Dreams and their often illusive meanings are thought to be accessible only through the medium of expert analysis. It is for this reason that psychotherapists, counselors, and other practitioners are frequently at a loss when presented with their clients' dreams and nightmares. The authors to this fascinating volume point out, however, that dreams are not the prerogative of psychoanalysts, and offer an eclectic but practical set of techniques for helping and working with clients who have dreams and nightmares. The authors emphasize that dreams are the creation of, and "belong" to the dreamer, and provide a means of access to the individual's emotional and creative life. They present case examples throughout, and describe objective methods of understanding and interpreting dream language and symbols. Vivid subjective methods by which clients can be encouraged to experience the emotional content of their dreams are also provided. The authors define various types of nightmares and outline special guidelines for working with and alleviating nightmare distress. They also offer guidance on how to deal with post-traumatic nightmares, night terrors, and children's nightmares. Thoroughly researched and sensitively presented, Counseling with Dreams and Nightmares will be an invaluable sourcebook for students and professionals of psychology, counseling, and social work. "This book is aimed at counselors working with clients' dreams and nightmares. However, it provides absorbing reading for anyone interested in this subject." --International Review of Psychiatry "This is a sensible book that treads a useful path between the nonsensical over-analysis and over-generalization (e.g. andumbrella always equals a penis) that one tends to get from the more tabloid approach, and the dry academic stance that could rob the material of its creative potential. . . . The style is readable, and its interest is enhanced by use of numerous case examples. Its review of previous theorists--Freud, Jung, Perls, and Faraday--is brief and balanced, giving a summary of ideas rather than getting bogged down in archaic details and dogma. . . . The authors avoid the trap of dogma, and the reader feels encouraged to use their ideas creatively rather than following the text step-by-step. . . . Many of the techniques are suitable for using in moderation. . . . The authors are enthusiastic and creative enough to make this a useful book for a variety of professionals, producing concrete descriptions for those who need this and ideas for others. . . . It makes an enjoyable and useful read for a wide variety of professionals." --Journal of Mental Health

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