The Tug of War with the Monster metaphor is a powerful way to illustrate the struggle many people experience with their difficult thoughts and emotions. Imagine you are holding one end of a rope, and on the other end is a terrifying monster. This monster represents your painful emotions, distressing thoughts, or uncomfortable memories. The harder you pull on the rope to try and defeat the monster, the harder it pulls back, keeping you stuck in a never-ending battle.
Now, ask yourself: What would happen if you let go of the rope?
By dropping the rope, you’re not trying to defeat the monster or make it disappear. The monster may still be there, but it can no longer control you or drag you into the fight. Dropping the rope is about stepping out of the struggle and creating space to focus on what truly matters to you—your values, relationships, and meaningful actions.
This metaphor helps clients see that fighting against their internal experiences often keeps them stuck, while letting go of the struggle opens up room for growth, acceptance, and purposeful living.
You can download the full set of instructions on how to use this metaphor in a session with a client below.
Download metaphor instructions
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