ethics

I, Dina Delaney, known also as ‘Delaney Wamer’, and Delaney Wamer LLC, adopt the Dreamwork Ethics Statement as outlined by the International Association for the Study of Dreams - IASD and the original statement can be found at asdreams.org. The statement has been adapted for the use of Delaney Wamer LLC and permission given to adapt for use as follows:

Dreamwork Ethics Statement

‘Delaney Wamer’ (Delaney Wamer LLC) celebrates the many benefits of dreamwork, yet recognizes that there are potential risks. ‘Delaney Wamer’ supports an approach to dreamwork 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 dreamwork that assign authority or knowledge of the dream’s meanings to someone other than the dreamer can be misleading, incorrect, and harmful. Ethical dreamwork helps the dreamer work with their 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 honored. The dreamer should be forewarned that unexpected issues or emotions may arise in the course of dreamwork. Information and mutual agreement about the degree of privacy and confidentiality are essential ingredients in creating a safe atmosphere for dream sharing. Dreamwork outside a clinical setting is not a substitute for psychotherapy, or other professional treatment, and should not be used as such.

‘Delaney Wamer’ recognizes and respects that there are many valid and time-honored dreamwork traditions. I invite and welcome the participation of dreamers from all cultures. There are social, cultural, and transpersonal aspects to dream experience. In this statement, I do not mean to imply that the only valid approach to dreamwork focuses on the dreamer’s personal life.  My purpose is to honor and respect the person, the dreamer, as well as the dream itself, regardless of how the relationship between the two may be understood.

I only work with clients and participants that are adults, 18 years of age or older.

Statement of Ethical Concerns and Confidentiality

I, Dina ‘Delaney Wamer’ accompany clients and participants on a sacred journey through their dreams. Ethics, integrity, and dignity are important to me and my practice. In my personal and professional dreamwork journey I participate in ongoing discernment, supervision and continued education. I respect dreamwork in other cultures and contexts. I respect other’s values and spirituality. I can be a companion on one’s dreamwork journey but I cannot provide therapy. I seek to work cooperatively with my clients; and, with their consent, make a referral for additional therapeutic or professional services when in the client’s best interest. Although I am not a licensed counselor, social worker, or teacher, I will honor mandatory reporting laws for the safety of my client or others. This ethical exception to confidentiality is within ‘duty to warn’ cases where harm is at risk.

This statement is intended to provide general guidelines and standards of behavior and principles that Delaney Wamer LLC and all contributors abide by throughout the platform, associated social media and other platforms, and within all services or information offered, both in-person, virtual, and online.  The statement is adopted from the International Association for the Study of Dreams, asdreams.org, and has been adapted by Delaney Wamer LLC. The following is a general statement of ethical concerns:

‘Delaney Wamer’ recognizes that, since the study and application of dreams is undertaken in such diverse contexts, it is neither possible nor appropriate to set forth specific standards for the proper enactment of this responsibility. Nevertheless, ‘Delaney Wamer’ does wish to establish and make clear its expectations and intentions regarding its own delivery of all materials and services and that of the participant.

It should be understood, that while participation in ‘Delaney Wamer’ services, workshops, and/or all products and materials indicates an interest in the study of dreams, movement, or creative practice for dreamwork, it should not imply competence of ‘Delaney Wamer’ or its participants in any given field of the study or application of dreams. Nor should participation in ‘Delaney Wamer’, which is open to anyone, imply any endorsement or condoning of views or contributions of said participants.

‘Delaney Wamer’ will make every effort to insure the welfare of those who seek my services.  It is expected that all participants in ‘Delaney Wamer’ services and workshops will do their utmost to respect the rights, confidentiality, and dignity of other persons in group sessions.  The following principles are of great importance to and guide the workings, principles, and services of Delaney Wamer LLC:

  • Maintain strict confidentiality

  • Respect privacy

  • Create a trusted and sacred container for the sharing and exploration of dreams, creative embodiment, and art.

Our time together is sacred. I will not reveal the content of our conversations unless I am required to do so by law or court order.

Because of the nature of dreamwork ‘Delaney Wamer’ adds the following statement adopted from The Haden Institute, hadeninstitute.com, ethical dreamwork guidelines:

  • Every dream group should be in the container of the spiritual for its safety and wisdom.  Dreams put us in touch with the Divine as well as personal/social growth and problem solving.

  • Although much good therapeutic work happens as a by-product of dream groups, one-to-one sessions, and dream workshops, it is not meant to be a replacement for psychotherapy or medical care.

  • All one-to-one sessions, dream groups, and workshops working with a dream, regardless of the method used, will preface comments on another’s dreams with “In my dream…” as a way to minimize, own, and acknowledge projection. 

Statement for Professional Care

Sometimes this work with dreams and movement generates great emotion and/or taps into feelings or memory containing sensitive material or difficult subject matter. What arises in dreams may at times be uncomfortable, overwhelming, or unsettling. Please inform your medical and/or mental health professional prior to attending a ‘Delaney Wamer’ session, group, or workshop, or prior to participation in ‘Delaney Wamer’ online materials or video, due to the nature of dreamwork and/or movement practice. It’s imperative to have established care with a licensed and qualified professional that you can communicate with, to inform them of your desire to do more creative expression around your dreams, which may include movement, but to also connect with, in the event strong emotions have been triggered in the process of creative expression.

‘Delaney Wamer’ suggests using psychologytoday.com/us/therapists as a tool to search for qualified licensed therapists in your local area; or, contact your medical insurance carrier for information on in-network licensed counselors and mental health specialists. Sometimes we simply need more help and personal attention than is appropriate in a dream group. Other times, it can be successful for a person to attend therapy on their own, parallel to attending a dream group, workshop, or individual session. While relational challenges or psychological difficulties may arise in the context of our work together, I am not a licensed counselor, nor do I provide that service.

Should the need arise and you feel you’re in crisis, please reach out to your mental health care provider, in the US dial 911 for emergency care, or the following lifelines for immediate support:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - dial 988 to be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to access mental health crisis services 24/7 free and confidential.

Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer crisis counselor. The Crisis Text Line also has international support.

Veteran’s Crisis Line for Service members, Veterans, and their loved ones. Text 838255 or Dial 988 + Press 1. 24/7 confidential crisis support.