Grasping abstract concepts embedded in mental health training can be challenging! Students, trainees and supervisees often feel frustrated with the vast ambiguity present in clinical training. This teaching guide breaks though the haze by introducing a variety of metaphors to help instructors and supervisors clearly explain the therapeutic process. From case conceptualization to the importance of self-care, each metaphor opens a creative path for exploring foundational concepts. Each chapter provides the metaphor, key points for metaphor conceptualization, modifications and sample questions for group supervision, ethical and cultural considerations, potential roadblocks and additional applications of the metaphor. This resource benefits professionals at all levels of training that want to strike the match on professional growth!
This teaching tool has been endorsed by the following leaders in the helping profession:
"Metaphors and Therapy: Enhancing Clinical Supervision and Education provides a practical, refreshing, and creative alternative to teaching beginning counselors and therapists how to understand the therapeutic process. Since each metaphor targets the concern the metaphor is intended to address (self-care, trauma, case conceptualization, etc.) and the chapters consistently address the same key elements, the book is easy to use. My favorite aspect of the book, however, is the fact that the metaphors transcend theory and suggest different solutions and views of life's challenges. I think this text is a much needed and overdue resource for the clinical supervision and education of members of the helping professions that could dramatically change some of the ways we currently approach the supervisory and educational process."
David Capuzzi, Ph.D, LPC, NCC, Counselor Educator, A Past President of American Counseling Association
"This book provides a unique and interesting way of viewing the interaction between psychotherapy and metaphors. It takes a practical look at the process of therapy through a non-traditional, 21st century lens as it explores the powerful and frequently overlooked element of metaphors for therapy. New and experienced therapists, clinical supervisors and counselor educators will find this book to be a valuable resource."
Mike Dubi, Ed.D., LMHC, President/CEO of International Association of Trauma Professionals,
"This is a book that is long overdue. I am excited to see the recognition of metaphors pertaining to the therapist-client relationship in the context of ethical practice, self-care, cultural competence and resiliency."
Lee A. Underwood, PsyD., Professor/Director of the Center for Addictive and Offender Research at Regent University
About the Author: Sarah E. Stewart-Spencer, Ph.D., is a Core Faculty Member in the Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program at Capella University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Her clinical background includes emergency, crisis, trauma, and acute cases. She has been published both nationally and internationally as well as served on the board for the Virginia Clinical Counselors Alliance, an ACA branch. She has presented at regional, state and national conferences. She is the Editor and Co-Founder of Therapeutic Speakeasy Quarterly (an independent peer-reviewed professional eJournal).
Christian J. Dean, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT, NCC is a Core Faculty Member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program at Walden University. He is also in private practice at Counseling for Growth, LLC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Dean participated as a collaborative investigator for the DSM-5 Field Trials in Routine Clinical Practice Settings. He has published and presented on numerous topics including, but not limited to: military systems/culture, infidelity related trauma and grieving, ethical considerations and ethical decision-making, differential diagnosis and assessment, the use of metaphors in counseling and counselor education, couples counseling, and behavioral modification.
