Metaphor Reflection
Plan
What steps do you take in Metaphor Reflection?
Impact
What is the impact of this method of reflection?
Rules of play
What do you need to make agreements about?
Facilitator
What are the facilitator's tasks?
Plan
Handout Plan for Metaphor Reflection (pdf-file)
The impact
Taking time to consider both the surroundings involved and the situation of the reflector reveals two clearly distinguishable aspects. This aids clarification. Thanks to the picture of the situation which the participants outline, the reflector can look at the experience by taking some distance. By naming the relationship between the different aspects, this activity helps the reflector to develop a different approach.
The use of metaphors stimulates the participants to deal with the situation pictorially and thus to circumvent the usual 'logical' approach to a situation. This often leads to recognition: 'Yes, that's right, I do seem like a balloon which is ready to burst'.
Rules of plays
The reflector explains the situation, without being interrupted.
Participants ask clarification questions. They do not give any value judgments.
The reflector decides what they can and want to do with the new perspectives.
The facilitator
As facilitator of a reflection session with metaphors you need to make the following preparations
Practise with Metaphor Reflection.
Choose a suitable moment in the programme.
Prepare the necessary aids: flip chart, pens, space for sub-groups to work.
During the reflection session, as facilitator, you
Make sure that the plan and the rules of the game are followed.
Divide the group into sub-groups.
Monitor the time.
