EP92: Dreamwork Ethics: Tips for a Conscious Conversation

IASD  provides a Dreamwork Ethics Statement
as a guideline for anyone who wants to discuss dreams responsibly.
Developed in 1997, it aims to honor the dream as well as the dreamer, and is used as the gold standard in dreamwork worldwide. Read the full ethics statement on asdreams.org/ethics-and-confidentiality

Here are 7 key takeaways:

1. Respect the Dreamer’s Integrity
Ethical dreamwork helps the dreamer work with his/her own dream images, feelings, and associations,
but doesn’t tell anyone what their dream means.
The dreamer is the decision maker when it comes to the meaning of their own dream. Listen, ask, reflect, and invite the dreamer to
draw their own conclusions.

2. Create a Safe Space
The dreamer should be forewarned that unexpected issues or emotions may arise in the course of the dreamwork.It might start as ‘just a dream’, but may end in an unexpected conversation. Even if it’s a short chat, make sure you
can’t be overheard or interrupted easily.

3. Keep the Privacy
Information and mutual agreement about the degree of privacy and confidentiality are essential ingredients in creating a safe atmosphere for dream sharing.
Assure the dreamer that you will keep what’s discussed to yourself, unless they tell you otherwise.

4. Let the Dreamer Lead
A dreamer’s decision to share or discontinue sharing a dream should always be respected and honored.Be mindful of body language, hesitations, or a
repeated ‘I don’t know’, as signs that this
conversation might be at it’s end.

5. Consider Multiple Options
Every dream may have multiple meanings. There are social, cultural, and transpersonal aspects to dream experience. Different techniques may be reasonably employed to touch these multiple layers of significance.
Instead of looking for one “true” meaning, help a dreamer explore different associations and ideas.

6. The Limits Of Dreamwork
Be mindful of the limits of the conversation.
Dreamwork outside a clinical setting is not a substitute for psychotherapy, or other professional treatment, and should not be used as such. If the conversation requires it, remind the dreamer with empathy that this isn’t therapy, and maybe get a nice cup of tea together.

7. Tradition Matters
IASD recognizes and respects that there are many valid and time-honored dreamwork traditions. We invite and welcome the participation of dreamers from all cultures. Invite the dreamer to educate you on their views on dreams.

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