Posted by seldomseen on May 10, 2008, at 7:36:12
In reply to I had another nightmare violence triggers, posted by Happyflower on May 9, 2008, at 8:27:40
HF, I used to dream all the time that I was shooting bad people in my dreams, only that the gun wouldn't work, or the bullets would come out so slowly that I could see them.
I would wake up scared and very very frustrated.
I remember the first person I symbolically shot in my dreams (it was my mother). My therapist and I both celebrated. It indicates a shift in personal efficacy from a helpless child to capable adult. Don't worry. You'll be able to fight back soon enough. Just keep working.Also, scary as they are, use your dreams. I think they are a valuable peek into your subconcious and can really drive insight based therapy. I write all of my dreams in my journal. And share them with my T.
When they follow you through the day, Clearskies actually gave me a powerful tool. Use creative visualization to ease the power of the dream. Imagine a situation and use all of your senses to put yourself in it.
I imagine that I am in a sunny forest and thousands of butterflies are flying around me (but not in a scary way). It's a swirl of color and sound (evidentally my butterflies make music when they fly).
This technique can really interrupt (at least temporarily) some of the bad feelings the dreams have dredged up, but you still have to be strong and face those dreams head on.
Seldom.
poster:seldomseen
thread:828139
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080508/msgs/828317.html