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AX murderers, dragons, spiders and webs: Therapeutic metaphors in couple therapy

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Abstract

Using metaphors in psychotherapy is not a new practice. Metaphor has long occupied the interests of theorists and practitioners of psychoanalysis. Recently, influenced by the work of Erikson, metaphors have been utilized by non-analytic therapists. This paper explores the historical background of metaphors, examines the components of metaphors, explores metaphors and the social construction of reality, and presents a discussion of the use of metaphor in couple therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Programs in Marriage and Family Counseling, Hofstra University, 11550, Hempstead, New York

    Joan D. Atwood PhD, CSW (coordinator)

  2. Hofstra University, USA

    Laurie B. Levine (Master of Arts student in the Marriage and Family Counseling Program)

Authors
  1. Joan D. Atwood PhD, CSW
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  2. Laurie B. Levine
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Atwood, J.D., Levine, L.B. AX murderers, dragons, spiders and webs: Therapeutic metaphors in couple therapy. Contemp Fam Ther 13, 201–217 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00891801

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