The Dream Journal

Are you ready to wake up to the power of your dreams?

Author: Katherine Bell

The Dream Journal explores a range of topics relating to the healing aspects of night time dreaming. Experienced dream coach Katherine Bell interviews dream experts and others on the path of dreaming, but the heart of this show is YOU, your nighttime dreams, your daytime desires, your hopes for a better life. Dreams, they really can transform your life! Podcasted episodes can be found on all major platforms. Video versions are available on YouTube @ExperientialDreamwork! The Dream Journal is produced at and airs on KSQD Community Radio for the Central Coast of California, streaming live at https://ksqd.org Saturday mornings 10-11 AM Pacific Time.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Education, Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Self-Improvement

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How to Stop Nightmares and Sleep Better: IRT, CBT, Lucid Dreaming, & PTSD with Dr. Courtney Worley
Episode 382
Monday, 28 September, 2026

Can recurring nightmares be changed—and can better sleep support recovery from trauma? On this episode of The Dream Journal, host Katherine Bell talks with clinical psychologist and behavioral sleep medicine specialist Dr. Courtney Worley about evidence-based treatments for nightmares, insomnia, and trauma-related sleep problems. Dr. Worley explains how imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) can help people rescript distressing dreams and rehearse safer, more neutral, or more pleasant alternatives while awake. She also explores exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and nightmares; lucid dreaming; mindfulness; and the importance of addressing sleep apnea alongside psychological symptoms. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes choice, collaboration, and respect for each person’s cultural, religious, spiritual, and personal values. In this episode: When ordinary nightmares may become a nightmare disorder How sleep avoidance can reinforce the nightmare cycle Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) and dream rescripting Exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy for trauma-related nightmares Lucid dreaming as a learnable skill for changing nightmares in real time How mindfulness and guided imagery can reduce arousal around sleep The relationship among PTSD, insomnia, nightmares, and obstructive sleep apnea Why treatment should reflect the dreamer’s values, context, and preferred approach About the guest: Dr. Courtney Worley is double board certified in clinical psychology and behavioral sleep medicine. She is co-author of The Nightmare and Sleep Disorder Toolkit and author of the forthcoming Nightmares and Nightmare Disorders. Learn more at drcourtneyworley.com and Upward Behavioral Health. Resources mentioned: The Nightmare and Sleep Disorder Toolkit Nightmares and Nightmare Disorders DrCourtneyWorley.com Upward Behavioral Health The Dream Journal on KSQD Video on Spotify and YouTube @ExperientialDreamwork ExperientialDreamwork.com Key takeaway: Recurring nightmares and sleep problems are treatable! Behavioral approaches can help people build a different relationship with sleep and dreaming while honoring the meaning and context of their experiences. If nightmares, insomnia, trauma symptoms, or possible sleep apnea are affecting your quality of life, consider speaking with a qualified health professional. Topics: nightmare treatment, imagery rehearsal therapy, IRT, CBT for insomnia, CBT for nightmares, PTSD nightmares, trauma therapy, lucid dreaming, mindfulness, sleep apnea, dream rescripting, behavioral sleep medicine, The Dream Journal, Dr. Courtney Worley This show, episode number 382, was recorded during a live broadcast on September 26, 2026 at KSQD.org, community radio of Santa Cruz. SHARE A DREAM FOR THE SHOW or a question or enquire about being a guest on the podcast by emailing Katherine Bell at katherine@ksqd.org. Follow on LI, IG, YT, FB, & LT @ExperientialDreamwork #thedreamjournal. To learn more or to inquire about exploring your own dreams go to ExperientialDreamwork.com. Video podcast available at youtube.com/@experientialdreamwork. Popular playlists: “Dream Journal shorts” and “FULL LENGTH VIDEOS”. Here are links to some other Dream Journal episodes you might be interested in: Nightmares and Suicide with Dr Michael Nadorff Intro and outro music by Mood Science. Ambient music new every week by Rick Kleffel. Archived music can be found at Pandemiad.com. Many thanks to Rick for also engineering the show and to Erik Nelson for answering the phones. Dancing With Dreams & Nightmares | Ritual Dreamwork, Bees, Snakes, & the Dream Hive with Lana Nasser The Dream Journal aims to: Increase awareness of and appreciation for nightly dreams. Inspire dream sharing and other kinds of dream exploration as a way of adding depth and meaningfulness to lives and relationships. Improve society by the increased empathy, emotional balance, and sense of wonder which dream exploration invites. A dream can be meaningful even if you don’t know what it means. The Dream Journal is produced at and airs on KSQD Santa Cruz, 90.7 FM. Catch it streaming LIVE at KSQD.org 10-11am Pacific Time on Saturdays. Call or text with your dreams or questions at 831-900-5773 or email at onair@ksqd.org. Podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms the Monday following the live show. The complete KSQD Dream Journal podcast page can be found at ksqd.org/the-dream-journal/. Thanks for being a Dream Journal listener! Available on all major podcast platforms. Rate it, review it, subscribe, and tell your friends.