Face the waves of emotion in the sea of the unconscious: Focusing on the symbolism of the sea and the waves

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the symbolism of the sea and waves, focusing on these symbols in the dreams and sand trays during the female client’s sandplay therapy. The client had dreamt about the sea repeatedly since childhood, so her repetitive dreams about the sea were analyzed during the sandplay sessions. She realized that the deep abyss of the sea was linked to her unconsciousness. Through the dynamic fluctuation of the waves, the emotions that she had suppressed became shaken, and it brought out her anger. As becoming aware of her suppressed emotions, she was able to heal herself. The repeated appearance of the sea in the sand trays connected her to the unconscious and led her to integration and wholeness. She made the choice of recharging her energy for love in the sea and returning to her life. The researcher could understand that it was the message of the sea to love herself and her life and live an authentic life of self-care proudly.