Sand Tray Therapy Class-Dream Analysis-Student #11

(Sand Tray Therapy Student)

The dream analysis sand tray therapy project was frightening when I first thought about creating it. Facing my reoccurring nightmare and placing it in my sand tray to view and analyze, was very scary. A reoccurring nightmare that I’ve had throughout the years involves me failing a class that I registered for and enrolled in but somehow forgot that I had registered for that particular class so I did not attend the class. Then the dream focuses on my discovery that I forgot about the class and anxiety that follows because the discovery takes place near the end of the semester when making up exams and papers is not a possibility. The dream is an emotional rollercoaster- disappointment, disbelief that I forgot about a class, and the feelings of failure at receiving a “C” or lower. This dream usually occurs about once or twice a semester and has bothered me that I have this dream because it is not realistic but the anxiety I feel once I wake up from it and relief when I realize that it is just a dream is puzzling.
In the sand tray, I am represented by Winnie the Pooh because I am at the end of my Mercer season, this scenario did not occur. The books and “C” in the sand tray represent the course and the snake, scorpion, and roach represent fears-fears of failure-in graduate school and not accomplishing my life goals, fear of the unknown. The lion standing next to Pooh is a smiling and gentle looking lion that I believe represents me not willing to face my ultimate fears and the barrier is what is keeping me from moving forward past this dream. The t-rex on the skateboard represents me facing my fear and moving forward. The key to facing my fearful dream are the contents in my bon bon box-my family, close friends, and my faith in God that give me the strength to move forward to the next stage of my life.
The adult lion and the jet represent me soaring ahead and continuing even though the unknown is scary but a reminder that fears do not have to paralyze me but I can move forward in the face of fears. The sun is rising up and the water represent the comfort and peace I feel when I am at the beach and remind me of how much I enjoy viewing the sunrise/sunset while on the beach. The peace I feel when I am at the beach is comforting and is a reminder for me to focus on my bon bon box, the beach, and other peaceful things when anxiety arises regarding what lies ahead.
According to the dream dictionary, my dream represents my anxieties and fear of failing. It was amusing to know that I am not the only one that has this particular dream. The dream dictionary also stated that I may be lacking self confidence in my ability to handle new responsibilities or projects. This may be indicative of my uncertainty about my ability to perform my duties on my internship site as I complete my hours at the mental hospital which is correct. Wow. What an eye opener!