysis. Dreams are recognized as providing a port of entry to the patient’s way of thinking—into both conscious and unconscious problems, conflicts, and memories. Ways of approaching dreams vary widely. We will cover a variety of theoretical and technical perspectives. This course will emphasize different views of the functions of dreams and different ways to help the patient understand his/her dream. An overarching view is that working with dreams is a collaborative undertaking, not one in which the analyst has the knowledge or authority to  make definitive interpretations. The dream is the patient’s dream, and we start where the patient is. One more point, there are divisive issues culturally– social, political, racial, socioeconomic, religious, and others—that may show up in dreams. They are grist for the psychoanalytic mill, and we are free to take them up—indeed, obliged to take them up—when they occur. 

Target Audience: This course is intended for individuals who have experience in their own psychoanalyses as well as the clinical practice of psychoanalysis. This is an advanced level course. 

Prerequisites: Students will need a basic exposure to and understanding of psychoanalytic theory and practice both personally and in work with patients. This class is open to matriculated Psychoanalytic Adult and Adult/Child candidates who have completed nearly all the Core Curriculum, which must include completion of Analytic Approaches to Treatment Parts 1 and 2.  
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy students and graduates who have completed the Core Curriculum and have at least one intensive case may also take this class. Other interested students must have the permission of the instructor. If you do not meet the prerequisites, please reach out to the instructor for permission prior to completing your registration.