Chapter 1 

Introduction to the CREEI Dream Analysis Process

The Nature of Dreams

Dreaming is a universal human experience.  Despite differences in language and culture, all people share a common opportunity:  every night when we dream, our minds reveal information about unresolved problems and questions.  Unfortunately, the symbolic language of dreams is sometimes difficult to decipher and interpretive techniques often take years to master.  The CREEI Process, developed by Eugene Kovalenko, simplifies dream analysis.  When people learn to analyze and understand their dreams, they report greater life satisfaction, fulfillment, and happiness.

The Advantage of the CREEI Process

The CREEI Process provides simple, powerful tools for transforming tension and conflict into opportunities for personal and professional growth.  According to psychoanalysts, we only use a small fraction of our cognitive capacity, leaving untapped the vast resources of our unconscious mind in most of our daily lives. Dreams, considered by Freud as "the royal road to the unconscious," provide an unending source of self-understanding and stimulus for creativity.  CREEI is a tested, innovative method of identifying and selecting relevant data from dreams. The process is fast, straightforward, easily understood, and clearly structured.  In addition, the dream experience can be analyzed without revealing the content or story of the dream, thus enabling people to investigate deeply personal issues in a non-judgmental, self-interpretive and safe environment.  CREEI allows anyone to derive continuous benefit from his or her dreams, no matter how old or new a dream may be.

CREEI Assumptions Regarding Dreams.

.The CREEI Process stipulates an affirmative, healthy attitude towards dreams. Key assumptions underlie the CREEI process:

1. The CREEI Process may be applied to any event, whether dreaming or waking.
2. Event content need not be disclosed (a safety mechanism).
3. The CREEI Process is NON interpretive.
4. The CREEI Process in NON judgmental.
5. There is no such thing as a "bad" or meaningless dream.
6. Working hypothesis: dreams are images from the heart that reflect waking life.
7. All dreams are of equal value, whether fragmentary or lucid.
8. Dreams always contain new information.
9. Dreams are personal metaphors, thus the dreamer is the ultimate interpretive authority.
10. Peace and joy exist (can be found) in any event.

Why Work With Your Dreams?

Working with dreams regularly improves relationships with others.  Group dreamwork builds community, understanding, and support. Improved communities benefit society as a whole. 

The CREEI Dream Institute offers seminars and workshops.  Those attending a seminar or workshop receive all necessary course materials.  Click here to read more. Individual consulting and deposits for seminars and workshops can be conveniently ordered using our secure online shop.  DVDs of previous seminars are also available. 

Introduction to the CREEI Dream Process.

Three phases make up or constitute the CREEI Dream Process:

1. Analyze the dream by answering the CREEI twelve questions.  This process keeps the conscious mind from judging the dream and prematurely interpreting the dream.

2. Transform the dream by writing a short three-stanza non-rhyming poem.  This phrase moves the dream from a fixed entity to a creative, living experience.

3. Interpret the dream by a "Deep Listening" interview of one or more of the dream self-aspects or dream characters and by ÒahaÓ indicator responses from the dreamer.

Introduction to Eugene N. Kovalenko, Ph.D.

Eugene N. Kovalenko, Ph.D. is creator of the CREEI Dream Process and is founding director of the CREEI Dream Institute. Dr. Kovalenko serves as a personal and industry consultant; conducts workshops and seminars; and teaches university courses on creative dreaming and deep listening which lead to transformative, life-changing experiences.