Metaphor in counselling research design : accessing imagery to unveil understanding

Abstract

This paper outlines the methodology and research design used to explore how counsellors conceptualise growth and how this may inform their work with clients. Five counsellors practicing on the island-nation of Malta were interviewed in a process driven through the use of stimuli intended to support participants to access deeper, more complex sources of meaning. Participants noted that the use of visuals and metaphors within the research design facilitated prompt, profound access to themes, concepts and reflections about their own beliefs and approach to counselling. The study highlights the role of creative and analogical thinking in fostering reflexivity and deeper therapeutic engagement when using imagery and metaphors. These helped evoke discourse that surprised the participants themselves. Findings suggest that incorporating metaphorical and visual elicitation techniques in research and practice can provide rich, complex data; enhance participants’ understanding of complex psychological constructs and support professional development within the field of counselling.