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ABSTRACT

Justina Lasley, M.A.

DrmKpr@aol.com

Shining Light On Dreams: Methods and Techniques for Dream Work

3. Presenter: Justina Lasley, M.A. (formerly Justina Poe)
Justina is a dream specialist who uses her love of art and images in applications of dreamwork. She has led dream groups over ten years at Trinity Presbyterian and the N.E. Counseling Center in Atlanta. She earned her M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology with an emphasis in dream studies. Justina studied at the University of Paris, Pacifica Graduate Institute, and with leading authors and dream specialists. She has presented numerous workshops and lectures including programs for the ASD International Conferences in Hawaii, Santa Cruz, and Washington.

4. Summary of presentation: The participants will learn to "open" dreams, transferring unconsciousness to conscious knowledge. They will learn to organize and facilitate group work and explore various techniques and methods to shine a light on sacred knowing. Forming a dream group, participants will experience the fundamental elements of group process.

5A Learning Objectives: 1. Understanding how dream groups promote personal growth
2. Exploring various psychological methods and techniques used in dreamwork 3. Organizing and facilitating dream groups
5B Evaluation Questions: 1. What are some of the guidelines for working with others' dreams? 2. What are the most important benefits of group dreamwork in comparison to traditional therapy? 3. What are some of the techniques that can be used personally and in groups to amplify the dream?

8. Abstract:
Shining Light On Dreams:
Methods and Techniques for Dream Work
Justina Lasley, M.A.

Dreams are "the royal road to the unconscious". Dream groups provide a smooth and direct route to this understanding. It is difficult to break through the wall that surrounds our subconscious and blocks growth and life fulfillment. It is through a dreamgroup setting that we are privileged to experience others' dreamwork and begin to recognize both our defenses and our opportunities. We cannot change what we do not know. Working with dreams brings the unconscious to consciousness, helping us see and comprehend what we have never understood before. Knowledge is the first step toward change which can lead us to more fulfilling, joyous and spiritual lives.
Each dream beckons us to see it in a new light. It is important to look at dreams through a multifaceted lens. We can profit from our dream experience by working with various methods and techniques. By listening to the dream and using our intuition we can determine how the dream is best amplified.
As leaders of groups, we must set a tone for the group -one of responsibility, reverence, and awe for the dream experience. It is necessary to build trust and instill an understanding of the spiritual and sacred nature of the dream. We must believe that people can make major changes in their lives by pursuing the dream.
Through qualitative research I have come to understand the significance of dream group work and how it differs from other types of individual and group therapy. I believe that group dreamwork offers us a unique and vast opportunity to move toward one's true self.
Through the workshop setting we will explore:
· Organizing a group
· Encouraging bonding of the group
· Providing guidelines for the group
· Establishing a group format -- Openings, Sharing, and Closings
· Enhancing dream recall
· Recording dreams
· Transforming nightmares for empowerment and personal growth
· Honoring the sacredness of the dream
· Identifying emotions within the dreams
· Individual and group exercises to amplify the dream
· Ritualizing the dream
· Exploring advantages of group dreamwork over individual and group therapy
Participants of the workshop will form a "Dream Circle" to experience the techniques discussed. There will be an opportunity for members to share ideas from their own group work.