Metaphor in the Practice of the Psychotherapist: Applications of Linguistics in Psychotherapy

Metaphors and practical exercises are necessary for the patient to better understand the roots of their problems. Metaphors help strengthen the connection with one's own values, instill hope, and provide motivation to change in the right direction. And although they occupy a central place in the theory of relational frames (TRF), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), research shows that their effectiveness goes far beyond these frameworks. In this book, you will find a scientific analysis of metaphors based on data from over thirty years of research, as well as trends from the last decade. Here is an overview of TRF, a description of the influence of metaphors on behavior analysis, and the results of available clinical studies on the use of metaphors. You will also learn how to create metaphors that will be meaningful for your patients. And, most importantly, you will find examples of the practical application of metaphors and clinical exercises that can be used in therapy.