According to the above material and the material in your book, which of the following statements reflects a Perls-type interpretation of The Dream.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
A Perls-type interpretation of “The Dream” would focus on the dreamer’s internal experience and regard every element of the dream as a projection of the self.
Explanation (300 words):
Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, had a unique and highly influential perspective on dreams. In contrast to psychoanalysts like Freud, who viewed dreams as symbolic messages from the unconscious mind about unresolved conflicts or desires, Perls believed that every part of the dream represented a part of the dreamer’s personality. This approach is central to Gestalt dream work.
According to Perls, dreams are not messages from a mysterious unconscious but rather expressions of parts of the self that have been denied, ignored, or suppressed. In therapy, Perls encouraged clients to reenact their dreams and speak from the perspective of each dream element. For instance, if someone dreams of a barking dog, the dreamer might be asked to become the dog and express what it wants, feels, or needs. This helps uncover unresolved emotions or internal conflicts that the dreamer might not be consciously aware of.
Perls rejected the idea of dream interpretation in the traditional sense. He did not want therapists to analyze and explain dreams for clients. Instead, he believed in experiential exploration, where the client gains insight by discovering the meaning of the dream from within themselves. The focus is on the present moment and the dream as it relates to current feelings, rather than past events.
Therefore, a Perls-type interpretation of “The Dream” would not look for hidden meanings or symbolic representations of past trauma. Instead, it would interpret each figure, object, or action in the dream as a projection of the dreamer’s internal world. This method encourages self-awareness, emotional integration, and personal responsibility. By owning every aspect of the dream, the person becomes more whole, which is a key goal of Gestalt therapy.