Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The use of metaphors in psychotherapy

  • Published:
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Metaphors are used in everyday language and play a role in the therapeutic domain. This paper: 1) Examines the linguistic structure of metaphors for its therapeutic relevance. 2) Introduces the concept and use of metaphoric kernel statements. 3) Describes strategic and tactical applications of metaphor in guided metaphoric imagery work, storytelling and metaphoric tasks. 4) Demonstrates the efficacy of metaphor in treatment of cases of traumatic and highly anxiety-provoking issues.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aleksandrowicz, D.R. (1962). The meaning of metaphor.Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 26, 92–101.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andolfi, N., Mengiti, P., Nicolo-Corioliano, A.N. & Angelo, C. (1983).Behind the family mask. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barker, P. (1985).Using metaphors in psychotherapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Black, M. (1962).Models and metaphors: Studies in language and philosophy. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brink, N.E. (1982). Metaphor creation for use within family therapy.American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 24, 258–265.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, D.P. & Fromm, E. (1986),Hypnotherapy and hypnoanalysis. Hillsdale, NJ: L. Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunner, J. (1957). Going beyond the information given. In: H.E. Gruter et al. (Eds.),Contemporary approaches to language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caruth, E. & Ekstein, R. (1966). Interpretation within metaphor: Further considerations.American Academy of Child Psychiatry Journal, 5, 35–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekstein, R. & Wallerstein, J. (1956). Observations on the psychotherapy of borderline and psychotic children.The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 11, 303–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekstein, R. & Wright, D. (1952). The space child.Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 16, 211–224.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Erickson, M.H. (1935). A study of an experimental neurosis hypnotically induced in a case of ejaculatio praecox.British Journal of Medical Psychology, 15, 34–50. Also in: J. Haley (Ed.),Advanced techniques of hypnosis and therapy. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erickson, M.H. (1944). The method employed to formulate a complex story for the induction of the experimental neurosis.Journal of Genetic Psychology, 31, 67–84. Also in: J. Haley (Ed.),Advanced techniques of hypnosis and therapy. New York: Grune & Stratton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez, J.V. (1977). The performance of ritual metaphors. In: J.D. Sapir & J.C. Crocker (Eds.),The social use of metaphors: Essays on the anthropology of the rhetoric. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, B. (1988). Personal communication.

  • Gindhart, L.R. (1981). The use of a metaphoric story in therapy: A case report.American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 23, 202–206.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, D. (1978).Therapeutic metaphors. Cupertino, CA: Meta Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenleaf, E. (1978). Active imagining. In: J.L. Singer & K.S. Pope (Eds.),The power of human imagination. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haynes, R. (1975). Metaphor as interactive.Educational Theory, 25, 272–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kopp, S.B. (1971).Guru: Metaphors from a psychotherapist. Palo Alto, CA: Science & Behavior Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kopp, S.B. (1972).If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him! Palo Alto, CA: Science & Behavior Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroger, V.S. & V.D. Fezler (1976).Hypnosis and behavior modification. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lankton, S.R. & Lankton, C.H. (1983).The answer within: A clinical framework of Ericksonian hypnotherapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lankton, S.R. & Lankton, C.H. (1986).Enchantment and intervention in family therapy: Training in Ericksonian approaches. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leuner, H. (1978). Basic principles and therapeutic efficacy of guided affective imagery. In: J.L. Singer & K.S. Pope (Eds.),The power of human imagination. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, G., Galanter, E. & Pribram, K. (1960).Plans and the structure of behavior. New York: Holt.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills, J.C. & Crowley, R.J. (1986).Therapeutic metaphors for children and the child within. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muncie, V. (1937). The psychopathology of metaphor.Archives of Neurology and Psychiatry, 37, 796–804.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orthony, A., Reynolds, R.E. & Arter, J.A. (1978). Metaphor: Theoretical and empirical research.Psychological Bulletin, 85, 919–943.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papp, P. (1982). Staging reciprocal metaphors in a couples group.Family Process, 21, 453–467.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perrine, L. (1971). Four forms of metaphor.College English, 33, 125–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peseschkian, N. (1982).The merchant and the parrot: Oriental stories as tools in psychotherapy. New York: Vantage Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reider, N. (1972). Metaphor as interpretation.International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 53, 463–469.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Richards, I.A. (1936).The philosophy of rhetoric. London: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothenberg, A. (1979). Homospatial thinking in creativity.Archives of General Psychiatry, 33, 17–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothenberg, A. (1984). Creativity and psychotherapy.Psychoanalysis and Contemporary Thought, 7, 233–268.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sargent, G.A. (1988). A burial at sea. In: O. Van der Hart (Ed.),Coping with loss: The therapeutic use of leave-taking rituals. New York: Irvington Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sapir, F. (1934). Symbolism.Encyclopaedia of the Social Sciences, 14, 492–493. Also in: D.G. Mandelbaum (Ed.) (1949),Selected writings of Edward Sapir in language, culture & personality Berkeley: University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seltzer, V. & M. Seltzer (1983). Material, myth and magic: A cultural approach to family therapy.Family Process, 22, 3–14.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sharpe, E.F. (1940). Psycho-physical problems revealed in language: An examination of metaphor.International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 21, 201–213. Also in: E.F. Sharpe,Collected papers on psycho-analysis. London: Hogarth, 1950.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sledge, W.H. (1977). The therapist's use of metaphor.International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 6, 113–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, V.W. (1967).The forest of symbols. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Hart, O. (1983).Rituals in psychotherapy. New York: Irvington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Hart, O. (1985). Metaphoric hypnotic imagery in the treatment of functional amenorrhea.American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 27, 159–165.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Hart, O. (1985). Metaphoric and symbolic imagery in the hypnotic treatment of an urge to wander: A case report.Australian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 13, 83–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Hart, O. (Ed.) (1988).Coping with loss: The therapeutic use of leave-taking rituals. New York: Irvington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Hart, O. & S. Boon (1988). Schrijfopdrachten en hypnose voor de verwerking van traumatische herinneringen.Dth: Directieve Therapie, 8(1), 4–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walch, S.I. (1978). The red balloon technique of hypnotherapy: A clinical note.International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 24, 10–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welch, M.J. (1984). Using metaphor in psychotherapy.Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 22, 13–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheelwright, P.E. (1962).Metaphor and reality. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheelwright, P.E. (1968).The burning fountain. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witztum, E., Dasberg, H. & Bleich, A. (1986). Use of a metaphor in the treatment of combat-induced Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.American Journal of Psychotherapy, 40, 457–465.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zeig, J. (1980), Erickson's use of anecdotes. In: J. Zeig (Ed.),A teaching seminar with Milton H. Erickson, M.D. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 8665 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 407, 90211, Beverly Hills, California

    Barbara Friedman M.A., M.F.C.C.

Authors
  1. Eliezer Witztum Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Onno van der Hart Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Barbara Friedman M.A., M.F.C.C.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Witztum, E., van der Hart, O. & Friedman, B. The use of metaphors in psychotherapy. J Contemp Psychother 18, 270–290 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00946010

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00946010

Keywords

Search

Navigation