Dreams: To Sleep, Perchance to Surf the Internet
If you've ever wondered why you dream or what your dreams mean, you’re not alone; entire schools of thought have been dedicated to exploring human psychology using the images that travel through our unconscious minds. Theories on the biological purpose of dreams, the interpretation of dream content, and the nightmares so many of us experience are some of the issues explored in this guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is a Dream?
Dreams are literally thoughts, images, or emotions that occur during sleep, but why we dream and ... read more »
Dream Interpretation
Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung were two of the most influential dream interpreters. Freud’s theories created psychoanalysis, while Jung’s ideas illustrated the archetypes we dream in. Both of these doctors were instrumental in identifying the symbols and meanings behind dreams. The following sites inform you of the basics of modern dream theory as developed by Freud and Jung.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Although only two theorists are featured here, there are many other dream interpreters whose ideas might pique your interest: visit major research indexes or encyclopedias to find more obscure dream theorists. For a survey of the history of dream research and dream interpretation theories, read the article “Understanding Dreams: Perspectives From the Ancients Through Modern Times."
- Freudian and Jungian psychoanalysis are still popular forms of practiced psychology. If you are intrigued by this section of the guide, search for a psychoanalyst at the American Psychological Association’s Division of Psychoanalysis page.
- Anyone, even someone without psychological training, can call himself a psychoanalyst, according to the American Psychoanalytic Association. If you want to verify whether a person or program is licensed in your state, visit its official psychologist regulatory board’s Web site. Most have resources that allow users to search for licensees.
Dulcinea's Picks
For Sigmund Freud …
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
outlines Freud’s theories and thoughts with links to his major arguments. The text is dense, but you’ll find thorough explanations of his dream theories here.
Project Gutenberg
is the eBook database, and has Sigmund Freud’s book Dream Psychology: Psychoanalysis for Beginners online as a free download.
For Carl Jung …
The Jung Page
provides articles and resources for those interested in learning more about the life and work of Carl Jung. Articles can be browsed by type and title or by author.
To find a psychoanalyst …
The American Psychoanalytic Association
(APSAA) has this thorough and informative discussion of the practice of psychoanalysis. You can also search the site for psychoanalysts who are registered APSAA members. Members must have completed training at APSAA-approved training institutes. By the time the members start their practices, they have at least four years of training, according to APSAA.
PsychDirectory
indexes doctors who work with psychoanalysis—the process based on Freud’s and Jung’s ideas of dream theory. Select from a number of different types of analysis, or find resources for doctors who work in other psychological forms—like psychotherapy, psychiatry, and psychology, for example.
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares happen to everyone. However, some are more serious than others. If you suffer from ... read more »
Discussing Dreams
Part of the fun of dreaming is describing your surreal, nonsensical visions to others. The Web ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
