Dreams: Introduction - A portal to the deeper meaning of life

Australia · CEU points & talks · Psychologists

Explore the historical and symbolic significance of dreams as portals to the unconscious for Australian psychologists. Learn to dissect dream narratives, understand the symbolic roles of dream characters, and identify recurring motifs like flying and falling within established dream analysis frameworks to enrich your clinical practice.

In this introductory talk, we will examine the profound significance of dreams in past civilizations and explore the traditional viewpoint that regards dreams as symbolic representations of our unconscious thoughts, feelings, conflicts, fears, and aspirations. 

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this talk, participants will be able to: 

• Identify and describe the structural components of dream narratives, including sequence, plot development, and multiplicity of perspectives. 
• Analyse the functions and symbolic roles of dream characters (dramatis personae) within the context of the dream narrative. 
• Identify and categorise recurring dream elements (e.g. flying, falling, natural forces) and describe their symbolic relevance within dream analysis frameworks. 
• Apply established interpretive principles to the examination of dream material, using structure, character, and imagery as analytic lenses. 
• Evaluate dream content by distinguishing between literal imagery and symbolic representation within dream narratives.

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