Exploring the Role of Dreams in Psychological Healing: An Alchemical Hermeneutic Approach

Abstract

This research study is an alchemical hermeneutic inquiry into the relationship between dreams and suicidality, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specifically, this dissertation interprets dream images of transformation in scholarly works and examines how symbols derived from dreams could engender hope and healing. While there is significant research on dreams, dream meaning, and dream interpretation, there is a notable gap in studies focusing on how to transform big dreams into images of hope and healing from a depth perspective. Additionally, there is a lack of research examining suicidality, depression, and PTSD through a depth psychology lens. Using Edinger’s eight stages of alchemical transformation to interpret Freud’s famous case study of the Wolf-Man, who presented with symptoms of depression, suicidality, and PTSD, this study identifies dream images from the unconscious that reveal symbols of hope and transformation. From a Jungian perspective, this research examines whether exploration of big dreams in a clinical setting can initiate transformation sufficient to mitigate suicidality, depression, and PTSD. This study aims to help clinicians recognize possible symbols of transformation in clients’ big dream imagery and use these symbols to offer meaning and engender hope and healing.