| Abstract: | Experienced counsellors recorded clients' metaphors, their responses to the metaphors and their views on the effects of the interchange. Two of the three responses in Strong's model of counsellor response to clients' metaphors were used frequently. They were: explicating what is implicit in a metaphor and therapeutically extending or modifying it. The third response proposed by Strong'the counsellor creating and delivering a 'therapeutic metaphor''was used only once. A further kind of response was found: the counsellor recognizing and remembering a client's metaphor for possible future use. Overall, Strong's model was supported. The effect of counsellor orientation on counsellor response to clients' metaphors and the value and use of metaphors in counselling are briefly discussed, and some guidelines suggested. |
