Windows on Your Inner Self: Dreamwork with Transactional Analysis

Abstract

This article describes how dreams can be used in personal growth and therapy, not only to help you clarify issues, but also to facilitate change. Dreams provide metaphors that show how you experience your world, both inwardly and outwardly. They may reflect your behavior patterns, identify script issues, show the effects of trauma, warn you of danger, or inspire you with symbolic visions. They are produced on a kind of “inner stage,” giving you the opportunity to consider patterns in your life and practice new decisions. Dreams emerge from the creative inner core of the psyche, which some would call the soul or spirit.

Social Dreaming in a Transactional Analysis Context

“…A dream is, therefore, owned by the dreamer: It is a personal possession. In transactional analysis, this way of looking at dreams was worked out in the redecision approach (Goulding & Goulding, 1979) and more recently by Bowater (2003). This view fits well in individualistic Western psychology, at the expense, however, ofdiscounting a more groupcentered social psychology.…”

Transactional analysis and our philosophical premises: 70 years on

“…Since Berne's day, transactional analysis has expanded the core models to keep it relevant with the times, with scientific developments as well as developments in the clinical field. Drawing from psychoanalysis, there is an emphasis on the goal of awareness and insight through reaching the unconscious via transference and dreams (see e.g., Blackstone, 1993; Bowater, 2003; Moiso, 1985; Novellino, 2005). There has been an integrative movement interested in self psychology and the importance of empathy and attunement.…”

Ethical Issues for Transactional Analysis Practitioners Doing Dreamwork

“…In 1999, we (Bowater and Sherrard) wrote an article drawing more widely on transactional analysis and psychodrama for redecision work with nightmares; this was followed by a series of articles in the last decade by me (Bowater, 2001(Bowater, , 2003(Bowater, , 2008(Bowater, , 2009(Bowater, , 2010 on different applications of dreamwork. In all the casework cited, the process used for interpretation involved respectful inquiry by the therapist and full collaboration with the dreamer to arrive at a resolution.…”