Understanding the Role of Nightmares with Dr. Leslie Ellis

In This Body

Join Ailey Jolie and Dr Leslie Ellis, a leading expert in the use of experiential and somatic approaches in psychotherapy, for this episode of In This Body. In this episode, Ailey and Dr Ellis discuss the intricate connections between nightmares, embodiment, and trauma. The conversation covers the significance of nightmares, their impact on mental health, including their link to suicide risk, and ways to therapeutically engage with and heal from recurring nightmares. Dr. Ellis shares insights from her extensive research, her therapeutic methods, and the broader implications of dreams on individual and collective well-being. This episode provides valuable information and practical techniques for anyone interested in understanding and working with both idiopathic and trauma-related nightmares. We hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction to 'In This Body' Podcast
• 01:01 Meet Dr. Leslie Ellis: Expert in Somatic Therapy and Dreamwork
• 02:19 Exploring Nightmares: Definitions and Significance
• 03:06 The Link Between Nightmares and Nervous System Activation
• 06:06 Common Themes in Nightmares and Their Meanings
• 07:52 Recurring Nightmares and Nervous System Responses
• 14:31 Nightmares and Suicide Risk: Understanding the Connection
• 18:35 Types of Nightmares: Trauma-Related vs. Idiopathic
• 24:29 Intergenerational Trauma and Nightmares
• 28:36 Exploring Dreaming and Collective Consciousness
• 29:10 Dreams as Messages from the World
• 29:33 Personal and Collective Unconscious in Dreams
• 30:43 Animal Dreams and Visitations
• 31:21 The Infinite Possibilities of Dreaming
• 31:53 Precognitive Dreams and Their Explanations
• 33:45 Indigenous Cultures and Shamanism in Dreaming
• 41:02 Dreams Influenced by Geographical Locations
• 43:15 Healing Nightmares: Methods and Approaches
• 52:16 Using Dreams for Deeper Embodiment
• 55:05 Nightmares as Indicators of Suicide Risk
• 56:39 Conclusion and Final Though

You can read the show transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/geIA8q8wVj0

To find out more about Dr Leslie Ellis:

• Find: Website
• Follow: Instagram
• Explore: The Spirit Transmissions and NY Times Article
• Experience: Solving the Nightmare Mystery

Learn more about Ailey Jolie:

• Find: Website
• Follow: Instagram
• Explore: Substack
• Experience: Online Course
• Email: [e-mail]

To follow along with the In This Body podcast:

• Follow: Instagram
• Find: Website
• Email: [e-mail]