The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

 Waking Dream Therapy is a guided imagery approach developed by Dr. Gerald Epstein, building on the teachings of Mme. Colette Aboulker-Muscat of Jerusalem. The method uses imagination as a means to explore and transform one’s inner reality.

A waking dream allows a person to consciously journey through their inner landscape—the realm where belief systems, emotions, and memories take symbolic form as images. By interacting with and transforming these images, clients can shift how they perceive themselves and the world, resolving internal conflicts and opening space for new possibilities.

As Dr. Epstein wrote, this process “not only permits the seeing of possibilities but also the doing of possibilities,” enabling clients to bring insights from imagination into real-world change.

• Nature of the Waking Dream
  Like a night dream, a waking dream unfolds spontaneously within the imagination.
  Unlike a night dream, it occurs in a conscious, guided state—allowing the client to engage with and transform the imagery as it unfolds.
   
• Purpose
  To reveal underlying belief systems and emotional patterns through imagery, and to empower the client to alter them through active participation in the dream.
   
• Structure
   
  • Usually lasts 40–90 minutes
     
  • Begins with a short relaxation period (3–4 minutes)
     
  • Starts from a segment of a night dream or an emotionally charged image
     
  • Conducted with eyes closed in a relaxed, upright position
     
  • The therapist acts as a guide, not an interpreter
     

The therapist’s primary function is to facilitate and support the client’s journey—not to direct it.

• The therapist listens attentively as the client narrates what is seen and felt.
   
• Guidance is offered only when the client becomes stuck, frightened, or overwhelmed.
   
• Familiarity with the symbolism of colors, numbers, and spatial directions can help the therapist recognize turning points in the imagery.
   
• Throughout the process, the therapist reminds the client of their ability to choose, protect, and transform—reinforcing autonomy and self-efficacy.
   

As Francis Clifton wrote:

“Guided waking dreams are birthings, assisted by the midwife (therapist or guide), which take place in the emptied, at times terrifying realm of becoming which is the imagination.”
 

• When a client brings a recurrent or emotionally charged dream they do not understand.
   
• When a client experiences a dream that feels “important” but cannot interpret it.
   
• When standard dream analysis or imagery correction exercises fail to bring clarity or resolution.
   

1. Dream Review

• The client recounts their dream.
   
• The therapist invites them to view each dream element as a reflection of self.
   
• The therapist explores parallels between dream events and waking life.
   

2. Decision to Enter the Dream
 

• If the client cannot make sense of the dream or feels emotionally disturbed by it, the waking dream technique is introduced.
   

3. Induction and Entry
 

• The client sits comfortably, eyes closed.
   
• A 3–4 minute relaxation is guided.
   
• The therapist instructs: “Begin at any significant point in your dream, and simply describe what unfolds.”
   

4. Journey Phase
 

• The client narrates the spontaneous imagery.
   
• The therapist occasionally intervenes with gentle prompts such as:
   
  • “What do you feel you can do now?”
     
  • “Remember, you have the power to act.”
     
• The client resolves challenges or confrontations through creative action.
   

5. Closure and Integration
 

• The therapist helps the client return to the starting point (“in fast motion”).
   
• The client opens their eyes, still holding the final positive image.
   
• The session concludes with reflection and grounding.