The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of how dreams have been used in psychotherapy as a creative approach of counseling and a therapeutic tool to grasp research trends, to suggest the direction of future research, and to make practical suggestions about counseling utilizing dreams.
Counseling utilizing dreams can be divided into four approaches according to the purpose of using dreams in psychotherapy theory: psycho–dynamic approach, emotional-experiential approach, integrated approach, and group therapy approach. Different methods of intervention were identified for each of these approaches.
In addition, the domestic and foreign researchers have applied counseling utilizing dreams to various age groups ranging from children to the elderly. In the research about the potential use of dreams, and the effects of group therapies using dreams, various subject areas have been discussed.
Based on the results, this study presents, the implications that the four approaches to counseling utilizing dreams have for practices at the counseling site and, directions of future research.