Dream Tending and Deep Imagination Certificate III Program with Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D.

The Dream Tending and Deep Imagination Certificate III Program brings focus to how somatic journeying can open the doors of perception that allow increased access to realms of dream, deep imagination, and the healing arts. The confluence of somatic awareness and imaginal intelligence offers opportunities to integrate mind, body, and soul. Dr. Aizenstat has found over the many years of Dream Tending that there exists an alchemical blue fire of psyche and soma that ignites the emergence of our authentic being.

Leading-edge visionaries in the field enrich this program as guest speakers, adding their unique vision to the learning experience. Join us in taking your Dream Tending to the next level of possibility.

Live and Interactive Schedule

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

The Dream Tending and Deep Imagination Certificate III 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.
Space is limited for this event and is reserved for graduates of the Certificate I & II programs. For more information, please reach out to Samantha or Myka at programs@DreamTending.com. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity!

Module One

July 18 – 20, 2022

From Illumination to Hosting the Horrific and Beatific

Working with the multidimensionality of the dreaming psyche, explore skills to evolve an embodied daily praxis. Host the beautiful and the intolerable in times of stress and uncertainty. Learn how the psyche–soma portal can become a pathway out of isolation into an experience of creative incubation.

Module Two

September 19 – 21, 2022

Hosting Somatic Imaginal Presence

Expand mastery in the healing arts by learning skills to embody resonant presence. Explore somatic imaginal journeying through the unique gifts of “mirrored images”—the phenomena of imago duplex.

Module Three

November 7 – 9, 2022

Embodying the Imagination Matrix
Evoke the beauty and potency of Marion Woodman’s work in the deep imagination. Embody somatic genius and eros moving through the imaginal fields. Develop the ethical dimension of working with the art of story.

Module Four

February 6-8, 2023

Illumination as Evolution
Learn how the illuminated consciousness of deep imagination is embodied in the regenerative capacities of person, earth, and cosmos. Discover how the call of the dream and the call of the future invite evolution and ongoing transformation.

Earn 24 Continuing Education Credits

24 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 $30 fee will be charged for each certificate requested.

Certificate III Benefits

  1. Certificate III is an advanced training program designed to broaden the mastery of skills and the depth of personal experience
  2. Graduates of Certificate III may find teaching opportunities in the Dream Tending community, and in Certificates I and II
  3. Graduates are also eligible to apply to train as mentors of the Academy of Imaginal Arts and Sciences

Join the Certificate Cohort Community

Application Process

To learn more about the Dream Tending Certificate programs, please contact Samantha or Myka at programs@dreamtending.com or 805-770-0195 and schedule a phone call or Zoom video meeting to discuss questions, program price, and payment plan options. Limited spaces are available on a first-come first serve basis. 

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.

General Information

*Continuing Education Credits
24 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 $30 fee will be charged for each certificate requested.

Module One Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe three psychological and physiological benefits and risks when exploring deep imagination.
  2. Demonstrate advanced Dream Tending techniques of working with horrific images.
  3. Apply and practice advanced Dream Tending techniques of image regression, active imagination journaling, and engaged mindfulness.
  4. Develop a methodology for a daily praxis of working with dreams applying advanced Dream Tending techniques.
  5. Explain the correspondence between somatic experience and dream work.
  6. List two elements of the Story-Web of Deep Imagination.
  7. Discuss, evaluate, and critique current literature and research in the field of dreams and dream work.
  8. Develop interpersonal skills through dyad work and group discussions that are sensitive to working and holding horrific images.

Module Two Learning Objectives:

  1. List the two advanced techniques of image regression, active imagination, journaling, and engaged mindfulness.
  2. Compile a daily praxis of Dream Tending techniques that help gain access to deep imagination.
  3. Differentiate between somatic experience and embodied dream work.
  4. List three psychological and physiological benefits and risks of exploring deep imagination.
  5. Demonstrate advanced Dream Tending techniques using the model of the Imagination Matrix illumination as evolution.
  6. Discuss, evaluate, and critique current literature and research in the field of dreams and dream work in relation to deep imagination.
  7. Develop and expand small group interpersonal skills through dyad work and group discussions.
  8. Create a community-based group project that illustrates an understanding of how to access and work with deep imagination.

Module Three Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the concept Veils of Love in relation to the psyche and self axis.
  2. Discuss how the Eros and Psyche myth has played out in your personal life.
  3. Apply and practice the advanced technique of tending love-based images in dream work.
  4. Create a Dream Tending praxis of working with the Eros and Psyche myth.
  5. Describe three aspects of the process of descent by C.G. Jung and Olga Fröbe-Kapteyn.
  6. Critique and evaluate current literature on the myth of Eros and Psyche.
  7. Identify two ways that the Eros and Psyche myth can be used as a method to help people come into contact with compassion.
  8. Develop and expand small group interpersonal skills through dyad work and group discussions.

Module Four Learning Objectives:

  1. Discuss the deeper meanings of animal images in dreams.
  2. Describe three ways that dreams can tell of  things that may happen in the future.
  3. Master a skills-set of working with dreams in relation to changing and evolving circumstances in the world (ex: pandemic, economics, war).
  4. Differentiate the curious mind as opposed to the rational mind.
  5. Discuss the impact the intolerable image can have on individual, societal, and cultural behaviors and norms.
  6. Describe possibilities of community action in relation to Dream Tending, Deep Imagination, and Embodied Dreamwork. Examine the principles being advocated through the United Nations Earth Charter International Initiative as related to dream work and imagination
  7. Compile personal significant images of landscape and animals. Discuss how landscape and animals add meaning and depth to dreams and dream work.
  8. Critique, discuss, and evaluate current literature and research in dreams and where more research is still needed to move the field forward.

Continuing Education Credit
This program meets the qualifications for 24 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 24 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 24 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.

Enroll Today
To enroll and secure your place, we encourage you to call or write Samantha, the Program Director now in order to explore enrollment options.  Please email programs@DreamTending.com, or call 805-770-0195.

Schedule a Time to Talk
Please feel free to schedule a time to contact Samantha, the Program Coordinator by clicking here, or email with any questions at programs@DreamTending.com or call 805-770-0195.

Payment Plans Available
Please contact programs@DreamTending.com regarding payment plans.

Location
Use of Pacifica Graduate Institute Lambert campus is pending on Pacifica’s campus reopening plans.

Cancellations
Cancellations 21 days or more prior to the program start date receive a 100% refund of program registrations. After 21 days, no refund is available, but the balance will be transferred to a future program.