Dreams: Introduction - A portal to the deeper meaning of life
CPD courses & points for psychologists in South Africa
South Africa: Learn to analyze dream symbolism, characters, and narratives. Explore the unconscious mind with our CPD courses for psychologists.
About this course in South Africa
This introductory course looks at the significance of dreams in past civilisations and the traditional view of dreams as symbolic representations of unconscious thoughts, feelings, conflicts, fears and aspirations. South African psychologists will learn to identify the structural parts of dream narratives, such as sequence, plot and multiple perspectives, analyse the roles of dream characters, and recognise recurring elements like flying, falling and natural forces. Established interpretive principles are applied to separate literal imagery from symbolic meaning. The course is accredited by the HPCSA for CPD points.
In this introductory talk, we will examine the profound significance of dreams in past civilizations and explore the traditional viewpoint that regards dreams as symbolic representations of our unconscious thoughts, feelings, conflicts, fears, and aspirations.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
- Identify and describe the structural components of dream narratives, including sequence, plot development, and multiplicity of perspectives.
- Analyse the functions and symbolic roles of dream characters (dramatis personae) within the context of the dream narrative.
- Identify and categorise recurring dream elements (e.g. flying, falling, natural forces) and describe their symbolic relevance within dream analysis frameworks.
- Apply established interpretive principles to the examination of dream material, using structure, character, and imagery as analytic lenses.
- Evaluate dream content by distinguishing between literal imagery and symbolic representation within dream narratives.
Deepening Change in Imago Relationship TherapyStructure as a Pathway to Connection: The Imago Dialogue as Relational PracticeArtificial Intelligence, Ethics and PsychotherapyA Different Perspective on Custody, Domestic Violence Allegations, and ReunificationTherapist Accountability in Work with ChildrenCuratorship, Administratorship & Capacity: Ethical and Legal Considerations in South African PracticeNavigating Food Fights & Family Feuds: A Guide for Families Supporting Eating Disorder RecoverySafety, Connection and the Autonomic Nervous System: Attachment Theory and Polyvagal TheoryUnderstanding ADHD Through an Executive Functioning Lens