How do I interpret my dreams?
Short Answer
Start with the emotions and major themes, then connect them to real-life situations, relationships, and stressors. Treat dream images as metaphors or associations, not fixed symbols, and look for patterns over time.
Why This Matters
Interpretation matters because dreams blend memory and emotion, which can surface concerns you don’t articulate during the day. A grounded method results in insight without superstition: you learn what your mind is rehearsing, avoiding, or integrating. Over time, reflecting on themes leads to better emotional awareness and can reduce the power of recurring nightmares.
Where This Changes
Some dreams are simply stress or sleep-disruption “noise,” so forcing a deep meaning can backfire. If dreams are trauma-related or highly distressing, structured approaches (like imagery rehearsal) or professional support can be more effective than solo interpretation.