Introduction to Seashell Therapy

It all started with me as a child many years ago during one of our many family trips to the New Jersey Shore. I remember my father telling me that if you hold a seashell to your ear, you'll be able to hear the sounds of the ocean. You'll hear the echoes of waves crashing against the shore.

We went to the Jersey Shore almost every summer, for a one-week family vacation. During these times, we collected shells from the beach and visited many seashell shops, trying to locate special shells to add to our collection. My family, friends, and countless others have collected shells and listened to the ocean in the shells.

It is only now, as a psychotherapist, that I have come to realize that there is more to seashells than previously comprehended! The more you think about it, who would negate the oceanic-sound phenomenon surrounding the shells? Hearing ocean waves from the sea, by placing a seashell to your ear, always seemed to be a miracle to me. This wonder was implanted in my mind during childhood and never questioned. After all, seashells came from the sea, and therefore these amazing sounds of waves crashing on the shore are natural and must be attributed to the shell. This sound derivation has been rooted in our conscious and subconscious minds for centuries and throughout many of our world's cultures. Why not use the sound phenomenon as a tool for healing in therapy? In fact, why not explore the seemingly infinite healing applications of seashells in the health-giving process? Many researchers (Attenborough 1979, 8–9) believe that life evolved from the sea, and therefore, why not expect that life can be healed by the sea?

After decades of training, study, and work as a therapist using traditional healing practices, I found that many alternative holistic methods were actually more successful and faster than just sole customary psychotherapy. I am always looking for new and creative ways to foster wellness.

With over five billion people in the world and centuries of development and human understanding, why not seek a posture of trying time-tested methods and create unchartered healing? We must learn from the past to create a healthier future. Accepting change, making changes, and acquiring new belief systems often take time and education. Also, it is important to be mindful that not everyone is ready to move from the traditional treatment methods. Not everyone is ready to accept changes without time-tested proof. Be ready to hear from the skeptics, especially in a field like healing. Healing approaches often vary with location in the world, education, training, philosophy, experience, and beliefs of the healer and client. These and more factors may influence healing. Some people just do what works!

I felt a need and desire to explore new seashell healing applications. It was an interest that emerged early in my life and later became activated by my private psychotherapy practice. The more I brought shells into the therapeutic process, the more it worked. Success was multiplied by more success. Although not used in every case, shell therapy is tailored to the individual and becomes part of the problem-solving process. Individual treatment goals and plans are infinite and unique to the individual.

Many seashells have an ascribed magical power about them, developed over the centuries. People relate effortlessly to shells. I consider seashells as a natural energy source and common denominator in life. Although I am very excited by this intriguing tool for use in current therapy, I discuss caveats about how it is not for everyone!

Who would deny the authenticity of ocean sounds from seashells? These sounds have been heard from shells for centuries and have been documented in archetypal masterpiece paintings, established as the lore of ancient cultures, and acknowledged in classical literature and poetry. This serves as proof that the magic and mystery of the sea lives on, from ancient times until today.

The breakthrough therapy idea for me took place while watching television! One day not long ago, suddenly and without warning, a travel agency advertisement appeared on the screen and depicted a customer in a travel office making plans for his next trip. The customer picked up a conch shell from a book shelf and held it in his hand. It showed the shell ringing as if it were a telephone! The customer lifted the shell up to his ear and began to listen.

The travel agent then said, "Listen to the shell! Where is the shell telling you to go on your next vacation?"

I was amazed. I felt that it was an imaginative commercial for booking a vacation tour. It seemed to summon the ancient magical powers of the sea to provide the answers about the destination of his next vacation and future expeditions! For me, the idea of using seashells as a tool for psychotherapy was clearly revealed. I could not wait to bring my collection into the office and try this method in therapy. Also, I could not delay telling others about using shells as a self-help tool. I was extremely excited and ready to begin experimenting with this healing technique.

Instead of expecting to hear only the ocean, why not listen for the many more possible answers and advice about life? Why not ask your shell any question that you want? These sounds from the shell may really be the conscious or subconscious projections, perceptions, or wishes of the person holding the shell. The more I used it, the more I liked the idea. The idea grew and expanded rapidly.

As it turned out, the concept of holding the shell to your ear and asking questions, or listening to what it had to say, formed one of three basic therapeutic techniques that I now use with my shells in therapy practice. Heeding what the shell is saying is essentially holding the shell to your ear and listening. Is the shell telling you that your next cruise vacation will be in the Caribbean or Hawaiian Islands? You may find that using hypnotherapy or visual imagery will enhance decisions about future travel plans or more significant communications from the sea, on a cognizant or subliminal level. The listener may design more than the destination of his or her next trip.

It can take place anywhere and with anyone. It can take place alone! Just listen to the shell! Examples of other significant topics that may emerge with or without solutions in any setting are as follows:

>> How can I reduce my anxiety attacks?

>> How can I obtain more self-confidence and self-esteem?

>> Should I file for divorce?

>> Where should I go to school?

>> How can I get closer to my friend?

>> Whom should I marry?

>> What career path should I follow?

>> Why am I so depressed?

>> Where should I live?

>> How can I make things...