Visual narratives as evidence: Surveying the role of metaphors in art therapy

Metaphors are integral to communication, processing information and therapeutic insights transferring meaning between domains and fostering understanding. Rooted in linguistic and sensory processes, metaphors function as semiotic signs bridging abstract and concrete concepts. In art therapy, they enable non-verbal expression, narrative construction, and emotional exploration, offering insights into clients’ internal worlds. Studying the use of metaphors as evidence in art therapy is one of six categories identified as an outcome of a well-researched project formulating an Art Therapy Research Strategic Plan. Consequently, this study represents a preliminary exploration of the feasibility of metaphors as therapeutic evidence, focusing on their emergence, interpretation, and impact. A self-developed mixed-methods survey was used with 22 art therapists to examine how metaphors enhance self-expression, insight, and client-therapist dynamics. Key findings highlighted how metaphors assist in framing challenges, fostering personal growth, and navigating cultural nuances. The results of this study introduce preliminary constructs to be explored and expanded in a subsequent scoping review and correlational study on the thematic categorization and application of metaphors in art therapy as evidence-based practice. • Metaphors bridge inner and outer worlds, fostering communication and meaning. • They simplify complexity, deepen understanding, and inspire new perspectives. • Findings reveal the client-therapist-art interplay in metaphors’ therapeutic roles. • Metaphors act as protective lenses, supporting narrative and relational insights. • Their versatility meets clients' diverse needs through dynamic symbolic expression.