Effective communication helps build rapport and contributes towards a positive outcome in therapy, marketing, and drives business success.
Metaphorical language is being used by successful people in various spheres for impactful communication, such as leaders, executives, media etc. Studies have established that
metaphors and analogies can enhance communication and ease comprehension of a difficult concept by linking to a familiar one. Metaphorical thinking is proven to be highly effective in problem-solving as it assists in the generation of new ideas for solutions and promotes out of the box thinking. A good metaphor goes beyond excellent communication to something approaching thought control. An fMRI study (2008), demonstrated that metaphors caused the activation of the sensory region of the brain.
Though metaphors have been a part of traditional healing methods, Erickson (1935; 1944) and Kopp (1971; 1972) made outstanding contributions to the acceptance of this as a therapeutic technique. People use metaphors in daily communication without knowing anything about the hypnotic language or persuasion techniques as we think in terms of pictures. Stories help the clients to view their issues and the path of its resolution with clarity. Sometimes a client may be frustrated or skeptical. Abstract communication, which is hypnotic, can be used to lower resistance and create compliance.
A metaphorical story is most impactful when aligned to the client's experience using elements that figuratively represent the client's problem and proposes a solution to the problem indirectly. Hypnotic metaphors are like a Trojan horse. Zeig (1980), analyzing the work of Milton H. Erickson, enumerates the different utilities of these stories from making a point, seeding ideas, offering solutions, reframing issues, resource generating, embedding suggestions to ego-building and communicating, thus serving multiple functions simultaneously.
A generic metaphor, if well-constructed maybe perceived as customized to the client and prove very effective in stimulating change. The therapist can build on the client's metaphors and stories effectively to deepen the experience by mirroring and matching to steer them towards the wanted outcome.
Both therapist-generated and patient-generated metaphoric imagery can be used at strategic and tactical levels. In strategic application, the metaphor is used as a theme all through the course of treatment. In tactical applications, metaphoric interventions serve one or more functions, like elucidation, interpretation or inspiration.
The imagery work could also be converted into tasks and performed as homework for effective transformation by creating new patterns of thoughts and behavior.
Metaphors are important tools of communication and therapy, which can be utilized to create inspirational presentations and to develop supportive collaborations within the community
References:
· http://hypnos.co.uk/metaphoresparsa.htmlhttps://hypnosistrainingacademy.com/therapeutic-metaphors-why-milton-ericksons-stolen-horse-story-helped-heal-and-how-your-stories-can-too/
· Witztum, Ely & Hart, Onno & Friedman, Barbara. (1988). The use of metaphor in psychotherapy. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. 18. 270-290. 10.1007/BF00946010.
· Paul Mascetta- Hypnotic language series, youtube
· https://www.Mindtools.com