In our latest CPD webinar series, we invited four speakers to discuss working with dreams in psychotherapy, from different theoretical perspectives. We hoped to offer an introduction to therapists who have not had specific training on dreamwork and may feel unsure of how to work with clients’ dreams in the consulting room. All events resulted in a lively discussion with participants, which is what we aim to offer through all our CPD – a space to share ideas and learn experientially. In this blog post, we share insights from each of the four events.

An integrative perspective with Gerhard Payrhuber

In the first event, Gerhard drew from a rich cultural knowledge of dreams, in psychotherapy and beyond, including for example how Shakespeare’s The Tempest is all about dreams. Gerhard focused on an experiential and phenomenological approach to working with dreams in psychotherapy. Dreams can be understood as a ‘fundamental affective activity’ of the human psyche. In the consulting room, if a dream is given space to breathe, a therapist can collaboratively join a dreamer in their sense-making and contextualisation of the dream in their lives. Working with dreams can therefore offer a shared journey between client and therapist, and a way to contact the private, intimate and internal realm of the dreamer.

A Freudian approach with Luca Bosetti

In his presentation, Luca challenged the misconception that Freudian analysis focuses on the analyst’s ‘interpretation’ or meaning making of a dream without input from a patient. He illuminated how Freud’s (1900) The Interpretation of Dreams focused on Freud’s analysis of his own dreams, in a sort of personal dream diary, rather than his interpretation of patients’.

Luca outlined three cornerstones of Freud’s approach, which provide a helpful blueprint for thinking about a dream clinically with a patient:

1. The technique of free association – allowing a patient to talk freely and make links or connections between thoughts that might otherwise remain hidden, including repressed memories and emotions.
2. The idea of dream components – including:
   1. manifest content – the thoughts, emotions and events consciously recalled in the dream
   2. latent content – unconscious or hidden meaning behind the manifest content
   3. navel of the dream – the core of the dream’s unconscious meaning
   4. daily residue – the experiences of the waking day that are incorporated into a dream.
3. The idea of dream functions – including wish fulfilment and self-deception, adaptation and synthesis, creation and problem solving, opening to the new and change, defence and resistance.

A Jungian approach with Julian Masters

Julian offered a contrast between Freudian and Jungian perspectives on dreams. While for Freud dreams reveal hidden or unconscious feelings and wishes which can be brought to the surface and known through analysis, for Jung the symbols and images of dreams offer a bridge to what is not yet known and what is unknowable. Jung’s methods for working with and understanding dreams included:

1. Teleology – Jung believed dreams pave the way for life, and give clues about where life is going, including obstructions to future possibilities. Dreams work at this anyway, irrespective of interpretation.
2. Amplification – a technique in clinical practice where therapist and client together walk around the images and symbols (more than the language) in a dream and explore these in relation to the dreamer’s life.
3. Compensation – to regulate or balance a one-sided conscious attitude.
4. Dream Series – to understand what unfolds in a sequence, tracking themes across time. This can be understood as part of a process of ‘individuation’ – a slow imperceptible process of psychic growth, another key concept in Jungian psychology.

A Relational Psychoanalytic approach with Alicia McDougall

Alicia focused on the intersubjective aspects of exploring dreams therapeutically and how through dialogue dreams offer a gateway to understanding a client’s intrapsychic experience. Alicia led the group through the analysis of two client dream vignettes and it was fascinating to watch different associations emerge within the group, which paralleled some of the original meaning-making between client and therapist. Alicia also shared her useful framework for working through a dream relationally with a client to help translate her thinking in practice:

1. Make it a conversation (two-person psychology)
2. Write down key points (function of the intersubjective space)
3. Be curious about the key points (make associations)
4. Work together to identify themes
5. Co-create a story that fits the client’s experience.

Understanding and working with attachment in clinical practice is a cornerstone of effective therapeutic work. The relationship between attachment styles and mental health outcomes is profound, shaping how individuals perceive and respond to the world around them. For professionals in the field of mental health, gaining a deeper understanding of attachment theories and their application in clinical practice can greatly enhance the quality of care provided.

