Foreword

Dr Justin Havens

Author of the Dream Completion Technique

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Nightmares are an under-reported and under-treated problem, none more so than with children. They tend to be minimised and dismissed as children's 'overactive imagination' by parents, though for the child can be terrifying and represent a real source of fear. The Dream Director, which is beautifully illustrated by Krysten, outlines a simple but effective technique to empower your child to take control of their dreams, stop their nightmares and make their bed a place of comfort rather than fear.

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As a trauma therapist, I often encounter clients with nightmares which are very common after trauma. I have found that treating nightmares is a very helpful first step to improving sleep and reducing the intensity of traumatic memories. The approach that I have developed, known as The Dream Completion Technique, shares the same principals as The Dream Director, which I would thoroughly recommend to parents of all children. Although there is limited research, I would suspect that most children, at some time or another, have had disturbing dreams and nightmares. Although the method described in The Dream Director is simple, the transformative affect that it can have on children, their sleep and mental health should not be underestimated