I enjoy using metaphor as a way to communicate, and some people seem to use this linguistic tool more than others. I believe that the use of metaphor in therapy can be very powerful and often induces a creative state for both the client and therapists. You could argue that we are all walking metaphors and if we change the metaphor or develop the metaphor then therapeutic change can occur.

The use of metaphor in therapy is relatively common, although its specific conscious use as seen in the late David Grove's work continues to be unknown in the counselling world, and is still marginally used in the hypnotherapy field. I have recently completed a doctoral paper which has also highlighted the possible use of Clean Language and metaphors in theresearch domain to enhance the richness of resultant data. I reflect on what has surprised me in working on this paper?

• The universal use of metaphor and how creative metaphors can be.
• Sullivan & Rees (2008, p.13) comment on Grove's work “Rather than people having metaphors, it's as if they were theirmetaphors. And when these changed, they did too.” This is a powerful assertion, and if true, could have significant impact on the therapeutic process.
• The use of alpha states in counselling that already exists and is little mentioned. Roger's words on his own altered state, I found hugely impact-full. “I am in a slightly altered state of consciousness in the relationship, then whatever I do seems to be full of healing. Then simply my presence is releasing and helpful.” Rogers (1980, p.99).
• The use of Clean Language in therapy was known to me. It can be a very powerful therapeutic tool. However, I was surprised by the cross-over to research interviews and the profound Findings that Clean Language, focussing on memory and metaphor, can increase the resultant amount of meaning by a factor of five.

If you would like more information about Metaphor Therapy, Clean Language and how they can be used effectively in counselling, hypnotherapy or research. Please contact me at Calm Minds in Bramhall.

References
Rogers, C.R. (1980). Way of Being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Sullian, W. & Rees, J. (2008). Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds. Carmarthen: Crown House Publishing.