Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Therapist perspectives on their dreams about clients: a qualitative investigation
Patricia Spangler1, Clara E Hill, Carol Mettus
1Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. pspangler@psyc.umd.edu
Abstract:
The authors interviewed eight experienced therapists regarding their dreams about clients and analyzed the transcribed interview data using consensual qualitative research. Results indicated that dreams typically were about difficulties with clients, intense personal concerns, and negative interpersonal interactions. Therapists used multiple methods to work with the dreams and made gains in insight focusing on countertransference or overidentification and the need to make fundamental changes in the therapeutic relationship or in the therapist's life. On the basis of the insight, therapists made changes in the treatment of the dreamed-about clients and in their personal lives. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Psychodynamic Therapy
Dreaming
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Humanistic Therapy
Psychodynamic Perspectives on Personality
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...

