Your dreams are speaking.
Are you fluent in their language?

 

Many wake from vivid, charged dreams yet let them dissolve, sensing the dream conveys something important but unsure how to receive its message. As a result, the potent inspiration and holistic support offered through dreams goes unnoticed until there is a calling to learn to listen and become more familiar with the unique language of dream. Over time, engaging with dreams reveals their essential communications for greater evolvement and expansion.

The Certificate Program will occur Live Online

The Dream Tending Certificate I program is structured around a series of four online modules. Each module will guide you through how to create a dream journal, establish effective dream practices, engage with nightmares in a constructive way, and explore the symbolism and meaning of your dreams. You will also discover how to use active imagination techniques to deepen your connection with your dreams in a more embodied way.

As you progress through the program, you will have the opportunity to work with dream images and themes that are relevant to your personal and professional life. You will learn how to use these insights to gain clarity on your goals, develop new perspectives on your challenges, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. Practitioners and clinicians will gain skills to support clients in working with nightmares and dream images.

Certificate I teaches fluency in the language of dreams and how their messages can be a profound resource for growth.

In six months of live, interactive sessions with Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D., as well as co-teacher, Louise Rosager, participants will develop a fluent, embodied practice for working with their own dreams and the skills to guide others. All will explore how to sit with nightmares rather than flee from them, animate the images that keep returning, and discover how one’s inner life connects to the larger world.

Early Bird Registration Available until June 30th!

Investment: Start with a $500 deposit; the remaining balance on a payment plan that works for you · Partial scholarships available for those with significant financial need.

By the end of this program, you will:

  • Have deepened the relationship between your soul life and the soul of the world
  • Be able to establish intimate relationships with your soul companions
  • Be able to tend dreams and imagination in the many ways that express their desires

This program is ideal if you want to:

  • Connect with a sense of calling, purpose, and belonging
  • Establish a connection with your dream life and deep imagination
  • Be able to recognize what the callings of soul are asking of you
  • Learn about a relational approach to your dreams, nightmares, and waking life experience

Certificate I Benefits:

  • Certificate I provides a full immersion into the craft of Dream Tending
  • Students gain competency and certification to work with their own and others’ dreams
  • Graduates of Certificate I become eligible to apply for future Certificate programs
  • A live and interactive experience with Dr. Stephen Aizenstat

This Certificate Program offers 40 Continued Education Credits

40 continuing education credits are available for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs through the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (provider #67021), for RNs through the California Board of Registered Nurses (provider #CEP 7177), and for psychologists through the California Psychological Association (PAC014). Pacifica Graduate Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Full attendance at the program is required to receive a certificate. A $40 fee will be charged for each certificate requested.

Apply Today

To register or learn more, please reach out at: hello@dreamtending.com
Payment plans available. Scholarships are also available for those in significant financial need.

Apply Today

Live and Interactive Schedule

This is a live and interactive program hosted by Dr. Stephen Aizenstat

January 15th, 2027 – June 11, 2027

The Dream Tending and Deep Imagination Certificate I Program is a limited-enrollment program that takes place over four separate three-day modules. The four modules reflect the multiple dimensions of psychic life and the dream.

Module One

January 15th-17th, 2027

The Living Image Tool Set
Learn essential skills and methods of understanding and tending dreams.

Friday: 2:00pm-5:30pm PST
Saturday: 9:00am-4:30pm PST
Sunday: 9:00am–4:30pm PST

This module will be live online

 

Module Two

March 5th-7th, 2027

Nightmares: Tending the Intolerable Image
Develop a practical approach to discovering the healing possibilities that exist in the nightmarish images of dreams.

Friday: 2:00pm-5:30pm PST
Saturday: 9:00am-4:30pm PST
Sunday: 9:00am–4:30pm PST

This module will be live online

Module Three

May 21st-23rd, 2027

The World’s Dream and Methods of Animation
In these uncertain times, filled with both destructive and generative impulses, discover a way of listening to the world’s psyche speak through the figures of dreams.

