We will define lucid dreaming as follows: " lucid dreaming is an altered state of consciousness, in which one is aware that one is dreaming" (Abramovitch, 1995, p.141) Nightmares, in reference to our study, will be defined as "vivid and terrifying dreams which arouse the dreamer from sleep."(Abramovitch, 1995, p. 140). Being that such dreams are not due to another mental disorder or some other identifiable physiological effects or medical conditions(Abramovitch, 1995, p.140) .
In recent literature, several authors have suggested various psychological benefits that may be obtained through lucid dreaming (LaBerge, 1985; Brylowski, 1990; Zadra & Pihl 1997) The notion that lucid dreaming may be of benefit in a clinical context, especially in the treatment of nightmares, is not new. In the past decade, several papers have been written concerning the clinical utility of lucid dreaming. Unfortunately few controlled studies have been conducted in the effects of lucid dreaming on the frequency of nightmares.
LaBerge (1985) has made several reports on nightmares becoming lucid through extensive training, thereby changing the course of the dream from a negative to a positive direction. Similar accounts are contained in LaBerge and Rheingold's (1990) book Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming. .
Halliday has been involved in two case studies in which he successfully treated recurrent nightmares by applying lucid dreaming techniques during nightmares and attempting to alter the scenery within the dream. In an article written by Brylowski (1990), he reports the case of a client with a case history of major depression, borderline personality disorder, and nightmares. The client experienced nightmares between one and four times per week. Brylowski used the technique of lucid dreaming as therapeutic intervention with his client and in turn assisted the client in reducing the frequency and severity of the nightmares.