I was being pressured by an old therapist (Julie) to attend a conference for wives in bad marriages and I couldn’t figure out why. In reality I have an amazing husband and an awesome marriage. In the dream I was in a session with this therapist and I was shut down and frustrated. I was finally able to convince her that I was in a good relationship. She said well how was I supposed to know that. I thought well you are my therapist. I ended up reaching out to my current therapist (in real life) to see if I could come “back” to her.
Dreams often serve as a mirror to our subconscious thoughts, feelings, and conflicts. In your dream, several key elements emerge that warrant exploration:
The Old Therapist (Julie): Your former therapist represents past experiences or unresolved issues in your emotional landscape. The pressure she exerts to attend a conference for wives in bad marriages could signify an internal conflict or a lingering doubt about your relationship. Perhaps there are aspects of your emotional well-being that you feel are still reflected in your experiences with her, even if your marriage is strong and fulfilling.
The Conference for Wives: This symbolizes a space of sharing and healing regarding relationship struggles. By being recommended to attend a conference you don't feel is relevant, it suggests that there may be voices, whether internal or external, that question the validity of your happiness. It could indicate a fear of being judged or an inadvertent pressure from societal norms regarding marriage.
Feeling Shut Down and Frustrated: These feelings highlight feelings of being misunderstood or invalidated. It may resonate with experiences where you felt your perspective was not being recognized or honored, either by others or by your own self-doubt. The frustration indicates a struggle for self-assertion and recognition of your own reality.
Convincing the Therapist: This pivotal moment in your dream reveals your desire for affirmation of your experiences. It suggests that you are in a state of proving your happiness not just to the therapist, but perhaps to yourself. This act of convincing reflects a growing confidence in your current relationship, yet it may also signify a struggle against previous narratives that painted marriage or relationships in a more negative light.
Reaching Out to Your Current Therapist: This action signifies a return to a supportive and understanding environment. It represents your need for validation and guidance from someone who acknowledges your current reality. The desire to reconnect with your current therapist symbolizes a wish for reinforcement, security, and affirmation in your decisions.
Overall, your dream appears to reflect concerns about your self-identity in relation to past experiences and the expectations that come from them. The dream emphasizes the importance of recognizing your current happiness and the affirmations that come from engaging with those who genuinely understand your life circumstances.
It may also suggest a need to establish boundaries or clarify your values concerning relationships, freeing yourself from lingering doubts or subconscious messages that provoke feelings of inadequacy. Embrace the positive aspects of your life and consider discussing these themes with your therapist to unify your past experiences with your present joys.