Friday: 2:00pm-5:30pm PST
Saturday: 9:00am-4:30pm PST
Sunday: 9:00am–4:30pm PST

This module will be live online

Module Four

July 9th-11th, 2027

Medicines of the Soul: Cultivating a Dream Healing Practice
Experience an Asclepian sanctuary of dreams to learn about the healing power of dreams in relation to physical illness.

Friday: 2:00pm-5:30pm PST
Saturday: 9:00am-4:30pm PST
Sunday: 9:00am–4:30pm PST

This module will be live online

Early Bird Registration Available Now!

Early Bird Registration Available until June 30th!
Cost: $2,500 
Payment Plans Available  · Partial Scholarships Available for those in Significant Financial Need 

Testimonials from Past Program Graduates

“The experience has been the most powerfully moving experience in my continuing education and growth as a therapist and as a human being. I learned so much about myself, which is the missing link in much of the training I’ve been participating in . . . thank you!”
~ C.J., MFT

“It exceeded my expectations. I expected a good experience but had no idea the training would provide such a rich personal experience and that Dream Tending would add so much depth to my work with dreams.”

~ A.F., psychologist

“I wanted to share for others that the experience in the Dream Tending Certificate program was like entering another realm, a realm that is overflowing with interconnection, love and compassion. Even in nightmare, the dream is like a sweet love note from psyche. In this program it became abundantly clear to me that psyche is only interested in offering balance, suffering and joy can coexist, and we will survive, really and thrive. Experiencing Steve in the field is truly a gift, the blessing of the collective dream-space manifest days or weeks later but, is so rich. Since the training, dreamwork has come to me. I am finding my clients, women of color, are bringing in their dreams more and more. This training has opened a portal for me personally and professionally. I am extremely grateful.“

~ C. Hardwick

“The Dream Tending Certification Program strengthened my personal dream practice and bolstered my confidence to engage my community in dreaming. I now feel empowered to help re-awaken dream in the world!“

– B. Bain

“The Dream Tending Certificate program helped me deepen my connection to the dream realm, and maintain daily access to the extraordinary healing, support and creativity that is inherent in this realm. It also taught me how to impart that access to other people through clear and applicable techniques. Dream Tending has helped me build a sturdy bridge to my soul. In today’s world of strife and uncertainty, this bridge has become invaluable. “
~ L. Rosager, Writer and Creative Coach

Apply Today

To learn more about the Dream Tending programs, please get in touch with Dream Tending Program Coordinators at hello@dreamtending.com to schedule a Zoom meeting or phone call to discuss your questions. Limited spaces are available. Programs are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Apply Today