The Importance of Attachment Theory in Clinical Practice

Attachment theory, originally developed by John Bowlby and later expanded by researchers such as Mary Ainsworth, has revolutionised the understanding of human relationships. This theory highlights the ways in which early attachment experiences shape an individual’s emotional development, relationship patterns, and coping mechanisms. Whether a person’s early attachment experiences were secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganised, these formative relationships leave lasting imprints that influence their psychological well-being throughout life.

In clinical settings, understanding a client’s attachment style can provide valuable insights into their behaviours, emotional responses, and relational patterns. For instance, clients with anxious attachment may struggle with feelings of insecurity and fear of abandonment, while those with avoidant attachment may exhibit emotional detachment or difficulty trusting others. Recognising and addressing these dynamics is essential for fostering meaningful therapeutic progress.

Given the profound impact of attachment on psychological development and therapeutic outcomes, we believe it is paramount to have a deep knowledge of attachment theory to navigate its complexities effectively.

The Inner Citadel Work with Attachment in Clinical Practice training course is a prime opportunity for professionals to expand their expertise in this critical area.

Course Overview: Bridging Theory and Practice

The Inner Citadel training course on attachment in clinical practice is designed to equip mental health professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate attachment theory into their therapeutic work. The course offers a blend of theoretical insights and practical strategies, ensuring participants leave with both a deep understanding of attachment concepts and actionable tools to use in their practice.

Key components of the course include:

1. Comprehensive Overview of Attachment Theory Participants will delve into the foundational principles of attachment theory, exploring its evolution and contemporary applications. This segment lays the groundwork for understanding how attachment styles manifest in clients’ lives and relationships.
2. Identifying Attachment Styles in Clients Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will learn to identify various attachment styles in clinical settings. Recognising these patterns is the first step in tailoring interventions to meet each client’s unique needs.
3. Practical Interventions and Techniques The course introduces evidence-based strategies for addressing attachment-related issues. Techniques such as fostering secure attachments, building emotional resilience, and navigating relational dynamics are covered in detail.
4. Ethical Considerations in Attachment Work Working with attachment issues requires sensitivity and ethical awareness. The training emphasises the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, addressing power dynamics, and respecting clients’ autonomy.

Who Should Attend?

The “Work with Attachment in Clinical Practice” training course is ideal for a wide range of mental health professionals, including:

• Psychologists
• Counsellors
• Psychotherapists
• Social workers
• Mental health nurses

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or early in your career, this course offers valuable insights to enhance your practice. The training is particularly beneficial for those working with clients experiencing relational difficulties, trauma, or attachment-related challenges.

The Benefits of Attending

Participants of the course can expect to gain several professional and personal benefits:

1. Enhanced Understanding of Client Dynamics By learning to identify and address attachment issues, practitioners can better understand the root causes of their clients’ difficulties, leading to more effective interventions.
2. Improved Therapeutic Outcomes Integrating attachment theory into practice enables therapists to foster deeper connections with clients, building trust and promoting healing.
3. Professional Development Attending this training course demonstrates a commitment to professional growth and continuous learning, enhancing your credentials and career prospects.
4. Networking Opportunities The course provides a platform to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and exchange ideas.

Real-World Applications

The practical nature of the training ensures that attendees leave with tools they can immediately apply in their practice. For example, therapists might use attachment-based strategies to help a client with disorganised attachment develop more consistent and secure relationships. Similarly, understanding a client’s attachment style can inform the therapist’s approach to establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, which is often a crucial factor in successful treatment.

Testimonials from Past Attendees

Past participants have praised the course for its depth, practicality, and engaging delivery. One attendee shared, “The training was incredibly insightful. It deepened my understanding of attachment theory and provided practical tools that I’ve already started using in my sessions. I highly recommend it to any professional looking to enhance their practice.”

How to Register

The “Work with Attachment in Clinical Practice” course is held at the Inner Citadel Institute premises, offering a comfortable and cosy learning environment. Spaces are limited, so early registration is advised.

To secure your spot, click on the button below.