Symbol, Story, and Ceremony: Using Metaphor in Individual and Family Therapy

Describes the psychotherapeutic use of metaphor in its three basic forms: symbol, story and ritual. Case studies are used to illustrate metaphorical strategies for facilitating new patterns of thought. Exercises are also offered to help therapists develop confidence in thinking metaphorically.

'Human problems often are like a crystallized lattice. Heat is needed to excite stable molecules and promote a fluid state. In psychotherapy, properly tailored and timed symbols, rituals, and anecdotes are tools to 'heat up' entrenched positions and elicit previously dormant flexibilities.'--Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D., Director, The Milton H. Erickson Foundation