Dream Analysis

From a Jungian and archetypal psychology perspective, dreams are a stage on which the timeless patterns of human experience (known as archetypes) reveal themselves. Archetypes are not fixed characters but universal categories that shape the way we think, feel, and relate to the world. They can appear in dreams as people, animals, landscapes, or even intangible forces.

In Jung’s view, archetypes are part of the collective unconscious: a shared psychological inheritance that transcends individual experience. Meeting an archetype in a dream can feel strangely familiar, even if the image itself is unusual or otherworldly. For example, you might dream of a wise old figure offering guidance (a Sage archetype), a nurturing presence providing comfort (a Mother or Caregiver archetype), or a shadowy figure that confronts you with uncomfortable truths (the Shadow archetype).

James Hillman’s approach invites us to stay close to the image itself, rather than rushing to “decode” it into a single meaning. Archetypes are presences in the psyche, and dream work is about engaging in dialogue with them: being curious about what they want, why they’ve appeared now, and how their way of being is moving through your life.

By exploring the archetypal layer of dreams, therapy can uncover deeper narratives shaping your choices, relationships, and sense of self. This not only enriches personal insight but also connects you to the larger human story, where your individual life is woven into the universal patterns of myth, art, and culture.

What if I don’t remember my dreams well?
You don’t need to recall long, detailed dreams to benefit from dream work. Even fragments such as a single image, feeling, or moment can carry meaningful insight. Over time, keeping a journal by your bed and writing down dreams as soon as you wake can help strengthen recall.

Do you interpret my dreams for me?
Rather than giving you a “one-size-fits-all” interpretation, we explore your dream collaboratively. Dreams are personal and symbolic: the same image can mean very different things to different people. My role is to guide you in uncovering the meanings that resonate most deeply for you.

How is dream analysis different from looking up dream symbols online?
Online dream dictionaries tend to assign fixed meanings to symbols, but in therapy we focus on your personal associations, cultural background, and emotional context. This makes the exploration more relevant, accurate, and healing.

Can dream analysis really help my mental health?
Yes. Dream work is a recognized tool in psychodynamic and depth therapy. Mental health benefits have also been supported by research. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma by revealing hidden emotions, unresolved conflicts, and personal strengths you can draw on in daily life.

What kinds of dreams can we work with?
Any kind: recurring dreams, nightmares, vivid stories, surreal or nonsensical dreams, even fleeting dream fragments. Each one can be a gateway into understanding your unconscious mind.

Will we work with archetypes and symbolism?
Yes. Drawing from Jungian and depth psychology, we often explore universal archetypes and recurring symbols that may appear in your dreams. These can help you connect your inner world to larger human stories and patterns.

How often do people bring dreams to therapy?
Some clients bring dreams every session; others only occasionally. You can bring a dream whenever you feel it’s important, or we can make it a regular part of our work if that feels right to you.

Do nightmares mean something is “wrong” with me?
Not at all. Nightmares can be the mind’s way of processing fear, loss, trauma, or change. While they can be distressing, they can also be rich sources of understanding and healing when explored in a safe, supportive environment.

How do I prepare for a dream analysis session?
If you can, write your dream down as soon as you wake, noting any images, emotions, colours, or unusual details. Even short bullet points help. You might also jot down what was happening in your life before you had the dream, and any of your initial interpretations or thoghts of your dream; this can offer important context.

Is dream analysis suitable for everyone?
Most people can benefit from dream work, but it’s particularly helpful for those who are curious about self-discovery, feel “stuck,” or are navigating emotional or relational challenges. If dreams feel overwhelming or confusing, working with them in therapy can make them less intimidating and more meaningful.