An introductory handbook on the construction and use of metaphor in therapy

Includes bibliographical references (pages 100-101)Change occurs on the psychological level when a person's world model becomes enhanced in such a way as to allow for new solutions to old problems. Therapeutic metaphors enable this to happen by initiating transderivational searches which assist in the acquisition and enrichment of the personal resources which are necessary for growth. The power and beauty of using metaphor in therapy was made evident through the work of Milton Erickson. A therapeutic metaphor must accurately depict the problematic situation of the client so that his unconscious mind will accept the metaphor as being isomorphic. It must also contain a strategy and solution which the client can utilize in order to generate new choices. Effectiveness of the therapeutic metaphor is enhanced by incorporating acknowledgement of representational system relevance, and by skillful use of syntax