Research Review of Psychotherapists’ Use of Metaphors

Linda M. McMullen; Dennis Tay

doi:10.1037/pst0000473

Research Review of Psychotherapists’ Use of Metaphors

Linda M. McMullen
, Dennis Tay

Department of English and Communication

Research output: Journal article publication › Journal article › Academic research › peer-review

28 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 language	English
Journal	Psychotherapy
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000473
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - Mar 2023

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

Figurative Language
Metaphors
Outcome
Psychotherapy Research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Clinical Psychology
Psychiatry and Mental health

More information

10.1037/pst0000473

Cite this

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KW - Metaphors

KW - Outcome

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ER -

Research Review of Psychotherapists’ Use of Metaphors

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

More information

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