Frequently Asked Questions

Click the questions to read the answers:

• What does a 'Dialog with the Dream' session entail?

  A session takes about an hour and consists of three parts:

  • A short report of the progress made since the last session;
  • A journey into 'non-ordinary reality' to connect with inner resources, transform and release destructive and hindering emotional/behavioural patterns;
  • A summary of the 'journey', the insights gained, and guidance for the upcoming week.

• In what fields can 'Dialog with the Dream' be of help?

  Usually clients seek help to improve their relationship with themselves and others – to release anxieties, guilt feelings, and low self esteem, to improve their romantic relationship, to get out of a bad relationship, to find their calling, their vocation in life, to get a suitable job, to actualize a dream they carry within and don’t believe could come true, as well as to find inner strength to live their lives. There are some who would like to find yet another perspective and change their life story into one that would better suite them.

• How long is the entire process?

  This depends on the clients and their needs, the issue they come to resolve and on how ready and willing they are to transform those parts of their life story which are no longer suitable. Some clients go through a three months process, while others may continue for two years.

• What are shamanic journeys?

  Journeys in 'non-ordinary reality' are the means by which the shamans, the tribe's doctors, find cure for their clients’ ailments. They first enter a state of 'non-ordinary consciousness', using drumming or sounds of other percussion instruments. They then embark on the journey which take place in what is called 'non-ordinary reality'. Spiritual guides in the form of animals and humans join them and are the ones who help the shamans on their way to find the spiritual cause of the ailment. Upon returning, the shamans conduct a healing ritual for their clients.

  For more information, see Michael Harner's site.

• What is the 'reversed' journey used in the Dialog with the Dream practice?

  In a traditional shamanic journey, the shamans are the ones who embark on the journey to find the spiritual cause of physical or emotional ailments. For this, the shamans are assisted by their spiritual guides, who appear in the form of animals or people. On the 'reversed' journey, the clients go on their own healing journey closely guided by the therapist. 0n this journey, as well, the clients’ spiritual guides help them find on the way. However, unlike the traditional shamanic journey, the clients both find the reason for their ailment at the same time help in assimilating their insights throughout the journey. When the clients 'return', the cure is already in effect.

• What is 'non-ordinary reality'?

  We might encounter 'non-ordinary reality' when we meditate, or listen to inspiring music that draws us into an alternate experience of reality. At times we might be pulled there when we’re in awe with nature’s beauty and immensity. At other times yet, being on the edge can evoke this experience as well, when we are in a state of utter desperation or a having a devastating illness. The more we visit this reality and the better skilled we are at it, we can learn its essence and operate there much like we do in the familiar reality of our everyday lives.

• How is a 'journey in the non-ordinary reality' conducted?

  This kind of 'journey' is carried out with eyes closed and with close guidance. Clients 'travel' in a dream-like reality. Images of spiritual guides such as power animals and humans appear during the ‘journey’ and help the clients heal themselves. The clients learn the language of the 'non-ordinary reality', which is in fact their own inner realm, communicating through images and symbols. Through this encounter with the inner characters and situations, clients identify their difficulties and learn to rely their resources to cope with them.

• What is a power animal and how is it used in this practice?

  Power animals are an important resource, inner guides, with whom we meet on one of the first journeys, at the beginning of the process. Power animals symbolize forces within us with which we are often out of touch - such as courage, determination, light-heartedness, or clarity of mind. Throughout the process, clients learn to receive help from their power animals both during inner journeys and in everyday life.

• Is it scary or dangerous to embark on 'journeys' in the 'non-ordinary reality'?

  Not at all! These journeys are safe as our emotional-physical system carefully brings to our attention the content we are capable of coping with at any time. Therefore, as frightening as a journey may be experienced, clients always have the strength to face its challenges and transform the arising difficulties. ulties.

• Who can undertake this process?

  • Those who would like to resolve a problem which has troubled them for years;
  • Those who are interested in a (relatively) short-term, focused process;
  • Those who have an earnest desire and willingness to look into and improve their life circumstance;
  • Those who seek supportive and non-judgemental guidance in an environment which provides tools and knowledge;
  • Those who are commited to themselves and to their inner work.