Idk if you’re still doing this psychoanalysis stuff but-
Still kinda new to the gt stuff but I noticed something that others haven’t brought up much that I absolutely adore. Size shifters! With size shifters dynamics between characters can fluctuate depending on if they go tiny or giant which is perfect for me since I’m indecisive lol. One of the things that appeals to me specifically is if the size shifter may not have a full handle on their ability or if it’s new to them, panicking as they look around for someone who could help, someplace to hide, etc. maybe causing a little collateral damage in the process. Maybe they try to keep it secret, seeing the ability as something dangerous or unnatural.
Then when throwing other people into the mix-
Someone the shifter trusts or someone they don’t know who they inadvertently they bond with from the encounter finds them in such a state. The person tries to play it cool for the shifters sake as their mind is going a mile a minute, trying to think of a way that the shifter can return to a normal size or at least calm down.
I got size shifters on the brain too anon 💕
Time to analyze this further-
Size shifters as an archetype have a clear tie to change. Shifting perspectives and dynamics, as well as power and control.
It can show indecisiveness sure, but depending on how its portrayed it can show a wide range of interesting topics- strong emotions, internal balance, high energy/excitability, uncertainty etc..
With size shifters in particular I think the context is crucial to getting a clear overall sense of your internal environment.
For example, a highly controlled size shifter that changes their size dynamically, for convenience and self expression, would likely imply a large personality and a desire for excitement and self expression. Comfortability in either side of the spectrum nods to self assuredness and confidence.
Now if you took that same person and made them shift emotionally, that changes the perspective drastically, nodding to feelings of a lack of control over emotions, perhaps a desire for those emotions to be seen and acknowledged. Rather than confidence, this nods to a lack of feeling in control of ones self, uncertainty, and personal disjointedness.
And even within the levels of control and emotional shifting there are key differences. An emotional shifter may typically never shrink, and is always in control of their emotions, so when they do shrink those feelings are poignant, and rather than a lack of control, they may signify a need for their emotions to be seen.
Its also important to analyze what drives the growth or shrinking. Shrinking is typically associated with feelings of vulnerability- which often times is portrayed alongside negative emotions. However there are various portrayals where shrinking may be more positively associated (the vulnerability we feel when we are flustered, comfortable, in love, and safe. Shrinking because ones needs are met and there is no need to have to feel big). Growth can also be negative- the feeling of being monstrous, being seen by many, being dangerous/out of control etc. How one associates the emotions to the sizes can be extremely telling of ones own internal environment.
With that rather extensive preamble out of the way, lets analyze your particular example.
"the size shifter may not have a full handle on their ability or if it’s new to them, panicking as they look around for someone who could help, someplace to hide, etc. maybe causing a little collateral damage in the process. Maybe they try to keep it secret, seeing the ability as something dangerous or unnatural."
I've gone and highlighted some key things of note. Firstly, we see a lack of knowledge/skill in the shifter - ie feelings of lack of control. This lack of control is directed inward at oneself. Said lack of control is causing fear/stress/anxiety as seen in the need to hide, and looking for help. What I found particularly interesting is the "causing collateral damage" implying that this is a growth scenario. With a growth scenario and the need to hide there is a very clear image that comes to mind of being essentially stuck in the open- too large to hide oneself and fearing being seen- and if we circle back to the beginning of this analysis, we see that said fear is linked to a lack of control.
So one could interpret this as symbolism for fearing that others will see you lose control.
This does not directly imply emotionally - loss of control can mean failure (losing control of the situation, not being able to manage one's responsibilities, being seen when we are vulnerable etc...). This draws me back once again to Collateral Damage.
Theres nothing in the scenario that suggests it was done out of anger, frustration etc... and I would go out on a limb to assume its accidental damage- making a mistake.
Our previous analysis then becomes- Fear of others seeing you mess up.
This is further exemplified by the wanting help, needing to hide, wanting to keep it a secret- all pushing the theme that one is afraid of others seeing them make mistakes.
The language of dangerous and unnatural may even hint at these mistakes being tied to social mistakes- with unnatural in particular hinting at the idea of not adhering to the status quo. Though this is more so grasping given that it could just as easily be a normal reaction to seeing size change and is just a stand in for other negative perceptions.
The later half of this trope/fantasy is very intriguing.
"Someone the shifter trusts or someone they don’t know who they inadvertently they bond with from the encounter finds them in such a state. The person tries to play it cool for the shifters sake as their mind is going a mile a minute, trying to think of a way that the shifter can return to a normal size or at least calm down."
Note how the language chosen was not someone who trusts the shifter, but someone the shifter trusts. The shifter themselves is scared, and it is them who has a need to feel safe- be it from someone they already trust or someone they have bonded with. The stranger who they bond with is worthwhile making note of. Bonding during an encounter suggests this person is open and accepting to a degree, or that the shifter themselves is charismatic enough to make someone understand them.
The first option likely suggests a desire to be accepted and understood as one is, though the second may imply a hope that one's values/personality/character shines through their mistakes, and that their own nature is good, but misunderstood.
Playing it cool for the shifters sake is quite interesting language as well. They aren't playing it cool for their ego (their own sake) but instead for the shifter. This seems to suggest that the situation is serious/important but they are willing to let their own feelings (implied with heart racing/fear) take a bake seat in order to prioritize those of the shifter (looking for a solution).
All in all this fantasy seems to be symbolic of a fear of others seeing one mess up and the subconscious seems to have projected a desire for those one cares about to be understanding and caring born out of genuine care/affection for the individual, as well as a longing for help from others.
Further analysis of the individual helping the shifter could have subconscious projection of either who the mind may associate with wanting help from, or the traits you may associate with being in control.
I quite enjoyed our session today. Please feel free to book another session with the secretary at your earliest convenience.
