Clinical Applications and Techniques for Use in Practice

Abstract

The use and application of dream content in clinical practice with children and adolescents are unclear and ambiguous to most therapists. Although no empirical data exist to verify the assertion, the extent to which dream content is used in treatment is largely dependent upon the background, experience, and comfort of the clinician. The interest and fascination of the child or adolescent in dreaming are important considerations and likely contributors to his or her ability. The mention of a dream by a client provides the therapist with a heightened sense of interest and anticipation. Expectations of hidden traumas, conflicts, or neurosis as revealed in dreams await the therapist, along with an uncertainty regarding the meaning of dream content or its use in practice. It is as if many therapists are aware or assume the importance of dreams reported in treatment, yet are unaware of how to facilitate their use and application in practice. Many therapists still assume that psychoanalytical training in dream symbolism is required in order to apply dream content to clinical practice. This chapter will discuss the application of dreams in clinical practice with children and adolescents.