Using Control-Mastery and Jungian Theories to Treat Nightmare Disorder: A Case from Thailand

This case example describes the use of Control-Mastery Theory and Jungian dream theory to interpret a Thai woman’s dreams and treat her nightmare disorder. We posit that therapy enabled the client to identify and challenge unconscious beliefs that had been preventing her from pursuing romantic relationships and ultimately life goals. The case illustrates dream interpretation as a psychotherapeutic tool and highlights the importance of considering cultural context to help make sense of a client’s dreams and waking-life beliefs, feelings, and behaviors. The quality and rigor of the case example were enhanced by the use of the Messer (2007) Pragmatic Case method.