Each one of us is different and so are our requirements and coping mechanisms. Some people can bury themselves in daily chores, and for others that can be challenging too. However, if you have some feelings which can’t be explained, it could either be that the problem is unidentified or the solution seems to be impossible. Then, it’s best to get external help to move past that phase. If you are excessively worried, feeling anxious, have mood swings, feel sad or down most of the time. If you use alcohol, drugs or other substances to numb your emotions, you are like a ticking bomb and lose your temper frequently. Your irrational fears have now started interfering in your life, being alone is way too scary or brings suffering, then it’s time to get help and pay attention to your mental health.

Asking for help is never easy. Depending on how deep-rooted the issue is, the more difficult it gets to seek help and address the issue. Most times, our intuition tells us that we need help but speaking out is scary. We feel we aren't ready to face our demons. It could often be the stigma attached to mental health or judgement that we have for ourselves. Having said that, if you have accepted that you need support, then you have taken a big step in the right direction. Give yourself that extra nudge, be kind and gentle to yourself in the process. If answering a phone call seems way too difficult, then drop me an email (thedreamriddle1@gmail.com). If hitting that send button isn't easy, that's alright too. Ask yourself whether you are ready to address the issues? What are the fears that are stopping you? Our fears consume us but we are blessed with infinite strengths and possibilities that we might not be even aware of. It took me years too to ask for help. There is no way you can push yourself or others into it, but getting help will do any harm. If nothing, you will give yourself brownie points that you tried.

There is no preparation required before the first session. Keep an open mind and be honest with yourself. Also, give yourself credit for taking a big step in the right direction. Be prepared to commit to this process. Always remember, you are not committing to your therapist, you are committing to yourself. Be rest assured, I will find the style which will work best for you. If you are uncomfortable before the session, just tell yourself “Change is hard. I am bound to feel uncomfortable, but it is part of the process to get where I want to be”.

It’s not an exam that you need to pass to know how many classes are required. These are emotions that we are dealing with, nobody can determine how long or short the process can be. Don’t put a timeline for yourself that you need to keep a check on. After a few sessions, both of us together will be able to gauge the progress. If you need to know for monetary reasons, then based on my experience, 4-5 sessions are minimum to expect some changes. Having said that, change is always in your hands. You are the captain of your ship, I will lend a helping hand to support you while you navigate through the rough tides.

Both are equally helpful but given your personality and openness to share you can choose which format works the best. Be rest assured that everything is kept confidential in both formats. You will have to sign a document for the same. However, if you think you will be more comfortable with your personal space, then I suggest opting for a one on one session. On the other hand, if you are very passionate about dreams and want to learn more, then a group session will be better. It will be a short and sweet experience for you.

No. Dream Therapy doesn’t involve medication. If I feel the need, I will refer you to someone who has expertise in the clinical field.

Yes, absolutely! The first step to remembering your dreams is setting your intention. It is difficult if your sleep cycle is disturbed, and you tend to sleep late at night. But you know that you have dreamt of something and you just can’t seem to remember it when you wake up then setting the intention is key. Right before you sleep, make a mental note and say to yourself that I would like to remember my dreams. Yes, it’s that simple.

Yes. Nightmares are like alarms. Your subconscious is calling out for attention. Dream therapy will work wonders and will help you identify what your subconscious is trying to show you, something you can’t make sense of in your waking life.

Dream therapy helps you get in touch with yourself and your emotions. Anxiety is often the result of unaddressed issues and the baggage that we carry with ourselves. With the help of your dreams, you will be able to tap into your subconscious mind and release blockages that might be causing anxiety.

Just like nightmares, recurring dreams are also begging for your attention. All that you need to do is identify the theme and understand its context with your waking life. The time you address those patterns in your waking life, your recurring dreams will go away.