Usage of Metaphors in Coaching

Shyleswari M Rao, LHEP™,PCCDirector –Ved Vyas Inner SpaceDirector-Events &Conferences,ICF Chennai Chapter

What is a Metaphor?

Metaphor is an instinctive

comparison between two things

that is seemingly unrelated, it

can be based on a single or a

common characteristic.

Tunnel

Why and WhenWhy use Metaphors , when you use questioning

➢To describe a very emotional moment,

➢ To express abstract thoughts,

➢ To capture an essence of subtle experience,

➢To capture pages of data,

➢To bring vividness and richness to the situation,

➢To express feelings that are hard to express.

Benefits➢It helps to listen to the unsaid word,

➢It gives leeway to explore deeper,

➢New possibilities, can emerge.

➢It builds rapport within the metaphor,

➢The metaphor can be stretched to find creative solutions.

➢

➢The imagination of the client, can be tapped

➢A transformation can be evoked

ProcessWith linguistic, intuition, perception, association and

articulation. Metaphors can become magic.

The words can fade the imagery remains.

It is also a potent method to shock and awe,

simultaneously enabling him or her to understand to

reframe, to reflect and co create new possibilities.

Lonely Leaf

The frame of strategy and implementation, works on visualizing, which can lead to new thoughts, feelings and sensations.

To me Metaphors are mirrors that help us see places we would rather not see in ourselves.

It can be both implicit and explicit. It can release a person when “Stuck”.

Lakoff, George & Johnson, Mark, Metaphors we Live By

Focus

Power of Metaphors

Surfing

Seed

Accelerator

Glass Door

Porcelain Vase

Kingfisher

What is your favorite

Metaphor?

Wading in the mud

How to use Metaphors?

➢ Ask questions to find out what the client wants.

➢ Ask questions to find out what needs to happen for them to get there.

➢ If problems, barriers or blocks are identified, ask questions to find out what needs to happen to overcome them.

Metaphor of your life as on today

Elevator

Dragon Cloud

Lakoff, George & Johnson, Mark,Metaphors we Live By,

University of Chicago Press, 1980.Photo credits internet

www.vedvyasinnerspace.com