‘It’s like slow juicing…’: A thematic analysis of client-generated metaphors in psychological therapy using interpersonal process recall

Cott, Matthew

Abstract

The skilful use of metaphor, where a resemblance between one thing is transferred to another, is commonly expected of counselling psychologists and other therapists. Therapists’ use of metaphors that originate from their clients (client-generated metaphors) is an important dimension of this. However, there is little empirical information available on what is involved. Furthermore, very little is known about how clients experience use of their metaphors in therapy. This qualitative research examined in depth what is involved in the use of client-generated metaphor in psychological therapy, and how clients experience this.

3 client-therapist pairings were recruited. Therapists were first interviewed to understand their approaches to using client metaphor. A recording of an actual therapy session from each pair was then collected. Extracts from the session were played back separately to each client and therapist to stimulate their recall of their practices and experiences in the moments where clients’ metaphors were introduced and developed. These data were analysed thematically.

Two overarching themes were identified: Heroic Quests and Artful Guides. Clients experienced being guided into and supported through an experiential journey and encounter with their metaphors. These experiences led to important client-generated insights that could be applied afterwards to their present difficulties. Each therapist had developed and used their own iterative stage model to navigate the session and had acquired a knowledge of metaphors through their training, their clinical practice and through the development of their own client-generated metaphor therapy approaches. All therapists in this study had engaged in training that specialised in the use of language and client metaphor and demonstrated skills to guide their clients’ attention, including advanced questioning skills.

The findings are contextualised to existing practice and theoretical literature including models for working with client-generated metaphor; embodied experience; experiential psychotherapies; client insight; inferential skills; process-guiding therapies; language and questioning skills, and directivity.

This research contributes new practice-based knowledge with important applications for therapists and several implications for researchers. Advice is included on the application of the findings to clinical practice, client suitability for metaphor and developing therapists’ competency in the use of client-generated metaphor. Several contributions to the research process are given, including a practical technique that researchers can use to self-generate metaphors to aide the research process and supervisory relationship, as well as a creative approach to theme development in thematic analysis.

The limitations of the research are also considered and suggestions made for future research into this important area of therapeutic practice.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 1, 2020
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/5628480
• Award Date: Dec 1, 2020