Starting therapy can stir up a lot of feelings, and intensify things. I think it's safest to avoid trying to pin down specific memories from dreams and stay on the level of asking "what does this mean to me?" In this dream there are cruel men who delight in their sadistic power.

It makes me think of my own psyche. I don't know if we are similar, but it reminds me a lot of the way I was hurt by childhood wounds, and the way I developed a lot of cruelty toward myself. People can be really cruel to themselves. The dream may be trying to get your attention and say, "Hey, you know those judgmental thoughts you have about yourself? Those really hurt you deep down." Our thoughts and feelings toward ourselves can be very intense and have the potential to wound us deeply. Because you are starting therapy, your psyche may be more open to becoming conscious of your relationship toward yourself. It may be safer to experience these feelings.

Mike