Kopp and Craw’s (1998) seven-step protocol and Sims and Whynot’s (1997) seven-stage model are two protocols that outline stages to be taken by counsellors in working with clients metaphors. Both protocols highlight the positive aspects of staying with and developing clients metaphors as they arise. Kopp and Craw (1998) suggest that clients metaphors represent deep metaphoric knowledge that can be directly explored and transformed in therapy. Noting that traditional counselling methods did not work they developed the seven stage model to better access and work this knowledge.
1. Notice metaphors.
2. Ask what the metaphor looks like.
3. Explore the metaphor as a sensory image. What else do you see?
4. Ask to describe feelings associated with the image. Eg: What is it like to be…?
5. Ask the client if they could change the image in any way, how would they change it.
6. Ask the client what connections they see between the metaphor and their original situation?
7. Ask how the changed image might apply to the current situation?
In 2009, Koolbeck conducted a study on verbal and non-verbal therapeutic metaphors using Kopp’s metaphor therapy as a foundation for the study. …show more content…
After first noticing then validating the metaphor, the next stages are expanding and playing with the metaphor. An example of this could be responding to a comment such as “I feel like a doormat”, with “who uses the mat?” or “describe the mat”. Focusing on the image of the doormat metaphor can feel less threatening to a client who struggles emotionally and may open up avenues for new understandings. The next stage involves marking or transforming the metaphor, changing the meaning of the metaphor that is more positive. The last stage involves connecting the metaphor, linking the metaphor to tasks and challenges that lie
1. Notice metaphors.
2. Ask what the metaphor looks like.
3. Explore the metaphor as a sensory image. What else do you see?
4. Ask to describe feelings associated with the image. Eg: What is it like to be…?
5. Ask the client if they could change the image in any way, how would they change it.
6. Ask the client what connections they see between the metaphor and their original situation?
7. Ask how the changed image might apply to the current situation?
In 2009, Koolbeck conducted a study on verbal and non-verbal therapeutic metaphors using Kopp’s metaphor therapy as a foundation for the study. …show more content…
After first noticing then validating the metaphor, the next stages are expanding and playing with the metaphor. An example of this could be responding to a comment such as “I feel like a doormat”, with “who uses the mat?” or “describe the mat”. Focusing on the image of the doormat metaphor can feel less threatening to a client who struggles emotionally and may open up avenues for new understandings. The next stage involves marking or transforming the metaphor, changing the meaning of the metaphor that is more positive. The last stage involves connecting the metaphor, linking the metaphor to tasks and challenges that lie