Metaphoric Communication and the Psychotherapeutic Process

Abstract

The use of metaphors in psychotherapy is discussed, including Milton H. Erickson’s contribution in this area. Suggestions are given for the construction and delivery of therapeutic metaphors. Two abridged metaphors which were used with an actual client are included, as well as the client’s poetic responses. Metaphor is the dreamwork of language and, like all dreamwork, its interpretation reflects as much on the interpreter as on the originator … So too understanding a metaphor is as much a creative endeavor as making a metaphor. (Davidson, 1978, p. 29)

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