Thursday, Boston, Massachusetts

Readers often write and ask me to help them with personal problems and I am happy to help. Among the most interesting submissions includes descriptions of vivid dreams - especially those involving television. Recently a woman named Celia H. sent in the following unique account:

Dear Dr. Will,
I had a very vivid dream this week that really disturbed me. I was wondering if you could interpret its meaning and offer me your insight,
Thanks, Celia

Here’s Celia’s Dream:

“I dreamt that I was waiting back stage at American Idol Show waiting to perform. There was great pressure for me to do well and I was petrified. But the worst part was that I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I had no talent! What should I sing? A country song? Rock? What?

I heard booing from the audience and Justin Timberlake came off stage sweating. He looked at me and said, “that’s a rough crowd out there! You are so screwed!”

I was then introduced and went on stage. I stared at the silent audience and I broke down crying. I turned to Paula Abdul and said, “I’m sorry, I have no talent!” She broke into a big smile and said, “we know, dear!”

Then she and the entire audience burst out laughing. I looked down at the crowd and noticed my parents were in the front row laughing along with everyone else. I woke up sweating. What is this dream telling me!?

Dr. Will’s Teletherapy’s Interpretation:

This dream touches on a common theme - the fear of being exposed as a fraud. In almost every case, this kind of dream also includes the fact that you are naked in front of the crowd. The fact that you do not mention this either means you are lying or in denial.

In either case, you are living in dread fear that you have no real ability and that sooner or later your ineptitude will be shown to the world. American Idol represents the ultimate illustration of showcasing talent.

Since you are humiliated in this most public forum, it means that you are suffering from grandiosity in your need to have the world see your incompetence. The presence of your parents is significant. They know your inadequacies better than anyone. Thus their participation adds validity to the dream. Perhaps you really do not have any talent after all.

But cheer up! Most people don’t. You are normal and not a freak of nature like the most exquisitely talented. We recommend long term therapy and career counseling. Have a great day!