The use of proverb as a metaphor in solution-focused brief counseling: A preliminary study and framework for school counselors

Abstract

This article is a preliminary study that aims to provide a theoretical review of the use of proverbs as a metaphor in solution-focused brief counseling (SFBC) approach, and to provide a framework for school counselors. The method used is a narrative literature review of several main themes; proverbs in counseling, the concept of metaphor, and the SFBC approach. The findings of this study indicate that in the last 10 years, the number of articles related to the topic of proverbs in counseling is still very small. Another finding theoretically is that the proverbs is a form of metaphor because both are cultural products so that they can be used in counseling. In addition, there is a lot of relevance between metaphor and SFBC, when viewed from the philosophical foundations aspects, orientation or purpose of counseling aspects, counseling techniques aspects, and therapeutic communication aspects. Thus, the proverbs can be used in the SFBC approach through the technique of metaphor. We recommend a framework for counselors from certain communities or cultures to be able to adopt their proverbs and work with the SFBC approach.