Metaphors Of A Counselor

A metaphor is a tool that allows individuals to relate a feeling, concept, or thought to a concrete illustration that could be understood by most listeners. According to Burns (2007) a metaphor is a form of language or communication that is creative, expressive, powerful, and at times challenging. Metaphors are a common aspect of our spoken language and are used often every day. By employing metaphors in every day conversations, it allows individuals to add imagery, emotion, and spice to stories and conversations. As humans, we are drawn to stories, as evident by our love of film, and metaphors add to stories (Burns, 2007).
Clients who are coming to counseling may find the use of metaphors helpful in order communicate their story to the counselor (Burns, 2007). Metaphors also provide a way for individuals to delve further into what they are experiencing in the here and now. When used appropriately with clients, metaphors can be a therapeutic tool during sessions. The role of the counselor is to help reflect the meaning of metaphors used by clients. Since metaphors are a form of interactive communication, the listener has to be engaged in active listening if meaning is to be found (Burns, 2007).
One advantage of metaphors is that metaphors engage a search process within clients (Burns, 2007). Metaphors intentionally disorient clients allowing them to discover what works for them based on their unique experiences (Heldebrant, Fletcher, & Hayes, 2007). For example, a metaphor about climbing a mountain may illustrate the struggle a client is experiencing without providing a specific answer for how to summit the mountain. By not providing answers, clients are permitted to uncover the solution that fits their personal needs (Heldebrant, et al.,