Teaching the FiveStar Method in my Group Counseling Classes

 Toward the end of the semester (summer session currently), I always introduce the FiveStar Method to my group counseling students, and we practice in class. Then, they are encouraged to use dream sharing in their small groups during the latter part of each class. My students invariably say that learning dream analysis is deeply rewarding, and supplements their conventional education with a practice that deepens and accelerates the therapeutic process. 

Here's a sample of our in-class dreamwork. The dreamer, Diana, has agreed to let me share the brief session. I think this video shows the natural and safe context for deep exploration established by the FiveStar Method.

Dreamwork with Diana

While my grad students are practicing in my group counseling classes, UTRGV Internship students have been leading online groups with participants from around the world. The groups have become quite popular, and now we are getting ready to conduct a research study on the benefits of these dream charing groups. Stay tuned for that! And check out DreamStar Free Online Counseling if you're interested in taking part in an online group.

Workshop on The Construction and Analysis of Metaphors

You may be interested in a workshop presentation I gave for the IASD conference in June. It was based on a paper that I published last year in the International Journal of Dream Research, titled "The Construction and Analysis of Metaphors from the Standpoint of Co-Creative Theory." Here's the link to the video: 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/plx8xo42ixcm27l/Sparrow%20Construction%20Analysis%20Metaphors.mp4?dl=0

In my writings in recent years, I have focused on the dreamer/dream interactive process as the centerpiece of co-creative dreamwork. But more recently, I have been focusing on how to understand the dream imagery. I think you will find this presentation to nudge you in a new direction, if you aren't already there. Let me know what you think, ok?

 I've just launched a new podcast, titled DreamStar Institute Presents "Dreamwork with Dr. Scott Sparrow." My first episode is a monologue, "An Introduction to Co-Creative Dreamwork," but my second episode will feature a conversation with Ryan Hurd, founder of Dreamstudies.org, and author of Sleep Paralysis, for which I wrote the Foreword...

Interviewed by Melanie Alberts on Psychic Playdate podcast

 I was recently a guest of Melanie Alberts, host of "Psychic Playdate" podcast, who interviewed me on the topic of Co-Creative Dreamwork. She's a gifted interviewer, perhaps because she's a psychic, too! It was a fun interview. Melanie is an enthusiastic proponent of the FiveStar Method, having experienced a FSM dream sharing group firsthand.

DreamStar Certification Program Relaunch Coming Soon

Kim Phetteplace, DreamStar's first Certified Practitioner, is working with me to upgrade and relaunch the DreamStar Certification program, as well as enhance our course offerings with short courses designed for people who want to learn the FiveStar Method without necessarily pursuing certification. We have cleaned up the Certification Course pages and navigation, and plan to re-offer the Mastering the FiveStar Method course soon. That course was unmonitored, but we plan to upgrade it to a mentored, interactive course. So look for it soon!

I am also working on launching a podcast in the next week, using the Buzzsprout platform. An ambient composer, Damien Duque (City of Dawn) has composed three original tracks for the podcast, and I have a brand new Blue Yeti mic for the podcast. I look forward to hosting a variety of dream experts and authors in the near future! 

Reddit AMA

 Hi all, I just did a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) appearance in the Dream community. You can view the conversation here.

Here's what Jason LeBord, the moderator and dream author and expert said of the event:

"It ended up being a successful event and we appreciate you engaging with the community and sharing what you know. Your approach to understanding dreams is the most accessible I know of, and that makes it especially valuable for a community like Reddit Dreams. They need what you offer. We can talk all day about theory and psychology and in the end it doesn't really help people understand their dreams, or help them understand themselves better through their dreams. I will take what I've learned from you going forward, and I hope you will consider dropping by again."

New Paper on Analyzing Dream Metaphors

Hi friends, 

I recently published a paper in the International Journal of Dream Research titled, "The Construction and Analysis of Metaphors from the Standpoint of Co-Creative Dream Theory." It can be downloaded here.

This was a paper that was long in coming! I hope you find it meaningful!