Dreams After Coercive Control: Reclaiming Self-Trust with Gerette Buglion

Dreams after coercive control can be confusing, intense, and surprisingly healing. In this episode of The Dream Journal, host Katherine Bell speaks with Gerette Buglion about reclaiming self-trust after cultic relationships, narcissistic abuse, manipulation, and other forms of coercive control. Gerette shares how dream images can become vulnerable places where autonomy is either undermined or restored. Together, Katherine and Gerette explore nightmares, dreams of former abusers or leaders, violent or disturbing imagery, and the tender process of learning to trust your own inner authority again. The conversation includes a listener dream about two babies, a communal bathroom, and the struggle to release what no longer belongs inside. Through the lens of Katherine’s Experiential Dreamwork and Gerette’s Writing to Reckon practice, the episode looks at privacy, shame, boundaries, inner development, memory rescripting, dream rescripting, and the possibility of asking: “Is there more for me?” In this episode • Why the dreamer is the final authority on their own dream • How dreams can be used either to manipulate or to restore autonomy • Dreams after cultic abuse, religious trauma, narcissistic abuse, and coercive control • Self-trust, shame, longing, and tenderness after harmful relationships • How writing can help survivors reclaim memory, voice, and choice • Working with disturbing dream imagery without forcing fixed interpretations • Dream rescripting, memory rescripting, and new possibilities for healing BIO: Gerette Buglion wants to live in a world where cult leaders, narcissistic abusers, and manipulative marketing techniques are spotted, called out, and silenced, creating more opportunities for nourishing relationships to flourish. Her work as educator centers on liberation from coercive control and supporting the integrative power of writing for survivors of cultic relationships through Writing to Reckon™ programs. Gerette is author of two books “An Everyday Cult” and “Writing to Reckon Journal.” Find her at: GeretteBuglion.com and at LivingCultFree.com. This show, episode number 369, was recorded during a live broadcast on June 27, 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 [email protected]. 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: Manipulative Dream Interpretation with Gerette Buglion The Healing Power of Storytelling with Gerette Buglion 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. 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 [email protected]. 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.