Dream Interpretation: Perspectives from Adler, Perls, Delaney, and Other Dream Theorists

Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler (1870-1937) suggested that dreams are all about wish-fulfillment because they allow the dreamer to have skills and powers denied to them in waking life. According to Adler, ‘the purpose of dreams must be in the feelings they arouse.’

Gestalt Psychologist Fritz Perls on Dreams

Gestalt psychologist Fritz Perls (1893-1970) believed that dreams project hidden aspects of our personalities, and the best way to interpret them is to use a non-interpretative interviewing technique. In this method, you ask your dream character or object what they are trying to say, then adopt the dream’s mindset and answer the questions.

Gayle Delaney’s Interviewing Technique

Australian dream expert Gayle Delaney suggests using an interviewing technique that addresses questions such as ‘How did the dream make you feel?’ or ‘How can you connect your dream with your waking life?’

Dreams as Problem-Solving Tools

Some dream theorists believe that dreams deal with problems we can’t solve in waking life and offer solutions. By studying and interpreting them, we may sometimes come up with new ideas or insights.

Dream Interpretation Today

Thanks to the work of Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and other influential dream theorists, dream interpretation is now accessible to everyone. It remains popular today, with people using dreams as unique and personal sources of guidance, inspiration, and tools for change, growth, and personal development. This book offers a fusion of various approaches to the study and interpretation of dreams.

See Also: Adler, Perls, Delaney, Freud, Jung.