OUR STORY

The use of verbal metaphors was always part of my therapeutic work. During clinical sessions, I was able to clearly observe how using more understandable mental imagery helped clients make sense of their own difficulties and emotions. Communicating through metaphors allowed the client to make sense of the situation and engage with their challenges through different perspectives. I found it an efficient device to generate action plans and to facilitate the rapport-building process as well as the conceptualization and communication of abstract emotional states.

As I was also interested in visual art, I started to use visual aids and integrated photos, drawings, and illustrations into my work. I shortly observed how efficiently communication through pictures helps move therapy forward in “stuck” scenarios and while facilitating the expression of emotions that are otherwise difficult to verbalize.

Based on these clinical observation and present theoretical knowledge, METAFORA was created as a tool blending visual metaphors with a structured solution-focused method. As such, METAFORA was inspired by different theoretical approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural approaches – including acceptance and commitment therapy, systemic therapy as well as solution-focused brief therapy.

Mariann Csoma, clinical psychologist