International Association for the Study of Dreams
Rev. Bonnie Tarwater is the Regional Representative for IASD for Northern Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii. Please contact Bonnie with any questions at (858) 248-5123. More information is available at the IASD website: www.asdreams.org.
About IASD
The International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD) is a nonprofit, international, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the pure and applied investigation of dreams and dreaming.
Its purposes are:
To promote awareness and appreciation of dreams in both professional and public arenas.
To encourage research into the nature, function, and significance of dreaming.
To advance the application of the study of dreams.
To provide a forum for eclectic and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and information.
Abbreviated Ethical Statement
IASD acknowledges the value and importance of the study of dreams and recognizes the responsibility inherent in such study and its applications. The Association encourages its members to exemplify the highest standards of ethical behavior in their work with dreams. Members are expected to:
Respect the rights and dignity of all persons.
Be honest, accurate, and open-minded in presenting information and ideas.
Ensure privacy and confidentiality with clients, research subjects, or the public.
Avoid situations where conflict of interest may compromise objectivity.
In keeping with these principles, IASD considers it unethical, at its own conferences and programs, for members to use direct solicitation or persuasion for economic or self-aggrandizement. Presenters are expected to be honest and accurate in communicating their own credentials and competencies.
IASD Dreamwork Ethics Statement
IASD celebrates the many benefits of dreamwork, while recognizing potential risks. Dreamwork and dream sharing must respect the dreamer’s dignity and integrity. The dreamer is always the decision-maker regarding the significance of the dream.
Systems that assign authority for a dream’s meaning to someone other than the dreamer can be misleading, incorrect, or harmful.
Ethical dreamwork supports the dreamer in exploring their own images, feelings, and associations.
Every dream may have multiple meanings, and different techniques may help explore these layers.
A dreamer’s decision to share—or stop sharing—a dream must always be respected.
Dreamwork should not be used as a substitute for psychotherapy or professional treatment.
IASD welcomes dreamers from all cultures, honoring personal, social, cultural, and transpersonal dimensions of dreams.
IASD Mission
Short Mission Statement (from the Articles of Incorporation):
IASD is a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized under law for charitable purposes. Its goals include:
Promoting scientific research on dreams.
Providing educational forums for interdisciplinary exchange of information about dreams.
Conducting workshops and conferences open to professionals and the public.
Publishing research and articles related to dreaming.
Extended Mission Statement (from the Bylaws):
Objectives include:
Promoting public and professional appreciation and awareness of the dreaming process.
Providing a forum for interdisciplinary exchange of information.
Supporting scientific research into the mechanisms and functions of dreams.
Offering broad-spectrum educational programs for professionals and dream specialists.
Publishing professional-quality newsletters, journals, and related materials.
Sponsoring conferences and events open to professionals and the public.
Statement of Ethical Concerns
IASD affirms both the value of dream study and the responsibility inherent in its use. Membership in IASD indicates an interest in dream study but does not imply competence in any given field, nor does it endorse the activities of members.
Members are expected to:
Respect the rights and dignity of all persons.
Protect the welfare of those with whom they interact in dream-related activities.
Conduct activities in line with the standards of their respective professions.
Three guiding principles for IASD activities:
Honesty, Accuracy, and Openness – Present accurate information, credentials, and perspectives.
Avoidance of Conflict of Interest – Do not exploit IASD responsibilities for personal, political, or business gain.
Informed Consent, Privacy, and Confidentiality – Ensure adequate disclosure, avoid coercion, and maintain confidentiality.
Ethical Criteria for Dreamwork Training
The IASD Board recommends the following criteria for professional dreamwork training programs:
Training programs should include a clearly stated ethical component, guided by the IASD Ethics Statement.
Programs should teach that all dreams have multiple potential meanings and expose students to diverse dreamwork traditions.
Training must include supervised practicum, both one-to-one and group work, including digital formats when appropriate.
Written goals, evaluation policies, and ethics standards must be provided to students in advance.
Programs should address projection, transference, and counter-transference in dreamwork.
Students must do substantial personal dreamwork with qualified practitioners.
Practitioners should have foundational knowledge in related fields (e.g., psychology, group dynamics) to avoid harm.
Practitioners working with psychological issues must hold appropriate degrees and licenses.
Training should cover the history of dreamwork across cultures.
Training must conform to regional and national laws.
Practitioners must pursue continuing education (at least 15 hours per year recommended).
Practitioners should pass on their specialized knowledge to future generations.
(Adopted by the IASD Board of Directors, 2001)
Privacy Statement
The IASD website endeavors to protect members’ and visitors’ personal information.
Membership information is kept secure unless explicitly released by the member.
Members may opt out of sharing their information.
Board members and officers may request information necessary for operations.
Online platforms (bulletin boards, member pages, conferences) allow varying degrees of visibility, with privacy options.
Personal data collected for events or membership (registration, payment, surveys) is used only for essential operations.
General internet data (e.g., IP addresses, browser type) is collected for statistical purposes but not shared externally.
Concerns about privacy may be directed to:
IASD Office
1672 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone/Fax: 1-209-724-0889
Email: office@asdreams.org