The purpose of this work is to provide new insights into the processes that make up our unconscious mind. New occurs not separate from the past or what is old, but as an extension of the past, a reaching out into the unknown, grounded in the known. Modern authors like J. Allan Hobson MD, have done some of this work in the study of dreams. Their viewpoint is constrained by the limitations of research, looking for information that is arguable, objective and observable. Their search naturally has to focus on the unconscious in its uncontrived state. What they object to in Freud and Jung is the presentation of Dreams as though dreaming were not a contrived process. Hobson seems to be looking for a better understanding of dreaming, the process, not dreams the content. He objects to the way pioneers like Freud and Jung pretend to see trails of understanding reaching back into the unconscious that provide access to the needed healing of wounds. The risk of authors like Jung and Freud is that they are "leading" that is training and educating their clients without even being aware of it. In fact, much of the extensive research done by these two scientists into their own dreams discounts the value of their expectations and self training. As Therapists they were "Over-reaching" in the view of modern authors like Hobson. It may be wrong to indict Freud and Jung for their zeal as therapeutic researchers, but we continue to search thanks to the inspiration of these psychiatric pioneers. This current work is an effort to add to this process.
About the Author: Robert M. Johnson PhD has been working with behavior management strategies for many years. He has worked with all levels of application from children through elderly centenarians in nursing homes. For the past ten years he has worked extensively in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and residential centers, counseling clients. Much of his work has also been directed to the training of the staff in these facilities. His recently published behavior training manual is the result of his work in promoting mental health among those who suffer from major mental illness. This current work is an extension of his research into the unconscious and how it is reflected in our dreams as well as in spontaneous artwork. There is currently a strenuous debate going on between the proponents of the traditional studies of Freud and Jung regarding the unconscious, and especially dreamwork. This book is an effort to bring some cohesion to the study of the unconscious. It is shared here with those who want to contribute more effectively with their clients living both in the community and in residential settings.