Meet Dr. Stephen Aizenstat


Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D., is the Founder of Dream Tending, Pacifica Graduate Institute, and Academy of Imaginal Arts and Sciences. He is a world-renowned Professor of Depth Psychology, an imagination specialist, and innovator. He has served as an organizational consultant to major companies, institutions, Hollywood films, and has lectured extensively in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. He is affiliated with the Earth Charter International project through the United Nations where he has spoken. He has collaborated with many notable masters in the field including Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, Marion Woodman, and Robert Johnson.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is this program designed for?
    This program is ideal for therapists or practitioners actively working with clients and looking to deepen their dream tending skills to support them personally and professionally. Additionally, this program is ideal for those who are passionate about tending dreams and are ready to up-level their practice.
  • Do I need a background in psychology or therapy?
    No! While the program will certainly support those in the field of psychology, a background in psychology or a therapeutic practice is not required or necessary.
  • Can I take this if I’m not a licensed clinician?
    Yes! The program is open to all who are interested in deepening their dream tending practice.
  • I’m a therapist/coach/nurse, will this apply to my practice?
    Yes! Learning the skills to tend dreams is applicable and supportive to being a therapist, coach, nurse, or practitioner of any kind.
  • What actually happens during the sessions?
    Each module will consist of live 1:1 participant dream tending with Dr. Aizenstat, course content and lecture material relative to each module, time in breakout groups to actively practice the skills that are being learned with fellow members of the cohort, somatic exercises, and opportunities for creative expression.
  • How much time should I set aside each week?
    There is no set amount of time that is required weekly, the reading assignments and course materials will be offered in advance and it is up to each participant how and when they chose to engage with the offerings.
  • What if I can’t attend a live session? Is there a recording?
    No. Due to Dream Tending’s desire to uphold the highest confidentiality, Dream Tending does not offer recordings of module sessions.
  • What if I don’t remember my dreams?
    Many actually feel they do not remember their dreams, this can be common. Certificate I will provide a new way of engaging with dreams, that also deepens one’s awareness of “waking dreams,” and a realization that there is always an aligned and individual way of working with dreams.
  • Can this help with nightmares?
    Yes! Absolutely. The skills learned in Certificate I will aid participants in working with nightmares, the process of transmuting nightmare dream imagery or content, and learning to realize what supportive offerings they may be able to provide.
  • Do I have to share my dreams with the group?
    No. Disclosure of any kind is always completely under the discretion and knowing of each participant. There is never any requirement to share.
  • What will I be able to do by the end?
    By the end of Certificate I all participants will receive a certificate of completion, authorizing them to be able to utilize the skills learned in the program both personally and professionally. Please see the Learning Objectives section for more information
  • What does the 40 CE credits cover, and who qualifies?
    All registered and licensed therapists, psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, and nurses can receive CE credits upon completion of the program.
  • Does completing C1 lead anywhere? Is there a next level?
    Yes. Dream Tending offers a Certificate II and III program, as well.
  • What does the payment plan look like exactly?
    All participants are required to submit a $500 deposit to officially reserve their place in the program. From there, the remaining balance can be broken down into a monthly payment plan that would be most convenient for them. Please reach out to hello@dreamtending.com
  • Are there scholarships or grants available?
    Yes, partial scholarships are offered for those in significant financial need. Please reach out to hello@dreamtending.com
  • What do I need technically, just Zoom?
    Yes! Zoom is the only technical platform required for participation in the program.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify association and describe its importance in the Dream Tending process.
  2. List two purposes for using association while working with a dream.
  3. Identify amplification and describe its importance in the Dream Tending process.
  4. List two purposes for using amplification while working with a dream.
  5. Identify animation and describe its importance in the Dream Tending process.
  6. List two purposes for using animation while working with a dream.
  7. Identify one time the skills association, amplification, and animation were used in live Dream Tending demonstrations.
  8. Create a dream journal (written or other form such as artistic, electronic, etc.) for use with personal dreams and image exploration.
  9. Explain one way active imagination can be used in working with dream images.
  10. Demonstrate use of a daily praxis working with dreams in which at least two Dream Tending techniques (association, amplification, animation) are incorporated.
  11. Discuss two examples of current literature and research in the field of dreams and dream work.
  12. Use association, amplification, and animation in at least three dyad or triad Dream Tending exercises.
  13. Explain three ways Dream Tending differs from dream interpretation.
  14. Compile a list of at least three significant dream figures from dreams.
  15. Describe two methods for how to remember your dreams.
  1. Differentiate nightmare images from other dream images in at least two ways.
  2. Describe three ways nightmare images can be considered the most alive dream images.
  3. Identify one way a continued daily praxis enhances Dream Tending.
  4. Differentiate nightmares from night terrors in two ways.
  5. List one way nightmare images can mirror current mental health symptoms.
  6. Describe at least one way to connect to core strength via somatic/grounding techniques.
  7. Select and list three supportive figures that can be used during tending of nightmares.
  8. Compare similarities and differences between the Dream Tending methodology and Hillman’s method of working with dreams.
  9. Explain the connection between psychopathology and nightmares.
  10. List at least four of the steps in working with nightmares.
  11. Identify a supportive dream figure that has a protective quality.
  12. Describe the psycho-diagnostic qualities of nightmares.
  13. Explain two ways to work with a threatening animal dream image.
  14. Demonstrate one way that the personal unconscious and collective unconscious intersect in relation to nightmares.
  15. Discuss at least three examples of current literature and research in the field of nightmares and dream work.
  1. Describe three characteristics of a personal dream council.
  2. List two benefits (either physical or psychological) of using a dream council.
  3. Identify three personal dream council figures.
  4. Identify the definition of the anima mundi, also known as “the soul in and of the world.”
  5. Explain two connections between the World’s Soul and night-time dreams.
  6. Discuss at least three examples of current literature and research in the field of ecopsychology/nature and dream work.
  7. Explain the difference between tending a personal dream and tending the world’s dream.
  8. Identify at least two personal shadow figures.
  9. Identify at least two collective shadow figures.
  10. Explain the role of shadow figures in dream council, personal psyche, and the world’s dream using one example for each.
  11. Create a dream council and describe at least two of its members.
  12. List three strengths of archetypal activism and its use in tending to the World’s Dream.
  13. Describe one example of archetypal activism in contemporary Western culture.
  14. Explain two ways archetypal activism can help with interacting with shadow figures.
  15. Predict two ways a personal Dream Tending practice can contribute to healing the World’s Soul.
  1. List two ways that “dreaming the world forward” on a collective level also impacts personal sense of purpose.
  2. List one way that “dreaming the world forward” relates to community and planet.
  3. Describe two uses of dream images as medicines.
  4. Explain two ways dream images can represent psyche and soma (mind/body).
  5. Identify one way dream images can be categorized as healing.
  6. Explain at least two ways images and body symptoms can be correlated.
  7. Describe how Dream Tending methods of association, amplification, and animation can be used to work with addictive syndromes.
  8. Describe how Dream Tending methods of association, amplification, and animation can be used to work with chronic illnesses.
  9. Identify the “wounded image” and give two examples of a wounded image from lectures and live demonstrations.
  10. Discuss at least three examples of current literature and research in the field of healing and dream work.
  11. Assess two benefits of Dream Tending methods as an adjunctive treatment modality.
  12. Assess two limitations of Dream Tending methods as an adjunctive treatment modality.
  13. Describe three characteristics of an Asclepion temple in ancient times.
  14. Identify and compare an ancient literal Asclepion temple to a modern, metaphorical Asclepion temple.
  15. Identify the scope of practice and personally reflect on your individual scope of competency when conducting Dream Tending sessions.

