Metaphors are a cornerstone of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), offering a way to help clients connect with their experiences in a meaningful and transformative way. However, a well-used metaphor is more than just a creative expression or a clever analogy—it requires precision and purpose. For metaphors to be truly effective, the clinician must have a clear understanding of why they are using them and how they will serve the therapeutic process. Without this clarity, a metaphor risks confusing or alienating the client rather than supporting their journey.
One way to ensure precision is to use the “stand” of the metaphor as a foundation. In ACT, metaphors are not intended to simply explain concepts; they are designed to help a client stand in a new position, experiencing their situation from a different perspective. Niklas Törneke identifies three key purposes for metaphors within ACT: functional analysis, clarifying values, and creating a context for change. Each of these purposes reflects the ways in which metaphors can help clients engage with their struggles and move toward meaningful action. Let’s examine these purposes in detail, with examples to illustrate how they can be applied.
1. Using metaphors for functional analysis
The first purpose of metaphors in ACT is to assist with functional analysis—helping clients understand the role their behaviours, thoughts, or emotions play in their lives. This involves focusing on the function of a behaviour (what it achieves or avoids) rather than its form. A good metaphor in this context brings to life the costs and consequences of particular behaviours, allowing clients to see how these patterns may be keeping them stuck or moving them away from what they value.
Example metaphor: The tug-of-war with the monster
Imagine you’re holding one end of a rope, and at the other end is a giant, terrifying monster. Between you is a bottomless pit. You’re pulling on the rope with all your strength to stop the monster from dragging you into the pit. But the harder you pull, the harder the monster pulls back. You’re stuck in this exhausting struggle. What if, instead of pulling, you let go of the rope?
This metaphor helps clients reflect on their attempts to control or avoid difficult emotions and thoughts. It highlights how these avoidance strategies, while understandable, often function to maintain the struggle rather than resolve it. The metaphor invites clients to consider alternative ways of relating to their experiences.
2. Using metaphors to clarify values
Values are at the heart of ACT, representing the qualities of life that are most important to a client. However, values can sometimes feel abstract or intangible, making it difficult for clients to connect with them in a meaningful way. A well-crafted metaphor can make values more vivid and accessible, helping clients to see the role they play as a guide for meaningful action.
Example metaphor: The compass and the journey
Imagine you’re on a long hike through a vast wilderness. You have a compass that points you in the direction you want to go. Along the way, you encounter steep hills, muddy paths, and heavy rain. The compass doesn’t remove these challenges, but it keeps you heading toward where you want to be. Without it, you might wander aimlessly or give up altogether.
This metaphor illustrates how values act as a compass in life, providing direction even when the journey is difficult. It emphasises that living in alignment with one’s values doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it does make the effort worthwhile. For clients, this can deepen their connection to what truly matters and motivate them to take meaningful steps forward.
3. Using metaphors to create a context for change
The third purpose of metaphors in ACT is to establish a new context or perspective in which change becomes possible. This involves helping clients shift their relationship with their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, fostering greater psychological flexibility. A metaphor in this context invites clients to experience a new way of being, allowing them to step out of rigid patterns and into a space where they can respond more flexibly and effectively.
Example metaphor: The passengers on the bus
Imagine you’re the driver of a bus, and your passengers are your thoughts, emotions, and memories. Some passengers are loud and demanding, shouting directions at you or criticising your driving. Others are quiet, and some are just plain rude. You might be tempted to stop the bus and try to get rid of the loud ones, but the more you focus on them, the harder it becomes to keep driving. What if you kept the bus moving, regardless of what the passengers were saying?
This metaphor helps clients see that they don’t need to control or eliminate their difficult thoughts and emotions in order to live their life. By stepping into the role of the bus driver, they can acknowledge their inner experiences without being controlled by them, creating space for values-based action.
Precision and purpose in metaphor use
The power of metaphors in ACT lies in their ability to create experiential learning moments. A metaphor, when used with precision, can help clients stand in a new position and see their struggles from a fresh perspective. This requires the clinician to have a clear understanding of the purpose behind the metaphor—whether it’s to illuminate the function of a behaviour, clarify values, or establish a context for change.
By thoughtfully selecting and tailoring metaphors to a client’s unique context, practitioners can foster deeper engagement and insight. A metaphor is not just a way of explaining an idea; it’s a way of transforming how clients relate to their experiences and their lives.
Final thoughts
Metaphors are a vital tool in ACT, offering a bridge between abstract concepts and lived experience. When used carefully and with intention, they can reveal the function of behaviours, bring values to life, and create new possibilities for change. For ACT practitioners, the challenge is not simply to use metaphors but to use them effectively—choosing the right metaphor for the right purpose and ensuring it resonates with the client’s unique story.