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Metaphor and psychotherapy.

R M Berlin¹, M E Olson, C E Cano

¹Department of Psychiatry, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, MA.

American Journal of Psychotherapy

|July 1, 1991

Summary

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Metaphors are fundamental to psychotherapy, shaping therapist perceptions and problem-solving. Understanding these linguistic tools enhances therapeutic practice and outcomes.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Linguistics
Psychotherapy Research

Background:

Metaphors are integral to human cognition and communication.
Their role in psychotherapy is often underestimated, viewed merely as stylistic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the fundamental role of metaphors in psychotherapy theory and practice.
To analyze how metaphors influence therapist perceptions and therapeutic processes.

Main Methods:

Literature review of metaphor in psychotherapy.
Exploration of common psychotherapeutic metaphors.
Analysis of metaphorical functions in the therapeutic process.

Main Results:

Metaphors are core conceptual structures, not just figures of speech.

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They significantly structure therapist's perceptions, attitudes, and therapeutic stance.

Metaphors organize problem definition and influence perceived solutions in therapy.

Conclusions:

Metaphors are essential, active components of the psychotherapeutic process.
Recognizing and understanding therapeutic metaphors can improve clinical practice.
Further exploration of specific metaphors can deepen insights into psychotherapy.