Experiential Shifts in Psychotherapy Through Metaphor Use

ABSTRACT Objective Unchosen transformative experiences are transdiagnostic psychological events that lead an individual to question their sense of agency and can be a meaningful framework for what happens to someone who develops post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Phenomenological literature points to the possibility of shared exploration of language as a means to reorient one's grasp on the world. Methods To this effect, this study explored the phenomenon of 10 individuals diagnosed with PTSD and their experience of using metaphor with their psychotherapist. Findings Using an existential phenomenological framework, the findings highlight how participants initially oriented themselves to metaphor and how trust was integral to eventually being able to approach therapeutic material more reflexively. Conclusion Clinical limitations of using metaphor are offered, alongside future research suggestions and limitations.