Exploring dream work at end of life.

Abstract

Dream work with the terminally ill is an effective intervention modality. Despite this, it remains an understudied phenomenon. This article will review the literature on the subject in an attempt to make recommendations regarding future research into this methodology. The author explores dream work with patients at end-of-life and contrasts it with dream work with trauma survivors. Complementary and alternative medicine interventions used to support the terminally ill are also surveyed. Hypnotic guided imagery at end of life in particular are examined and compared with dream work methodologies. Benefits from these therapies are outlined, as well as potential problems that practitioners may encounter with their utilization.

Meaning-centered dream work with hospice patients: A pilot study

“…The subjective reports from participants add to the findings of previous studies suggesting the therapeutic benefits of dream work with the dying, including addressing presenting concerns (Brink, 1977), coming to terms with death (Goelitz, 2001;Muff, 1996), gaining insight and decreasing distress (DeCicco et al, 2010), breaking through isolation to form a therapeutic bond (Goelitz, 2001), facilitating life review (Magee, 1992), and accelerating the therapeutic process (Goelitz, 2001). participants' core concerns, consistent with Goelitz's (2007) assertion. Interpreting dreams with a focus on meaning in life seemed to allow indirect and relatively "safe" access to 3 The quantitative data were collected to augment qualitative findings regarding this sample and should not be generalized due to the small sample size.…”

“…Goelitz (2001) suggested that working with dreams may lessen isolation by contributing to the development of the therapeutic relationship. The emotional catalyst provided by dream work may accelerate the therapeutic process and build the foundation for discussion of difficult topics, such as the grief and loss associated with dying (Goelitz, 2007). The emotional catalyst provided by dream work may accelerate the therapeutic process and build the foundation for discussion of difficult topics, such as the grief and loss associated with dying (Goelitz, 2007).…”

“…The emotional catalyst provided by dream work may accelerate the therapeutic process and build the foundation for discussion of difficult topics, such as the grief and loss associated with dying (Goelitz, 2007). While these case studies provide some initial support for the concept, it is clear that further research on dream work at the end of life is warranted (DeCicco et al, 2010;Goelitz, 2007). While these case studies provide some initial support for the concept, it is clear that further research on dream work at the end of life is warranted (DeCicco et al, 2010;Goelitz, 2007).…”

Family Caregiver Perspectives on End-of-Life Dreams and Visions during Bereavement: A Mixed Methods Approach

“…3,4,11 It has been theorized that ELDVs may be inherent to the dying process, 5 serving to help individuals prepare psychologically and/or spiritually for impending death, and may be an effective platform for exploring and addressing existential distress and concerns. 12,13 ELDVs are often significant and meaningful to both dying individuals and observers, and should, therefore, be viewed as valuable opportunities for both clinicians and family to connect with dying individuals.…”

Experiences of engaging in Archetypal Dreamwork

“…Dream work is usually employed with individuals in the course of therapy. Studies on dream work, which indicate the diversity of clients who have engaged in it, have been conducted with specific populations such as cancer patients (Goelitz, 2001), terminally ill patients (Goelitz, 2007), children (Huermann, Heath, Fischer, & Potkar, 2009), and trauma survivors (Gardner & 0mer, 2009). Dream work is also done with groups (Feinberg, 1981 ;Lamb & Hollis, 1994).…”