View Single Post
 
Old Jul 15, 2010, 03:09 AM
Gr3tta's Avatar
Gr3tta Gr3tta is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Member Since: May 2010
Location: .
Posts: 4,283
Hi Alexandria,
I agree with Perna that this may in fact be a good thing, a sign your brain is working through these things. Sometimes things on your mind subconciously can pop up in your dreams, and may even provide you with some revelations. You might want to keep a dream diary, write down what happened as soon as you wake, and discuss it with your therapist.
There are also a few things you can try to combat these bad dreams. One, if you are able to realize you are dreaming while it's happening, you could try to direct the outcome. Imagine your abusers shrinking into tiny gnats, then step on them. Or tell them off, grow wings, and fly away. Another thing you can try is to concentrate really hard on something you would like to dream about while you're trying to fall asleep. You might say to yourself, I am going to dream about building sand castles by the ocean. Think of all the details, the colours of your beach towel, the sound of the waves, the trusted friend who is there with you, the feel of the warm sand in your fingers. Sometimes this can help direct your mind to focus on something pleasant as you enter the dream state.
I often have very vivid and scary nightmares. You are not alone in experiencing this. Sometimes the things I suggested work for me, sometimes they don't. The most important thing, I think, is to remind yourself firmly upon waking that it was just a dream. You are not in that situation anymore, you are safe now.
Thank you for sharing this, I hope you can find some relief.
~Emma