Here are a few techniques you might try, when working with your dreams. Many people experience recurring dreams, or even recurring nightmares. Instead of your mother, maybe the character represents the motherly part of you, or a part part of youthat is like your actual mother. Pretend that you are explaining it to a Martian, who needs you to define almost every word. Some people find it helpful to imagine that they have returned to thedream, and then they engage dream characters in imaginary conversations.
Some books are morehelpful than others.
Look through a book and its suggested exercises before you decide to purchase it. One person might find a particular manual's methods hoakey, while someone else might find them extremely helpful. There are many such dictionaries. Sometimes, the listings can provide you with insights. Other times, the suggestions arepretty silly.