General Information

Apply Today

To learn more about the Dream Tending programs, please get in touch with Dream Tending Program Coordinators at hello@dreamtending.com to schedule a Zoom meeting or phone call to discuss your questions. Limited spaces are available. Programs are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

*Continuing Education Credit
40 continuing education credits are available for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs through the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (provider #67021), for RNs through the California Board of Registered Nurses (provider #CEP 7177), and for psychologists through the California Psychological Association (PAC014). Pacifica Graduate Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Full attendance at the program is required to receive a certificate. A $40 fee will be charged for each certificate requested.

Continuing Education Credit Details

This program meets the qualifications for 40 hours of continuing education credit for Psychologists through the California Psychological Association (PAC014) Pacifica Graduate Institute is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing education for psychologists.  Pacifica Graduate Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.  Full attendance is required to receive a certificate.

This course meets the qualifications for 40 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Pacifica Graduate Institute is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (#60721) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs.  Pacifica Graduate Institute maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.  Full attendance is required to obtain a certificate.

For Registered Nurses through the California Board of Registered Nurses, this conference meets qualifications of 40 hours of continuing education credit are available for RNs through the California Board of Registered Nurses (provider #CEP 7177).  Full attendance is required to obtain a certificate.

Pacifica Graduate Institute is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs.  Pacifica Graduate Institute maintains responsibility for each program and its content.  Full day attendance is required to receive a certificate.

Continuing Education Goal.  Pacifica Graduate Institute is committed to offering continuing education courses to train LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs to treat any client in an ethically and clinically sound manner based upon current accepted standards of practice.  Course completion certificates will be awarded at the conclusion of the training and upon participant’s submission of his or her completed evaluation.

CECs and Online Program Attendance: Participants requesting Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for Online programs must attend all live sessions (offered via Zoom) in order to receive CECs. Please make sure that your Zoom account name matches the name of the attendee requesting CECs.

Schedule a Time to Talk

To learn more about the Dream Tending Certificate program, please email hello@dreamtending.com to discuss questions, program price, and payment plan options. One of our Program Coordinators will get back to you shortly.

