THE ROLE OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN PSYCHOTHERAPY - A METHODOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

This investigation was undertaken to identify the role of figurative l anguage in a single session of psychotherapy. To accomplish this task, a method of structured content analysis was developed, which was effe ctive in clarifying the thematic structure of the session. This struct ure was then used to identify specific functions of metaphor in the te xt. This analysis offers clear evidence for the central role of metaph or in encompassing and explicating key issues in psychotherapy. The co ntent of the session also provided evidence of distinct roles for nove l and frozen figures of speech.