The use of dreams in couples therapy

Spouses and family members communicate in complex, highly developed patterns which are largely out of awareness (Wynne 1961; Martin 1976; Cavenar 1979; Satir 1964). The therapist's grasp of these patterns of unconscious relatedness is essential to effective couples therapy or family therapy. This becomes a basis for interventions designed to help change those patterns destructive to a mutually satisfying relationship. A dream which one member of a couple presents in the setting of conjoint therapy is an important moment in which unconscious communication becomes manifest. Awareness and effectiveness can be enhanced when a therapist emphasizes the interpersonal dimension of the dream rather than treating it as a purely intrapsychic event. We examine meanings and uses of dreams shared in the context of couples psychotherapy, via literature review, clinical examples, and discussion. We suggest an approach which highlights interpersonal dimensions of dream-sharing and incorporates a concept of unconscious resonance.