Similar to other therapies that make use of alternate states of consciousness (e.g. virtual reality, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, hypnosis, neurofeedback), Lucid Dreaming Therapy (LDT) has favorable, idiosyncratic features with the potential to elaborate on empirically-supported treatment models for a range of mental disorders.

The main characteristic that differentiates lucid dreams from typical dreaming is that you explicitly remember that you are in the dream state. This form of memory retrieval while dreaming can increase feelings of safety, psychological flexibility, and purposeful volition in ways that enhance self-regulation and new learning. The evocative realism and exposure to unconscious content makes the lucid state even more promising for improving therapeutic outcomes.

It has been suggested that LDT could be a useful treatment for nightmares, trauma, and other psychological conditions. However, evidence of efficacy is scarce and its rationale in intervention studies thus far has been largely atheoretical. Clinicians have the capacity to play a unique role in furthering LDT as a science by demonstrating how case formulations can aid in treatment decisions and the consideration of potential mechanisms for LDT outcomes.

In this workshop, clinical psychologist Kristen LaMarca will guide you in planning, justifying, and implementing LDT interventions using theoretically informed case conceptualizations. About a quarter of the allotted time will be lecture-based to review proper assessment, case selection, induction protocols, and predominant treatment models that can inform LDT. Real cases will be presented to facilitate didactics, small group work, and experiential or role play exercises based on attendees’ own theoretical orientations, including but not limited to cognitive-affective, dynamic, interpersonal, and neurovisceral approaches.

The target audience is mental health practitioners who are or are working toward licensure (Intermediate to Advanced). Although non-clinicians (researchers, educators, physicians, dreamworkers) will find some material is outside their scope of competence, they are still welcome to attend to improve the cross-disciplinary dialogues needed for the theoretical underpinnings of LDT to emerge in future research. This presentation will adhere to IASD ethical standards.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Identify the unique features of LDT that can augment evidence-based treatments.

2.  Practice integrating theory and research into case conceptualizations of LDT clients.

3.  Describe how various theoretical orientations can guide the planning and implementation of LDT interventions.

Learn more and register at https://iasdconferences.org/2022/

BIO:

Kristen LaMarca PhD is a clinical psychologist with expertise in applied psychophysiology, sleep disorders, and Lucid Dreaming Therapy. She co-facilitates Lucidity Institute’s intensive programs, has conducted research on cholinergic stimulation of lucidity, and is the author of Learn to Lucid Dream: Powerful Techniques for Awakening Creativity and Consciousness.