"A truly comprehensive, scientifically rigorous and utterly fascinating account of when, how, and why we dream. Put simply, When Brains Dream is the essential guide to dreaming." —Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep Questions on the origins and meaning of dreams are as old as humankind, and as confounding and exciting today as when nineteenth-century scientists first attempted to unravel them. Why do we dream? Do dreams hold psychological meaning or are they merely the reflection of random brain activity? What purpose do dreams serve? When Brains Dream addresses these core questions about dreams while illuminating the most up-to-date science in the field. Written by two world-renowned sleep and dream researchers, it debunks common myths that we only dream in REM sleep, for example—while acknowledging the mysteries that persist around both the science and experience of dreaming. Antonio Zadra and Robert Stickgold bring together state-of-the-art neuroscientific ideas and findings to propose a new and innovative model of dream function called NEXTUP—Network Exploration to Understand Possibilities. By detailing this model’s workings, they help readers understand key features of several types of dreams, from prophetic dreams to nightmares and lucid dreams. When Brains Dream reveals recent discoveries about the sleeping brain and the many ways in which dreams are psychologically, and neurologically, meaningful experiences; explores a host of dream-related disorders; and explains how dreams can facilitate creativity and be a source of personal insight. Making an eloquent and engaging case for why the human brain needs to dream, When Brains Dream offers compelling answers to age-old questions about the mysteries of sleep.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DREAMS Why we have them, what they mean, and how to put them to work for you.

"Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity ... An explosion of scientific discoveries in the last twenty years has shed new light on this fundamental aspect of our lives. Now ... neuroscientist and sleep expert Matthew Walker gives us a new understanding of the vital importance of sleep and dreaming"--Amazon.com.

An enchanted night reveals what every little girl and boy already knows: that dreams come true, all they need is you! During a nighttime dream, three young friends lift off in a hot air balloon over the moon and past the stars to a wonderland of dolphins, islands, and the simplest of rhyming life-lessons that are easy to learn and fun to share.

Addiction and Recovery: What Everyone Should Know By: Dr. Agyenim Akuamoah‐Boateng "Dr. Boat" Addiction is a terrible disease and affects families, loved ones, friends and to some extent, everyone in the community. Addiction and Recovery: What Everyone Should Know explains the basic understanding of addiction or drug and alcohol dependency and recovery process: myths about addiction and recovery; recovery process and expectations; recovery and relapse prevention strategies; and a road map for recovery. This book is written not necessarily for individuals dealing with mental health and substance use disorders, but for millions of people who are eager to understand this progressive disease of addiction. It is important to know how to intervene, what and when to say anything to ensure effective communication to help motivate and support individuals struggling with substance use disorders to quit, without the consequences of making them angry and trigger cravings and usage. It is my hope that this book will also help Behavioral Health Clinicians (BHC), especially new graduates and those with no history of alcohol and drug abuse and are intimidated and made infective in their substance abuse professional counseling practices by utterances from addicts, such as, “How can you talk to me about drug abuse when you have never tried any illicit drugs?” or “I will only listen to a person who has been there and done the drugs I’m using.” As the adage goes, “you can’t do right with a do wrong mind.” It is, therefore, incumbent upon every citizen to learn and acquire some basic knowledge about addiction and recovery, as well as develop some basic communication skills to help communicate effectively with individuals and loved ones struggling with substance (alcohol and drugs) use disorders.

A Clinician’s Guide to Dream Therapy demystifies the process of working with dreams by providing both a grounding in the current science of dreaming as well as a simple, practical approach to clinical dream work. In addition to a survey of the current science and neuroscience of dreaming, this book includes clinical examples of specific techniques with detailed transcripts and follow-up commentary. Chapters cover how to work with PTSD nightmares and how to use experiential dreamwork techniques drawn from current neuroscience to engender lasting change. Readers will be able to discuss their clients’ dream material with confidence, armed with an approach that helps them collaboratively tap into the inherent power for change found in every dream. Backed by research, common factors analysis and neuroscience, the approaches described in this book provide a clear map for clinicians and others interested in unlocking the healing power inherent in dreams.

I was seventeen when I started writing my short stories. They deal with my childhood, family, friends, feelings, and different stages of my life and my recovery. I always dreamed of writing a book, and now it came true. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I wanted to write it. Remember . . . it was my life.