A “Primer” in Conceptual Metaphor for Counselors

Abstract

Conceptual metaphor provides a potentially powerful counseling framework, generalizable across theoretical orientations. According to the conceptual perspective, metaphor is not merely a matter of language, but is an indispensable dimension of human understanding and experience whereby more abstract ideas (like relationships) are understood in terms of more concrete experiences (like journeys). Consequently, when a couple in counseling says, "we're just spinning our wheels," they are not only using a common colloquial expression, but also giving information about how they conceptualize their relationship. This article provides a theoretical foundation for use of conceptual metaphor and offers examples of its potential for counseling.

The Coconstruction of Congruency: Investigating the Conceptual Metaphors of Carl Rogers and Gloria

“…2003). Our study supports Wickman et al:s (1999) claim about the benefits of working within clients' conceptual frameworks: "Although counselors cannot know precisely what a client is thinking. they can know their clients' thoughts and experiences are structured this way rather than that.…”

“…The hypothetical basis of previous writings on conceptual metaphor might have been because, in part, Lakoff and Johnson's model was a theoretically derived model rather than a practice-based one. Instead of the prewritten speeches and speculative examples that Lakoff and Johnson (Johnson, 1987;Lakoff, 1993Lakoff, , 1996Lakoff & Johnson, 1980, 1999Lakoff & Turner, 1989) and others (Azar, 1995;Kopp, 1995;Kozak, 1992;Turner, 1987;Wickman et al, 1999) have studied, we were interested in determining whether conceptual metaphor theory would be supported in spontaneous real-life conversation. If patterns of conceptual metaphor were observed, these patterns could provide a focal point for making what happened [t.e., the therapeutic process between Rogers and Gloria) more viewable to counselor educators and students.…”

“…Wickman, Daniels, White, and Fesmire (1999) proposed that awareness of conceptual metaphor offered several benefits to counselors, including increases in rapport, empathy, and the ability to reframe by explor-ing alternative possibilities, implications, and meanings within existing client metaphors. The hypothetical basis of previous writings on conceptual metaphor might have been because, in part, Lakoff and Johnson's model was a theoretically derived model rather than a practice-based one.…”

Exploring Teaching Training Using Metaphors among Arab Students in Israel

“…Metaphors are natural cognitive tools of the mind (Gidron & Cohen-Or, 2007). They are more than rhetorical or linguistic techniques; they are at the heart of human thought and are used not only for simple communication but to give substance to understanding life (Lakoff, 1987;Lakoff & Johnson, 1980;Torr & Simpson, 2003, 1996Turner, 1987;Wickman et al, 1999). A metaphor is a rich image made simple, so that one word or expression can be worth countless ones.…”

“…Metaphors therefore have added value, expressed in their power to throw new light on two concepts by interlacing them, and by joining entire domains through semantic concepts (Lakoff & Cornelissen, 2004). Metaphors are consequently a fundamental tool for understanding the world of people (Wickman et al, 1999) and they reflect the cultural experiences of the individual (Ying, 2007).…”