Many who are dream experts have stated that there is still so much that we don't understand about the meaning of dreams. But in fact your own creative subconscious mind, which formulates your dreams, knows exactly what they are about, and Gestalt dreamwork is a powerful tool in getting the answers. So how does this work? According to Mr. Randal Churchill, dreams hold the answers without trying to intellectually figure them out. A formal interpretation could be wrong, or not as important as other aspects of what the dream is about. Here we are given an example of what his understanding of this point is. Unlike different methods of dream interpretation that say a house falling away means this or means that, in Gestalt dreamwork, dreamers are led to experience what is meant for them. The most important meaning is the truth of one's experience. As the therapist, if you feel your client might be missing something obvious you can use encouragement to stay with the feeling and notice if there is something else. But again, that is turning it over to and trusting the dreamer's subjective experience, rather than giving or rather (requesting) analysis. So, how does this work in hypnosis I wanted to know?
His answer to this question was very clear-cut. Working with the subconscious mind gives us the potential for the deep transformation. One of the vitally important functions of the subconscious mind is dreaming. Dreams are direct existential messages from the subconscious. To enter the dream and work with it directly is an opportunity for profound subconscious shifts. When dreamwork turns into regression, various regression modalities can be integrated into the work. For example, while dream analysis is not associated with Gestalt dreamwork, it is important to encourage the client to work his or her own brief hypno-analysis. When leading such an analysis he usually regards the understanding and release of misconceptions that the client had continued to be stuck with as being in the here-and-now experience of himself in the world. The author is usually able to help keep this self-analysis very brief so that it normally does not interfere with the hypnotic state. He further states that even without a formal induction, Gestalt dreamwork tends to initiate hypnosis. I have tried to give the readers an over view as to what the book is about and how it works, the author is a well known American practitioner in the field of hypnotherapy for over a quarter century. He demonstrates throughout the book his insight into the world of dream therapy, hypnotism, gestalt therapy and psychology. I found this book an excellent example of how transformation is more when it is worked with compassion and understanding of where the patient is coming from and the hidden power of hypnosis. This book is simply written and without pretensions. It is, I believe, a tool for the professionals as well as the students of hypnotherapy - well worth an evening in and a lifetime of practise! Churchill, Randal Regression Hypnotherapy, Scheduled publication date, Autumn 1998. It contains regression strategies in hypnosis, with a strong emphasis on Gestalt and some in-depth exploration of ideomotor methods.
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