Abstract Index Conference Index

ABSTRACT

Dream Mapping and AUTO DRAMA : A METHOD for confronting NIGHTMARES , And Healing Recurring Dreams

Ann Sayre Wiseman MA. (Ansayre) is a painter, teacher, psychotherapist, mother of 2 sons, and author of 10 books on Making Things and the creative process, 2 books on Creative Dreaming and Nightmare Help, and several sketch journals from her travels in Europe, Greece, Mexico & Russia. For 13 years she was adjunct faculty at Lesley College in the Expressive Therapies and Teacher Training programs. Previously , Program Director for The Boston Children's Museum in Jamaica Plain.
Presently: Ann conducts workshops here and abroad on Art, Imagery and Dreams ; Life Mapping, The Body Friend or Foe, and What To Do With The Rest Of Your Life .

E-mail: ansayre@aol.com

Abstract
(This Workshop can accommodate any number of participants).
The Method: On a sheet of paper called "the paper-stage", each participant is invited to, 3 dimensionally, set out a dream or issue on this mini paper-stage, using torn scraps of colored tissue or available objects to represent the subjects.

1. Mapping gives the dreamer an opportunity to SEE the dream
and actively explore Options for change through confrontation, negotiation, healing and a deeper understanding.

2. Auto Drama invites the dreamer to Create Symbols that represent the people, objects, and the issue as it appears in the dream, allowing the dreamer to visualize the facts, become the voices that explain the relationships, actually feel the emotions, empower the victim part of the self, clarify the dynamics, expose the possibilities for negotiation, and gives the dreamer a chance to test or alter the cause and effect. Thus gaining a deeper understanding from the nightmare dream.

3. Mapping uses the Language Of color which gives immediate information, and form to feelings, reveals affinities, values, dimension, and attachment.
4. Size and texture of the symbols depicts the emotional impact which helps to guide and direct the negotiations.
5. Mapping is an exercise that helps to Reframe the issue. A way to test alternatives, discover new perspectives and empower the dream victim.
6. Seeing a Nightmare or a dream, 3 dimensionally, is more powerful than talking about it. Seeing it on the "paper stage" helps to acknowledge the importance of obstacles, reveals options, suggests other ways around-over -or -through obstacles, new possibilities.

7. Auto Drama allows the dreamer to Rehearse alternatives, new attitudes, and test new behavior. Action creates change, and Change shifts or expands interpretation.

8. The use of Dialogue and guided imaging sheds new light on an issue..

9. Mapping helps the dreamer recognize the polarized parts of the self, and can often reframe the message. Mapping clarifies understanding, and tests options.

10. This method can be done individually as well as in a large group where every one can be working on their own Dream or Nightmare at the same time as the guide poses questions that provokes action.


The Art Of Confrontation & Healing Nightmares & Dreams for Continuing Education CREDITS:

This method is an experiential way to witness, modify, empower, and integrate the disparate parts of the self. It allows the participants to explore, negotiate, reverse roles, rehearse behavior, heal, and /or resolve a Nightmare, a dream, (as well as a life issue.)

Learning outcome

1. This method is a unique way to restage a troublesome issue. Auto Drama allows the dreamer a direct approach to problem solving, using the language of color, form, and dialogue as well as providing physical action in a way that by-passes many of the usual verbal sensors;
2. Mapping invites the dreamer to reverse roles with all parts of the dream, empowering him to be the best and only interpreter of his own dream message.
3. Since action speaks louder than words, the active manipulation and testing of options has a profound effect on the body's belief system and often reveals masked pay-offs, or obsolete assumptions.

Three Evaluation questions
1. Describe the sequence of this process of Auto Drama which brought your personal experience to some degree of satisfaction. List what you got out of this experience?

2. Describe what you saw as you watched one of the participants came to their own resolution or interpretation?

3. Using this method, name five important things that would safely guide and empower a dreamer .

Professional Disciplines applicable:
Psychology, Nursing, Education, social work, parenting, problem solving. Preparation for Medical operations and organ transplant, modifying and alleviating fears in children and adults.