Members Only Event – Social Dreaming for IPT – 11 July 2024 6:30pm

Social dreaming is a way of working with dreams, developed by Gordon Lawrence and others at the Tavistock Institute in London in the 1980’s.  Since then its applications have been explored extensively, in a variety of settings. The basic assumption is that our dreams do not simply bear witness to our inner lives – the preoccupation of conventional Westernised psychologies (in so far as dreams are regarded as having any significance at all). Social dreaming follows indigenous practices in recognising that our dreams may also bear witness to the realities of time and place in which we live, leading to an expanded consciousness of self in relation to others. The purposeful sharing of dreams gives voice to common aspirations and experience, and generates a wealth of thoughts and images for us to work with, in the context which brings us together.

We meet in what is called a matrix.  This is to distinguish the gathering from other kinds of group.  Participants in the matrix have a specific task, which is to share and associate to dreams, making connections where possible.  We own the associations we make, as our own.  There is no correct interpretation or response.  As Gordon Lawrence said,   ‘Once a dream is offered, there can be as many associations as there are people in the room.’

In social dreaming no attempt is made to interpret dreams for the dreamer, or to interpret the dynamics of the group. The constant focus is on the task of the matrix, as we receive and respond to those ‘dreams in search of a dreamer’ which bear witness to the past, the present, and the future potentials in our community.

You don’t need previous experience of social dreaming, to participate in a matrix and enjoy it. All you need is a readiness to share and be open to what is offered.  I will offer a few thoughts by way of introduction when we meet, and off we’ll go. Once the matrix is complete, we will have space to reflect on how it was for us, and to begin processing the experience, seeing how this may amplify the vision which underpins IPT, signposting directions for future travel.

I look forward to seeing you there. Meanwhile, please be aware of your dreams in the week before each session, and note them down or keep them in mind, so that we have a rich resource to work with when we meet…

Laurie Slade