Events

In 1992, David Lukoff and a team of psychiatrists advanced religious/spiritual problems as conditions that may be the focus of therapy. One such problem/condition has been termed spiritual emergence, according to Stanislav and Christina Grof (1989) in their seminal work on the topic. The research question in the dissertation on which this workshop is based was, “What is the role of dreams and dream-like experiences (DLEs) in spiritual emergence processes?” This workshop addresses the question by examining contemporary examples of the phenomena plus transpersonal psychology literature, from a Jungian hermeneutical perspective and through participant discussion. The need for this workshop is shown by the relative lack of peer-reviewed literature on the use of dream work for religious or spiritual problems compared to the volumes written on dream interpretation. Implications of the workshop experience may be applicable to spiritually emerging populations and to therapy where dream work is used, particularly Jungian analysis.

The spiritual diversity of therapy populations demands what David Lukoff calls spiritual competency. When spiritual issues arise, dream work may help identify and treat problems from a spiritually informed perspective. Outcomes expected from workshop attendance include expanded respect for religious and spiritual diversity, the ability to differentiate spiritual emergency v. spiritual emergence, and an understanding of the role of dreams and dream-like experiences in spiritual emergence processes. Attendees will discuss the use of dreams in psychotherapy, the need to accurately differentiate religious problems from hyper-religiosity, and the importance of avoiding stereotypes. Specific issues will include helping to de-stigmatize spiritual problems and spiritually oriented patients, aiding psycho-spiritual development, and dealing with distressing experiences of loss or questioning of faith or spiritual values. Experiential exercises will include work in small groups, the sharing of spiritual dreams, and discussion on how a particular dream may contribute to psycho-spiritual growth.