When we share our dreams with another person or in a dream group, we are sharing a very deeply personal and sensitive part of our being. In order to feel safe in doing so, it is best to have ground rules or ethics that are agreed upon by those involved. Here are some basic ethics:

First and foremost, confidentiality. It is best to...more »

When we share our dreams with another person or in a dream group, we are sharing a very deeply personal and sensitive part of our being. In order to feel safe in doing so, it is best to have ground rules or ethics that are agreed upon by those involved. Here are some basic ethics:

First and foremost, confidentiality. It is best to request and agree that any dreamsharing dialogue among individuals will be contained within those relationships.... right up front/in the beginning. Confidentiality is prerequisite to developing trust.... and trust is a necessary ingredient in experiencing quality dreamsharing;

Secondly, No one in a dreamsharing relationship should feel pressured to share a dream. It takes some individuals time before they feel safe to share.... and that’s OK. When a dream is shared, the dreamer is in charge of the process and maintains the power to comment if they’re feeling uncomfortable and/or wants to stop the process at any time. When the dreamer allows questions from the group, they are to feel completely comfortable if they choose not to answer.

Listening with full attention and respect for the dreamer and the dream is about the most important skill we need to develop in any dreamsharing relationship. It takes courage to do this work and listening attentively conveys a message to the dreamer of our respect for their courage in being willing to share.

When asking questions of the dreamer, let them be open-ended, not probing or intrusive. We’re not attempting to be therapists here! To quote an extraordinary dream pioneer, Montague Ullman, "....no one in the group is to assume the role of therapy.
« less