ABSTRACT
The authors describe the role of metaphor in the theory and practice of psychotherapy. Metaphors are considered fundamental elements of our worlds of language and concepts and not just figures of speech, poetic devices, parables, or creative ways to make interpretations. Metaphors shape the process of therapy by structuring the therapist's perceptions, stance, and attitude. They also organize the way problems are discussed as well as the solution that are seen as effective. The authors review the literature on metaphor in psychotherapy and explore common psychotherapeutic metaphors such as "psychotherapy is war," "the mind is a brittle object," "the conduit metaphor," and a variety of somatic metaphors. They conclude with a discussion of how metaphors function in the process of psychotherapy.
Subject(s)
Psychotherapy/methods , Semantics , Symbolism , Humans , Psychoanalytic Theory , Psychoanalytic Therapy/methodsSubject(s)
Delirium/diagnosis , Dementia/diagnosis , Expert Testimony/legislation & jurisprudence , Home Nursing/legislation & jurisprudence , Informed Consent/legislation & jurisprudence , Legal Guardians , Activities of Daily Living/psychology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Delirium/psychology , Dementia/psychology , Family/psychology , Female , Home Nursing/psychology , Humans , MaleSubject(s)
Nails , Students, Medical , Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
This report describes a case of sleepwalking during pregnancy. The author reviews the literature on sleepwalking during pregnancy and suggests that sleep during pregnancy merits renewed attention.
Subject(s)
Pregnancy Complications/psychology , Somnambulism/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Recurrence , Stress, Psychological/complicationsSubject(s)
Family Therapy , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/psychology , Psychophysiologic Disorders/psychology , Referral and Consultation , Sick Role , Child , Family , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedSubject(s)
Somnambulism/diagnosis , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Somnambulism/therapyABSTRACT
Although psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with chronic insomnia can be difficult and frustrating, a psychotherapeutic approach in which the therapist actively explores and uncovers problem areas can be beneficial. Since chronic insomniac patients tend to internalize their feelings, which leads to increased psychologic arousal and insomnia, the therapist must consistently re-orient the patient toward awareness and expression of feeling. An active therapeutic approach also helps derail the chronic insomniac's tendency to focus on the daytime effects of insomnia rather than on the emotional factors that generate the symptoms. By utilizing the specific technical approaches described in this paper, gratifying therapeutic results may be achieved.
Subject(s)
Psychotherapy/methods , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy , Adult , Arousal , Chronic Disease , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychologyABSTRACT
Of 100 consecutive patients on a psychiatric consultation service, 80 had sleep disorders; 72 had insomnia. Disturbed sleep was not mentioned in the records of 54% of the 80 patients, indicating a need for more physician education in sleep disorders.
