Whether a person remembers them or not, dreams are full of symbolism and meaning. People who study the formation of dreams and then analyze them are called dreamworkers or dreamwork interpreters.

Renee Chrystefor has studied dreamwork for 12 years and will present a lively discussion on dreamwork at the Camden Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., and at the Belfast Free Library on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m., excavating treasures from the unconscious mind and bringing their significance to waking life. Chrystefor is passionate about helping people find their way through the labyrinth of the dreamworld and integrating its wealth of riches and knowledge into their daily lives. “Dreams impart knowledge that can be translated to enrich the quality of our waking life,” she said.

Dreamworkers are people who help dreamers discover the unique meaning of their dreams through what is often called the “aha” moment. There are universal symbols within the collective unconscious but most symbols are unique to the dreamer. The dreamer is the true interpreter of their dream — they have the answers. A dreamworker guides the dreamer through the process of understanding a dream by analyzing the language depicted by pictures in the dream, noting dreams often have multiple layers or meanings.

Working with one's dreams in a dream group setting can be very helpful; peers help the dreamer feel safe by using the “If it were my dream” format. They talk about the dream as if they dreamt it. They do not need to know anything at all about what is going on in the dreamer’s waking life. Insights for the dreamer may come during group or they may appear several days later. The dreamer can choose to share or not share the resulting insights.

Chrystefor has studied dreamwork during Trimester Intensives at New England Dreamwork Institute in Northfield, Mass. She holds a bachelor of the arts degree from Goddard College including studies in the science of sleep, dreamwork, and other healing modalities. Chrystefor is the proprietor of Dream Heart Guidance, a private dreamwork and intuitive healing practice at the Belfast Center. She is also a Certified Quantum-Touch Practitioner. Chrystefor will be forming a free weekly dream-group that will meet in her Belfast office. Contact her at seriadream@ymail.com or 322-3453.