Metaphors and why these are important in all aspects of genetic counseling

Metaphors appear simple but are fundamental schemata allowing expression and processing of complex emotions and information. They are so embedded in language and thinking that we are often unaware of their impact, despite the crucial role of metaphors in communication, learning and creating meaning...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of genetic counseling 2022-02, Vol.31 (1), p.34-40
Main Authors: Sexton, Adrienne, James, Paul A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Communication
Coping
Counseling
counseling techniques
Counselors
Counselors - psychology
Cultural competence
Emotions
Genetic counseling
Genetic Counseling - psychology
Humans
language
lived experience
Metaphor
Motivation
Patient communication
psychosocial
Psychotherapy
schemata
Self concept
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Metaphors appear simple but are fundamental schemata allowing expression and processing of complex emotions and information. They are so embedded in language and thinking that we are often unaware of their impact, despite the crucial role of metaphors in communication, learning and creating meaning from experiences. A deeper understanding of how to recognize and work with client‐generated and counselor‐generated metaphors has great potential as an addition to the genetic counseling ‘tool‐box’. Here, we draw on studies from related health and psychotherapy fields to discuss how working purposefully with metaphors may offer a powerful way to enhance communication within a reciprocally engaged client–counselor relationship. Metaphors present ways to explain complex genetic concepts in a personally meaningful form, to gain a deeper understanding of client's experiences and emotions, to assist processing of experiences, emotions, and concepts, and to assist client and counselor to access and reflect on subconscious emotions, self‐concept, and motivations. In addition, working with metaphors has been shown to facilitate coping and action. This paper sets the scene for why and how genetic counselors can utilize client‐generated and counselor‐generated metaphors purposefully in all areas of practice, including enhancing the therapeutic interaction with clients, as well as in supervision, training, cultural competence, and shaping of societal attitudes toward genetics.
ISSN:1059-7700
1573-3599
DOI:10.1002/jgc4.1463