Use of a metaphor in the treatment of combat-induced posttraumatic stress disorder

In this case of posttraumatic stress disorder, instead of interpretation, we used a metaphor that was indirectly yet concretely related to the patient's trauma. It subsequently became a symbol for other crucial events and situations in the patient's life. Mann's original approach to this type of patient had to be modified since the traumatic experience was not only too painful and isolated but also untouchable. The use of metaphor was thus a viable, indirect approach. Matching the metaphor to the therapeutic situation of patients with severe trauma, makes successful treatment possible where other approaches are excessively painful or almost impossible. The use of metaphor offers a solution to the therapeutic dilemma of too much resistance to brief therapy versus dependency-inducing long-term therapy for the patient suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.