Therapeutic metaphors give clients a symbolic, approachable way to look at where they are now, understand their thoughts and feelings, and see their experiences differently. Acting as a bridge between conscious and unconscious thought, they open the way to deeper emotions and patterns, richer exploration and stronger self-awareness.
Get ready for a full look at therapeutic metaphors. The course presents their benefits across all aspects of work with diverse clients and covers specific examples such as passengers on the bus, the clipboard, the swimming pool and tug of war, which you can start using at once with clients dealing with depression, anxiety and trauma.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Explain at least three therapeutic benefits of using therapeutic metaphors and assess appropriateness with clients.
- Identify at least five therapeutic metaphors that can assist in treatment of clients who experience depression, anxiety and trauma.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Explain at least three therapeutic benefits of using therapeutic metaphors and assess appropriateness with clients.
- What are therapeutic metaphors?
- Value of metaphors in therapy
- Metaphor examples: tree of liberation, lighthouse, trauma treatment
Objective #2: Identify at least five therapeutic metaphors that can assist in treatment of clients who experience depression, anxiety and trauma.
- Case example
- Visual imagery metaphors
- Video demonstration: clipboard
- Potential pitfalls
- Handout review/list of common metaphors
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: April 14, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com