The use of metaphor in child psychotherapy: the development of an integrated model

[摘要] English: This theoretical study focused on the use of metaphor in psychotherapy. The aim of the studywas to provide guidelines for the use of metaphor in psychotherapy and child psychotherapy.Any visible portrayal or image of psychic contents was considered to provide an externalisedmetaphor for these contents. Metaphors were regarded to form part of a group of representationalphenomena, which function as tools portraying psychic material.The researcher adopted an integrated approach and examined the contributions of theoristsrepresenting six psychological theories. These theories were psychoanalysis, analyticalpsychology, Gestalt therapy, Ericksonian psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and narrativetherapy. Additional individual contributions mentioned were those of Rossi, Kolb and Kalsched.Information gathered from these theories was supplemented by information from disciplinesoutside the field of psychology. These contributions included views on the biological processesgiving rise to representational phenomena, philosophical viewpoints and viewpoints on issues ofinterpretation and meaning-making. An initial, tentative study was conducted, which included gaining experience with the use ofmetaphor in psychotherapy, specifically the sandplay method. On the grounds of this study,research questions were formulated regarding the nature of metaphor, the key conceptsmentioned in relation to metaphor (focusing on the identification of general principles regarded as conducive to metaphor-use) and descriptions of the process of using metaphorical material inpsychotherapy.Metaphor was found to be a complex phenomenon. This was theorised to be partly as a result ofthe complexity of metaphor itself and partly due to the fact that metaphor-use reflects the natureand functioning of the psyche. The psyche was approached as a functional mind-body unity.The composite nature of metaphors allows the integration of levels and dimensions of awareness,specifically the integration of experiential participation with conceptualisation andunderstanding.Nine key concepts were identified which could serve as general guidelines for metaphor-use. Anintegrated model of metaphor-use was presented, indicating the various stages of the process andthe manner in which the introduction of meaning through metaphor included the activation ofand the interaction with existing unconscious psychic material, leading to new or alteredconceptualisations with different linking options. Since a metaphorical portrayal of psychic contents possesses its own reality, it was postulatedthat, bearing in mind the general guidelines provided, a therapist could apply his/her owntheoretical framework to the process. However, the guidelines and the integrated model of theprocess of metaphor-use could make it possible for a therapist to allow his/her framework to beenriched by contributions from other approaches. Regarding the role of the therapist, the studyindicated that the therapist often became responsible for that part of the process which was notcarried out by the patient. It is hoped that this study could be used as a framework to structure therapy with metaphors andindicate areas for future research.

[发布机构] University of the Free State