It's often difficult to 'put into words' the experiences that we have in life. We resort to describing abstract or unfamiliar concepts in terms of things that are concrete or we think will be familiar to the listener. Analogies and metaphors help us to develop and expand our understanding of a subject or situation, for example, the challenges that we face in life. They may offer an alternative perspective that we might not otherwise have considered.

Each episode of the 'Metaphors for Life' podcast is a 'thought bubble' - a format designed to work as a 'Thought for the Day' or 'Pause for Thought'. It's aim is to encourage psychological flexibility, promote good mental health, and introduce ideas inspired by evidence based psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

#5 Metaphors for life

For this episode of 'Metaphors for Life', I met up with David Gillanders from Edinburgh University to talk about the use of metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and in particular his invention of the sailing boat metaphor. Whilst often helpful in the delivery of psychological therapy with clients, metaphors can also show up in the context of clinical supervision; both for case conceptualisation as well as usefully exploring the struggles that therapists have themselves!

"Talking about something else, other than the problem, although you're still talking about the problem (because it's linked to the problem), can lead to fresh perspectives, and a loosening up around how to deal with the problem, and trying out different kinds of strategies."

David Gillanders is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Academic Director of the Doctoral training programme in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He is also an ACBS peer-reviewed ACT trainer, and delivers training throughout the UK and internationally.

Find out more on his university webpage:
www.ed.ac.uk/profile/david-gillanders

#8 Sailing boats with David Gillanders

Metaphors for Life - an invitation to consider your own experience of relating to thoughts, feelings and actions from a different perspective. Encouraging psychological flexibility with content inspired by the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 

A collection of ideas, short stories, fables or parables designed to pose questions and help you navigate life using similes and metaphors. Using a bite-sized, 'Pause for thought' or 'Thought for the day' style format, rooted in the principles of psychological therapy and self help for improving mental health and wellbeing.

#8 Sailing boats with David Gillanders

Metaphors for Life

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