# Man and his Symbols - Chapter 1: The importance of dreams (Part 3)
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## Summarium Meditatio
Jung points out that Freud's approach to dream analysis was based on the method of free association which typically reveals what an individual is avoiding or suppressing unconsciously. Dreams typically arise from emotional upset in the habitual complexes which causes neurosis. As such it can be easy to triangulate what it is that the individual is avoiding discussing and therefore identify wherein the problem can be found.

Jung respects Freud's view however observed in his clinical practice that dreams have definite structures. They often follow a narrative of sorts with a definite beginning middle and end. Jung observed that free association typically led away from the complex which the individuals wished to avoid. Jung therefore focussed on associations within the dream material and would lead clients back to discuss this.

Symbolic images have an important role to play in Jungs view. There are various ways of symbolising sexual union between partners but the specific expression found in a dream may well be significant. Jung points out that for this reason the *content* and *structure* of a dream maintain significance.

To support his argument Jung offers an example by describing the case of a patient who in a dream saw his wife as a distored and horrific image. Here Jung introduces the idea of the "*anima*", the feminine aspect in every male. It was only through persistent attention to the *content* of the dream in consultation with a client that led him to realise that a symbol within the dream represented a particular aspect of the mans psyche.

Jung's method therefore assumes the dream as a fact and seeks to avoid making assumptions about the dreams content. It also assumes that the dream will only express an aspect of the unconscious meaning that there may well be more to the issue than a single dream can express.