"Many similarities are noted between the process of dreaming and the process of psychotherapy as usually practiced in the many dynamic psychotherapies deriving from Freud's work. Dreaming and psychotherapy both involve freeing of associations, prevention of acting out, and making psychological connections in many different senses, all occurring in a safe environment. In REM sleep, safety is provided by the bed and by muscular paralysis; in therapy, by the relationship with the therapist (alliance), the setting, and the rules of conduct. The similarity can be seen particularly clearly in the period following an acute trauma. Dreaming and therapy each give the patient a safe place in which to make connections between the trauma and other relevant memories, themes, and issues so that the trauma and its associated disturbing affect are eventually integrated into the patient's life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)"