If your child has had a nightmare (also meant for adults)

If you have read the articles about the Senoi and lucid dreams you will know that you can change nightmares. Patricia Garfield has developed a very good method, that is useful when a child or adult has had a nightmare. She calls it "after dreaming". I have taught it to my daughter "Lisa" and she hasn't had a nightmare ever since (in my article about lucid dreaming I also included a great dream of Lisa, in which she defeated a "creepy guy").

I will descibe the method and add a couple of things that I think are helpful. I have written it in such a way that you can read it to a child.

After-dreams

First give your child a sheet of paper and a couple of pencils. Tell him of her: 'You can change you bad dreams. You can do anything you want in them, because they are your dreams. If a villain chases you, you can punch him out. If you want, a dream-friend can come and help you. Who do you think is really strong or clever? Just call that person.
When you fall you can land very softly on the ground or just fly. When you are wounded you might fetch a dream-doctor. And even if you die in your dream, you can be reborn with a better and stronger body.'

Then you can start asking the following questions:
'Think deeply, have you had a bad dream that you would like to change now?
(Give the child some time to think about it)
Well, if you have a dream in mind, sit back and relax.
Close your eyes slowly...and think of your dream.
Imagine that you are seeing your dream.
Look very closely at what happened.
Can you see it?
(Your child will now confirm this. Otherwise give him or her some time.)
If you see it...try to think of something different that may happen.
Something good that will change the dream.
Change it into a nicer dream.
A dream-friend can come and help you.
In the new dream you might find a hidden treasure.
Or fly and discover a beautiful place.
Make as many friends as possible.
You can do anything you want.
Can you see this?
(Again the child will confirm this. You can also give your child some advice, if he or she asks for it).
Picture your dream as it is now.
The colours, the sounds, everything exactly as it is!
Open your eyes and draw (or write down) your new dream.'