Dream Tending Program Cost

Application Fee: $25 non refundable

Payment Plans

Payment plans have been created to make the Certificate Programs more affordable. Dream Tending will keep payment methods on file that can be changed. On each payment date, the payment you have chosen to keep on file will be automatically deducted. If for any reason payment dates need to be changed due to extenuating circumstances, the participant agrees to alert Dream Tending one-week prior to the payment due date. Appropriate alterations can only be made upon both parties agreement and must be placed in writing. If the payment is more than 5 days late, a $50 late fee will apply. No refunds will be given after the start date of the Certificate Program. If payments are not completed according to the agreements of this document, or mutually agreed upon arrangements have not been made, the participant will no longer be permitted to participate in Dream Tending programs. By entering a payment plan you are committing to the entirety of the Dream Tending Certificate program. Therefore, you are agreeing to make all four payments in full which will be auto-deducted seven days prior to the start of each module. If you are unable to complete the program, you are still required to make all payments. If you wish to make-up a module at a future date, please contact the program coordinator.

Enroll in a payment plan

$500 Deposit – Remaining balance divided into 4 or 8 equal payments

Grants

The mission of our grant program is to extend accessibility of Dream Tending to those committed to learning the Dream Tending method who may not otherwise be able to afford it. Grants are awarded based on factors such as financial need, unique life circumstances and community-based involvement. Please reach out to our program coordinator at hello@dreamtending.com, to receive more information on how to apply.

Location

All Modules will be held online via Zoom.

Cancellations

Deposits and full tuition payments made towards Dream Tending Certificate Programs can be refunded 21 days prior to the start of the program. After that, any payments made can be put towards future Dream Tending programs. Dream Tending reserves the right to cancel any program or expel participants at any time. In the case of an unforeseen canceled program, you will be refunded in full. In the case of program expulsion, possible refunds will be examined on a case by case basis.

Refund Policy

Refunds will be given 21 days prior to the start of the program. After that, any payments made can be put towards future Dream Tending programs. No transfers will be given after the start date of a Certificate Program.

Confidentiality

The Dream Tending and Deep Imagination Certificate program is a professional training program offered under the auspices of the Continuing Education Program of Pacifica Graduate Institute. Participants are encouraged to present material from their personal dreams for discussion during seminar sessions with the understanding that the ensuing dreamwork is part of an educational opportunity. The Program is not psychotherapy and will not provide the “container” of the therapeutic consulting room. Thus, there is no legally protected confidentiality for a “psychotherapist-client” communication. Although the presenter is a Clinical Psychologist and licensed psychotherapist, he will be working as seminar leader and instructor in this training program. While there will be a continuing relationship among the participants over the nine months of the seminar series, the focus of this experience is educational rather than therapeutic. Participants will want to keep this in mind in deciding what to share during seminar sessions.

As a part of this training, seminar participants will work with their own and each others’ dreams in meetings of the entire group as well as during triad and small group sessions. Triad and small group sessions have their own confidentiality, and participants must reach a mutual agreement before sharing material from these smaller meetings in the general sessions of the entire group. What participants share and learn from each other must remain within their agreed upon limits of confidentiality and does not fall under the responsibility or liability of Dream Tending.

Seminar participants who wish to include case material from their clinical practices in this training program may do so. If you choose to do this, you must present the material in a manner which obscures the client’s identity and otherwise preserves the client’s confidentiality rights.

Disability Support

It is the goal of Dream Tending to make programs and experiences accessible to all members of the community. It is the participant’s responsibility to contact hello@dreamtending.com directly if accommodations are desired. Each person, disability, and situation is unique, so needs will be considered individually.

All reading materials in the Dream Tending Certificate program are formatted to be compatible with read-aloud programs.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Dream Tending will not discriminate against any individual or group with respect to any service, program or activity based on gender, race, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age or other prohibited basis. Dream Tending does not require attendees to adhere to any particular religion or creed in order to participate in its programs.

Grievances

We want to ensure your experience in the Dream Tending Certificate programs is educational and enjoyable. The Dream Tending Program Coordinators will respond to complaints in a reasonable, ethical and timely manner when submitted by program attendees in writing to hello@dreamtending.com.

Who can I contact with any questions?

Please get in touch with a Dream Tending Program Coordinator at hello@dreamtending.com.