Research Review of Psychotherapists’ Use of Metaphors

Linda M. McMullen, Dennis Tay

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Therapists’ use of metaphor in psychotherapy is ubiquitous. However, compared to theoretical and clinical claims about the potential effectiveness of using metaphor, research investigations pose challenges and remain relatively sparse. We provide examples of metaphors in sessions and then systematically review the empirical literature. This research suggests that collaborative coelaboration of metaphors with clients is related to positive in-session client outcomes, particularly cognitive engagement. Future research might benefit from a more in-depth focus on the process and impacts of using metaphors.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPsychotherapy
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Figurative Language
  • Metaphors
  • Outcome
  • Psychotherapy Research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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