My Dreaming Self: Creative writing from dreams

This course grew from a self-devised research project I undertook in 2020 for my MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (CWTP) (Metanoia Institute), in which I explored what happened when I mapped my dreams in words and images: ‘Crossing the Distance: Can mapping dreams using reflective writing techniques facilitate the integration of the self? A heuristic inquiry’.

Of my dissertation, Claire Williamson, Freelance Creative Writer and Mentor wrote: “Its inspirational content lies at the emergent edge of the CWTP field and will inform current and future practice.”

Next course dates TBC

Like poetry, our dreams juxtapose images, motifs and metaphors in fresh and surprising ways. Taking time to identify and elaborate the wealth of imagery our dreaming selves offer can kickstart our creativity and bring personal insight.

With a unique approach to dream journalling at its heart, this eight-session online course offers you the opportunity to work expressively and experimentally with elements from your dreams through a combination of visual activities and reflective creative writing techniques. Over the eight sessions, you will identify key images and motifs that are meaningful to you, and which you can develop more actively and fully as part of your creative expression.

Working in a safely-held group of maximum six participants, you will have the chance to share and reflect on your discoveries as you embark on a journey of self-discovery, connecting with others in new and surprising ways as you do so.

Zoom: Min group size 4, max group size 6 £330/£290

Note: There is no session on Thursday 30th May.

Read about the aims and objectives of my courses and workshops and read my FAQs, where you can also find out about my theoretical approach to running Creative Writing workshops.

‘I've always had a very active dream life, so wanted to see how this might feed into my writing. At times on the course my discovery was profound. At others there seemed no rhyme or reason. But the whole was a rich integrating for me in a safe, supportive and creative atmosphere.’

— Ali