Dream Builder Worksheet

Download the Dream Builder Worksheet

This worksheet was originally developed as a way to discuss dreams in bereavement support groups. A common concern in groups is that some people may not have had a dream of the deceased and will feel excluded from the conversation. Using this worksheet, the bereaved can talk about the topic and share what dream they want to have. 

Using this in one-on-one sessions (or alone) can be a creative way to explore one’s loss (with any age group). On the Grief Dreams Podcast we ask each guest to build a grief dream, and it is amazing to hear what they come up with. 

Dream Builder Steps

  1. Pick the characters you want in the dream, including yourself if you want to be in the dream. What age do you want them to be?

  2. Pick the environment(s) of the dream. Do you want to stay in this one setting the entire dream? Or do you want the dream to change settings part way through?

  3. Pick the clothing of all the characters. Be as specific as possible.

  4. Describe how the person looks. Be as specific as possible. Describe each character’s health, mood, and what they look like (e.g., hairstyle, makeup, facial hair). Don’t forget to include yourself if you want to be in the dream.

  5. Comment on any scents in your environment from the characters or the environment itself.

  6. What do you want said in the dream (between the characters)? Be as specific as possible.

  7. What do you want the characters to do? Do you want to have any physical contact between characters (e.g., hug, hold hands, kiss)? Be as specific as possible.

  8. Now using the answers from the previous steps, write out the dream in as much detail as possible from beginning to end (in a narrative). All the information from previous steps should be incorporated into the dream. You may add additional detail as you write to make the dream flow.

  9. Title your dream