Over the years, I’ve grown increasingly interested in working with dreams. I used to hear the phrase “it’s just a dream,” but through life experience, study in therapy, and exploring consciousness, I now see dreams as highly relevant and can be great to work with to support personal growth.

It’s easy to dismiss dreams, especially when they don’t make sense when we wake up. This is often because dreams aren’t literal; they’re symbolic. Sigmund Freud famously described dreams as “the royal road to the unconscious,” a concept that resonates deeply with me. Freud saw dreams as revealing unconscious impulses, while Carl Jung expanded this view, seeing dreams as signposts on our journey toward self-understanding, or what he called individuation.

My Own Journey with Dream Work

In recent months, I’ve kept a journal by my bed to write down my dreams each morning. Recording dreams helps us see recurring themes and symbols, which can reveal valuable insights. One way to interpret dreams is by viewing the people in them as aspects of ourselves. These figures might represent different parts of our psyche working toward greater integration.

Dreams often feature symbols that are deeply personal yet sometimes universal. Jung spoke of the “collective unconscious,” a shared reservoir of archetypal symbols common to humanity. For instance, I’ve had recurring dreams about fish—despite being a vegetarian who hasn’t eaten fish in over a decade. After some research, I found that fish often represent intuition and the exploration of inner depths, aligning with my recent work and interests in inner growth. This insight helped guide me in a direction that feels meaningful.

Another recurring theme in my dreams involves video games. I often find myself in stores considering buying games, a connection to my 80s and 90s childhood passion. After many such dreams, I interpret this symbol as reconnecting with my childlike joy, innocence, and excitement—qualities I strive to embrace in life.

How You Can Start Dream Work for Personal Growth

Dreams offer a rich, symbolic language that can reveal our inner worlds. As you explore your dreams, consider the emotions each symbol evokes, your feelings about the people you encounter, and what these elements might represent about different parts of yourself.

I encourage you to try dream work for personal growth. When you shift from “it’s just a dream” to “wow, what can this dream teach me?” you begin tapping into the potential for self-discovery and healing.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

I’m available for individual and couples counseling, both online (via Zoom) and in person at Highland Park Community House in Auckland. My digital program is also an excellent complement to therapy sessions and can support you in your journey of self-understanding and growth.

I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how dreams and other aspects of therapy can foster meaningful growth in your life.

All the best,
Phil
021 058 3234
newbeginningstherapy.co.nz
philip@newbeginningstherapy.co.nz