Metaphors and Metaphoric Objects

Abstract

This article reports on an exploratory study that used metaphoric objects as a therapeutic aid. During Rogerian therapy sessions, a metaphoric object was handed to clients. The metaphoric object was used as a reflection of an aspect of the client's being. The clients were asked to describe the effect the object had on them. The protocols obtained were subjected to a phenomenological analysis. The study indicates that metaphoric objects can be a useful therapeutic aid.

Metaphor and Change in Counseling

“…(p. 273) Indeed, the use of metaphor permeates many facets of counseling theories as evidenced in the literature. Many authors have suggested a facilitative role for metaphorical communication in counseling through stories, anecdotes, metaphorical objects, and music (e.g., Barker, 1985;Jooste & Cleaver, 1992;Saari, 1986). Metaphorical strategies have been implemented with a variety of client populations, from children to adults, as well as across a wide range of presenting concerns (cf.…”

“…Thus, metaphorical communication may allow clients to explore what is "them" by talking about what is "not them." In other words, metaphors may function as a safe mediator between what is and is not currently threatening to the client (Billings, 1991;Fox, 1989;Jooste & Cleaver, 1992). Caruth and Ekstein (1966) referred to metaphor as the client's alibi, "a conscious allusion which is a way of implying what he wants to communicate without actually committing himself, a way of simultaneously keeping and revealing a secret" (p. 38).…”