Describe main components of dream analysis (10)

• Dreams as wish fulfilment

  • P: A core component of dream analysis is freud’s idea that dreams represent unconscious wish fulfilment

  • E: Freud believed repressed desires, like sexual or aggressive urges, are too threatening to enter the conscious mind directly, so they surface during sleep in disguised forms

  • E: this means dreams serve 2 purposes: protecting sleeper by expressing urges in a disguised way, and allowing unconscious mind to release tension. For example, dream about flying may symbolise a repressed desire for freedom or control

  • L: therefore, wish fulfilment is essential to dream analysis as it explains why dreams happen and what they may represent at a deeper unconscious level
• Symbolic nature of dreams

  • P: Freud claims dreams are symbolic, understanding symbolism key to uncovering unconscious thoughts

  • E: real, hidden meaning of a dream (latent content) transformed into symbols within a dream (manifest content) such as a snake representing a penis or a cave representing a vagina.

  • E: Freud argued that dream symbols unique to individual and must be understood in context of dreamer’s life experiences, not through generic dream dictionaries. For example, a fish in a dream could relate to a friend who’s a Pisces, not generic symbol of fertility

  • L: this component highlights how dream analysis requires careful, personalised interpretation to uncover true meaning behind dream imagery
• Dream work processes

  • P: dream work refers to mental processes that distort latent content into manifest content.

  • E: these include condensation (merging many ideas into one image), displacement (shifting emotions onto unrelated objects), and secondary elaboration (forming a coherent story)

  • E: for instance, a dream about being chased by a shadowy figure may condense several fears into one character, while a symbol like a house might represent the dreamer’s mind. These processes protect dreamer from disturbing thoughts while allowing them unconscious expression

  • L: dreamwork is crucial because it explains how unconscious disguises it’s content and why dreams are confusing or surreal
• Role of the therapist

  • P: therapist plays active role in helping client uncover latent content of their dreams

  • E: rather than providing definitive interpretations, the therapist suggests multiple possibilities based on dream’s symbols and client’s background

  • E: collaborative approach respects individuality of client and encourages personal insight. E.g. dream involves a locked door, therapist might explore if it represents repressed memories, but final meaning must resonate with client

  • L: therapist’s role is central to effectiveness of dream analysis, bridges the gap between symbolic dream content and conscious understanding