The Embodiment of the Dream: Theory, Method and Technique of Embodied Imagination

Journal of Psychological Science ›› 2020, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (1) : 247-253.

PDF(337 KB)
PDF(337 KB)
Journal of Psychological Science ›› 2020, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (1) : 247-253.

The Embodiment of the Dream: Theory, Method and Technique of Embodied Imagination

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Abstract

Embodied Imagination, which was proposed by Dutch psychologist Robert Bosnak, is a kind of dreamwork technique. By re-experiencing the dream images in a dual-state and triggering body feelings, the contents of unconscious could be revealed consciously, and thus achieving the therapeutic goal. This article systematically expounds the theoretical basis and method origin of Embodied Imagination to clarify its theoretical and technical framework. By reviewing and analyzing the method process and technical principles of Embodied Imagination, the implementation points and the technical elements are definitized in this article, so as to pave the path for the further exploration. The theory of Embodied Imagination inherits from the interpretation of dreams with unconsciousness in Freudian traditional psychoanalysis, the concern about the reality of psyche in Jungian analytical psychology, as well as the idea of positively reshaping dreams in Hillman's archaeological psychology. Embodied Imagination approves Freud's view that dreams are unconscious representations but does not agree that dreams are merely disguises of desires. Besides, Embodied Imagination absorbs Jung's conception of "spiritual reality", insisting that all images in dreams are real and complete; and it creatively points out that dreams can be remembered and recorded by the body, so that the implied meaning of the unconscious will emerge from converged feelings. Furthermore, Embodied Imagination also adopts Hillman's ideas of changing the direction of dream work and pursuing the retrospection rather than reconstruction of dreams. Thus, communicating with the archetype world through dreams to achieve treatment becomes an important theoretical source of Embodied Imagination. Absorbing the essence of methods in hypnosis, free association and active imagination, the technique of Embodied Imagination makes some critical adjustments based on its theory. The main particularity of Embodied Imagination is that setting the dream work in the dual state of "walking between awake and comatose", transforming the orientation from analysis-oriented import direction to the experience-based export direction, using the physical body as the work anchor point and the reaction container, emphasizing the function of emotions and feelings appeared in the dream, and reinterpreting the "synchronization" and "transference" between the therapist and the client. Embodied Imagination contains five main processes which are: (1) preparing for work state; (2) accessing to liminal state; (3) experiencing the dream persistently; (4) exploration in multiple perspectives and transforming; (5) integrating feelings and leaving dream. Several key points ought to be noticed during the work process of Embodied Imagination. The dream sources chosen for work must be fresh. The work strategy should be formulated around the dream environment – starting from the safest place and taking the emotional transition as the focus of work. Communication is based on a well-established counseling relationship, and the therapist could not project personal feelings on the client. Embodied Imagination not only brought a new technological tool to clinical psychotherapy but also introduce a fresh view to understand dream. In conclusion, Embodied Imagination is an effective dream work in clinical psychology with very broad application scenarios for the time to come.

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Embodied Imagination / dreamwork / analytical psychology

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The Embodiment of the Dream: Theory, Method and Technique of Embodied Imagination[J]. Journal of Psychological Science. 2020, 43(1): 247-253
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