What is a dream appreciation group?
The “dream appreciation group” was developed more than 30 years ago by internationally acclaimed psychiatrist, Montague Ullman, who came to realize that determining what dreams mean need not be restricted to the realm of psychiatrists and psychoanalysts. Instead, Dr. Ullman observed that since we create dreams from our own imaginations, it only makes sense that we are best equipped to understand their significance as they apply to our present day lives.
This is not a therapy group, although it is often very therapeutic! Rather, it is a gathering of six to ten people who have a desire to gain insight about their dreams. In Ullman’s four stage process, one person volunteers to share a dream, and then the other group members draw on their own imaginations, creativity, and life experiences to respond to the dream imagery. Although I (as facilitator) guide the process, I am an active participant.
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The dreamer may or may not resonate with all of the projections of the others in the group. Throughout the process, the dreamer is in charge of how to use the information and how much personal information to disclose. Most importantly, it is the dreamer who is the ultimate authority on what the dream means.
The method is carefully designed to maximize safety. In fact, there is never a requirement to share a dream. The only requirements are to have an interest in dreams and to maintain the confidentiality of your fellow group members.
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This is a lively, fun, highly interactive group and the two hours "appreciating" one dream normally fly by! I am happy to answer any questions. Feel free to email or call me—Varida Kautner, at drvarida@comcast.net or (510) 522-1919.
