Metaphors as Tools in Psychotherapy

Reviews the book, Using Metaphors in Psychotherapy by Philip Barker (1985). This book gives us very little theory, to say nothing of research. The assumptions underlying the text are doubtful: that the therapist teaches the patient how to live sensibly, that telling a story will bring the desired metaphors across to the patient, that a good psychotherapist can also be a good storyteller; and that the ability to use metaphors can be learned by reading appropriate metaphors. The topic of the book is interesting and even fashionable. This book, with all of the questions it raises, celebrates the use of metaphors in a multitude of situations and raises the psychotherapist's awareness of this tool. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)