Clients and therapists often use metaphors to communicate with each other. They can help them understand more about particular topics, situations, people, places, objects, and others. Metaphors are used to gain perspective and insight. Metaphors are powerful tools in therapy for processing, sorting, exploring and processing emotions.
Here’s a metaphor for a balloon:
Your life is made up of many balloons, each with different shapes, sizes, and colors. Each balloon represents a part of your life that requires attention, time and energy. The personal demand is greater the larger the balloon. The string that is tied to the balloon will be shorter and more pervasive. The balloons are held together by a central anchor. Some strings can be let loose, while others must be pulled taut. The anchor must be grounded regularly and checked for strength. Otherwise, the balloons could lose their grip and drift away at the will of the wind.
Who or what is your anchor? What steps can you take to keep your feet on the ground in the chaos of life?
