What Do Clients Think about the Metaphors They Receive? An Initial Inquiry

Abstract

Research on Ericksonian techniques and claims of effectiveness has been very sparse. Most of the focus on Ericksonian approaches has been on the development of techniques by the clinicians, seemingly independent of the meaning to the client. One of these interventions is the multiple embedded metaphor (MEM), a series of stories within stories. The underlying assumption is that in order to be effective the metaphor(s) needs to be processed outside of conscious awareness. Six clients participated and were given eight sessions of psychotherapy, three sessions of which involved the use of MEM. A week after each MEM session, clients reviewed that session on videotape with the therapist. Only one of the six clients reported amnesia for the experience. Four of the five nonamnestic clients had changes in their presenting problems and felt the process to be helpful. The limitations and implications for clinicians are discussed.