House of Eset and Set

Though I am not a member I adhere to and follow the code of ethics as spelled out by the IASD. Taken from its website, it is as follows:

IASD Dream work Ethics Statement

IASD celebrates the many benefits of dream work, yet it recognizes that there are potential risks. IASD supports an approach to dream work and dream sharing that respects the dreamer’s dignity and integrity, and which recognizes the dreamer as the decision-maker regarding the significance of the dream. Systems of dream work that assign authority or knowledge of the dream’s meanings to someone other than the dreamer can be misleading, incorrect, and harmful. Ethical dream work helps the dreamer to work with his/her own dream images, feelings, and associations and guides the dreamer to more fully experience, appreciate and understand the dream. Every dream may have multiple meanings, and different techniques may be reasonably employed to touch these multiple layers of significance.

A dreamer’s decision to share or discontinue sharing a dream should always be respected and honoured. The dreamer should be forewarned that unexpected issues or emotions may arise in the course of the dream work. Information and mutual agreement about the degree of privacy and confidentiality are essential ingredients in creating a safe atmosphere for dream sharing.

Dream work outside the clinical setting is not a substitute for psychotherapy, or other professional treatment, and should not be used as such.

IASD recognizes and respects that there are many valid and time-honoured dream work traditions. We invite and welcome the participation of dreamers from all cultures. There are social, cultural and trans-personal aspects to dream experience. In this statement we do not mean to imply that the only valid approach to dream work focuses on the dreamer’s personal life. Our purpose is to honour and respect the person of the dreamer as well as the dream itself, regardless of how the relationship between the two may be understood.

Prepared by the IASD Ethics Committee
Carol Warner, Chair
Association for the Study of Dreams
Spring, 1997

IASD Website