Utilizing Metaphors in Solution-Focused Therapy

Abstract

This article presents possibilities of the utilization of metaphors in solution-focused brief therapy. The first part of the article presents a conceptual background for therapeutic use of metaphors and makes connections with the solution-focused approach. In following parts two ways of working with metaphors are presented—utilization of metaphors offered by client and metaphors offered by therapist. SFBT work with metaphors offered by client consists of four steps: (1) capturing clients’ metaphor, (2) exploration, (3) utilising metaphor for creating new possibilities, and (4) Anchoring metaphors’ contribution in clients‘life. Rarely used stratégy of working with metaphors offered by therapist consists of similar steps: (1) taking client’s experience as our departure point, (2) offering a metaphor to the client, (3) utilising metaphor for creating new possibilities, (4) anchoring metaphor’s contribution in clients’ lives. Guidelines for both types of work are presented and illustrated by case examples from practice of the authors.