Dream Therapy

Did you know you’ll have about 197,100 dreams by the time you’re 60?

Our dream experts reveal how to use your night visions as daytime therapy.

♦Train your memory

Dreams do have something to tell you. Keep a dream diary for two weeks to help analyse your state of mind. “Record whether you feel frightened, sad, angry or happy and note any images, pictures or phrases you remember,” advises dream specialist Professor Petruska Clarkson. This will help you work out which issues you need to deal with, and in which order.

♦Face your fears

If you’re having recurring dreams, ask yourself whether there is any issue you need to face. “I encourage patients to face their pursuer or fear head on in the dream. Once they do this, the dreams stop and they feel more at ease they’re awake,” says psychologist and sleep expert Cliff Arnall.

♦Have an open mind

“Don’t take dreams literally – for example, dreaming of pregnancy doesn’t mean you’re expecting a baby in real life. It may indicate you are ready to create something new in your work or relationship”, explains Clarkson.

♦Take positive action

Anxiety dreams, relating to a forthcoming stressful event, are very common. “If you feel that worries or concerns are being played out in advance, learn to use your dreams as motivators,” says Arnall. “Write a list of problems or obstacles that were brought to the surface – there may be things you previously didn’t consider – and take positive steps to solve them.”