How does Freud relate dreams to reality?

Freud believed that dreams were a way for the subconscious mind to express desires and fears that were repressed in waking life. He argued that dreams contained hidden meanings and symbols that could reveal insights into a person's inner conflicts and motivations, shedding light on their real-life experiences and emotions. Freud saw dreams as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, offering a window into the deeper layers of a person's psyche.