METAPHORS IN THE MODERN AMERICAN THERAPEUTIC DISCOURSE IN THEIR PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Abstract

The article explores the use of metaphors and stylistic figures in contemporary American therapeutic discourse, emphasizing their significant role in facilitating communication and understanding in counselling sessions. The narrative nature of therapy and the need for the therapist to be able to effectively decipher and rewrite the clients' harmful narratives are determined. Evidence is presented that contemporary American therapeutic narratives, replete with metaphors and stylistic figures, promote adequate expression of complex emotions and experiences, prevent defence mechanisms, and encourage mutual understanding. The major cognitive processes related to the understanding of metaphors in modern American therapeutic discourse and the advantages of their usage in therapy are considered, since metaphors themselves can help overcome emotional barriers, reveal the unconscious and express complex ideas succinctly and accessibly. In the article we analyse the mechanism of effective use of metaphors for obtaining meaningful information from interlocutors and achieving greater awareness of what they said, that is based on a four-stage model of metaphor application, which includes activation, deployment, synthesis and transformation, exemplifying it by the family therapy session conducted by a modern American psychotherapist Stephen Madigan. In particular, the expediency of DISTANCE, JOURNEY, BLINDNESS metaphors usage in the modern American therapeutic discourse for the study of difficulties and problems in relationships, as well as the correction of one's own views and awareness of difficulties, has been clarified. Overall, the article explores the cornerstones of metaphor application in contemporary American therapeutic discourse, whereas the case study provides a practical demonstration of how contemporary psychotherapists can use metaphors to facilitate meaningful conversations and help clients reframe their narratives and perspectives.