DEEPENING INTO THE FELT SENSE OF DREAMS

An introduction to focusing-oriented dream exploration
By Dr. Leslie Ellis

March 17, 2023 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm Pacific time
A free (or pay-what-you-can) seminar

Engaging with dreams in an embodied, experiential way brings the depth of their meaning to life for the dreamer. This is not an intellectual exercise, but a somatic approach that is deeply informed by focusing, a gentle, profound method of embodied inquiry.

My students have told me again and again that focusing is what sets this method apart from other dream therapy approaches. Focusing was developed by philospher and psychologist Eugene Gendlin. Some of his unique contributions to working with dreams include finding help, bias control and applying his philosophy of the implicit to dreams.

Focusing Dreamwork and Finding Help in a Dream - [RECORDING]

A free introductory workshop and Q/A session with Dr. Leslie Ellis

February 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM Pacific time (90 minutes)

My most popular dreamwork program is a year-long certification program for clinicians,
spiritual directors, helping professionals and dream afficionados.

Many of you have asked: can we get a sample of how you teach, and can we ask you some questions? Yes and yes, that’s what this session is all about.

In this session, you will be introduced to a simple yet profound technique that has the potential to transform the way you work with dreams. Or, if new to dreamwork, it will give you a safe and constructive place to start.

Finding Help in a Dream

This is an experiential method developed by Focusing founder Eugene Gendlin that safely brings embodiment and a way forward with any dream, even a nightmare. Similar to the way Leslie structures her classes, we will begin with a brief experiential to get a feel for the topic, followed by information, examples, and then a demonstration. This approach to working with a dream is constructive and empowering, and is a way to capture some of the life force inherent in every dream.

AGENDA FOR THE SESSION

Introduction
Dreamwork experiential: Finding ‘Help’ in a dream
Demo of a dreamwork session (bring a dream!)
Q/A session (bring your questions!)

GET A COPY OF THE RECORDING HERE...

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Leslie Ellis

Dr. Leslie Ellis is a leading expert in the use of experiential and somatic approaches in psychotherapy, in particular for working with dreams, nightmares and the effects of trauma. She is the author of A Clinician’s Guide to Dream Therapy (Routledge, 2020) and offers many training opportunities in embodied, experiential dreamwork. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and worked as a therapist in private practice in Vancouver, BC for more than 25 years. For more than 10 years she offered a Vancouver-based focusing certification program for practicing therapists. She now certifies clinicians to work with dreams and nightmares via an online program, and also teaches with the Jung Platform and Polyvagal Institute.

Dr. Leslie Ellis

 5/5

MORE TESTIMONIALS...

I am always trying to improve my programs, so I asked my most recent cohort how their comfort level and ways of working with dreams have changed over the past year as a result of participating in my Embodied Experiential Dreamwork program. It is so gratifying to hear how many deepened and freed up their relationship to dreams.

“This program teaches you a powerful way to work with your own dreams and those of others. My connection to my dream life has deepened considerably as result of this program. I have developed reverence for and love of my dreams, and I feel this has had the secondary impact of me increasing compassion and tenderness towards myself. I also have enjoyed working with others' dreams in group processes. It has brought heart-opening connection during these uncertain times.”

“Now that I’ve had direct experience of doing dreamwork as a client, I know that it works and I have a sense of what it feels like when it does work. I have more trust in the process as well as an intellectual framework and steps in a process that can guide me when doing this work with clients.”

“Now I am less worried about meaning or interpretation and more focused on experience and body sensations. In this new path, I found more creativity.”

“Leslie has a beautiful gift of creating an open and safe place for people to share dreams. Her presentation skills are top-notch. She never seems rushed, and presents in a clear and concise manner. This class was worth every penny. Not a single minute or dollar was wasted. Taking this class was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

“You will increase your confidence to work with your own dreams and the dreams of others. You will have a greater understanding of trauma-related nightmares and how to work with them… and you will be in the hands of an expert in dreams and dreamwork. Leslie is always looking for new research and keeping us updated during the course.”

“Loved it. I really appreciated the quality and content. It helped me grasp the concepts and bring them into practice… Leslie is an excellent instructor whose passion for dream work is contagious!”

“I would recommend this course without reserve. It gave much more confidence going forward with my own and others’ dreamwork.”