Dreams Without Disguise: Using Freud’s Case of Dora to Demonstrate a Radically Client-Centered Approach to Dreams

Abstract

In contrast to Freud’s conviction that dreams are a disguise of unconscious forbidden desires, this dream-centered methodology shows that dreams are intrinsically honest and have “self-discernable” meaning that can only be grasped by the dreamer. The article describes simple techniques to help clients center on their dream experience and self-realize the truths embodied in the rich, wondrous, and mysterious (but not “disguised”) images in their dreams. By using Dora’s own words and applying historical/biographical details of her life, the method allows her dream images to finally speak their truths—and overcome the tyranny of Freud’s relentless, over-sexualized interpretations. By repeatedly overruling Dora’s own ideas with his authority, Freud caused Dora to distrust her own understanding of her dream images along with her other feelings and perceptions about herself and the outrageous conduct of the adults in her life. By helping to facilitate the self-discernible meaning of dream images, therapists honor the autonomy of clients like Dora and foster their self-affirming capacity to draw wisdom and enrichment from their dreams.