| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:ethics (metaphor) |
| Posted by: | Todd |
| Date/Time: | 23/10/2003 03:13:46 |
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Jon, I appreciate your comments about metaphor. It is for me, a bit of a fuzzy area in relation to the content/form and ethics issue that has been in disucssion here of late. You see, I must confess I see metaphor as content and as not. Interesting, huh? Now my position may be due to the fact that I enjoy working with metaphor and am comfortable doing so. I mean, hey, maybe I take it too literally ;-) Here is my contribution by way of a question for further discussion. Now, I recognize that in general metaphor avoids the introduction of content. However, here is a possible counter-example... Suppose that I decide to introduce a therapeutic metaphor with a client based on moving her from her current state to a desired state. I create the PERFECT metaphor in that it is precisely isomorphic to their current state. They accept this metaphor as is. I now continue with this metaphor moving into the content (of the metaphor) which is isomorphic to the desired state. Viola! The client accepts this and change happens. Here's the rub, although it is true that the client will have to "make meaning" out of the metaphor from their experience. The FORM of the meaning will be isomorphic (or close) to the metaphor. Thus I have, as a therapist, moved the clients attention away from solutions of other "forms" (by directing their attention to this form) I hope I am being clear about this scenario and that you understand the issue I am trying to raise. I am not trying to take a position here one way or another. I am trying to find the edges of this concept of ethics (if they exist). Any productive thoughts on this are welcome. I am still of the impression that the content/form distinction is relative. However, if this is the case then (I just realized) the ethics issue may be relative. In this instance relative to the topic and context introduced by the client. This still provides for ethical guidelines that can be followed. They just may depend on the initial presentations of the client. Whew! I am blowing my own mind! (It's ok, I love the breeze!) Bye for now, Todd Sloane |