ABSTRACT
The metaphor can create distance between the individual and a strong emotion, allowing the feeling to be explored through the filter of the image. A clearly described metaphor can draw a group together as the members realise that they are not isolated in what they are experiencing. An extension of thinking of a team or a group through a metaphor allows individuals in the team to give feedback to other team members in a non-threatening way. A simple example might be the metaphor of a vehicle. In helping learners to gain benefit from their experiences and to look into the future, the metaphor of the map can be extremely useful to a facilitator. Metaphor can enable those who struggle to articulate feelings and ideas the opportunity to speak through the pictures and images. Visual imagery and metaphor can trigger ideas, solve problems and lead people safely to an exploration of old and new patterns.
