Imagination is a powerful tool that cuts both ways. It may be able to capture and reorient the soul-shattering experience of hearing distressing voices, yet we must be careful that the memories it leaves behind do not do damage of their own.
T. M. Luhrmann, Living with Voices, 2012
Nightmares are normal after trauma. Having nightmares can be the brain’s way of attempting to make sense of a horrific situation. The situation is not hopeless. Some people believe you can influence your dreams by planning your behavior in them and changing how you act in them.
Use your imagination to have better dreams. Seek help in your dream, maybe find shelter or ask other dream characters for help, offer help to those characters in trouble. As you take action in your nightmares you will be helping yourself gather resources for coping in the waking world.
Patricia Garfield, Guidelines for Coping with Nightmares After Trauma, Unknown Date