Metaphor Reflection
What is it?
A metaphor is a figure of speech which depends on a similarity. An example: 'the camel is the ship of the desert.' The imagery of a metaphor often provides new, unexpected perspectives on a situation. Metaphors are therefore an extremely useful tool for reflection.
What is the origin of this tool?
Metaphor Reflection is based on work by Jeroen Hendriksen.
What is the aim?
Metaphor Reflection can be used
To make it possible to talk about a (work) experience through images in a group.
To show that there are different approaches possible to a (professional) problem.
When is it used?
This reflection tool can be used in the following situations
The reflection group has minimum 8 and maximum 20 participants.
With more than 8 participants, more sub-groups per metaphor.
The reflection session lasts from 50 - 60 minutes.
The participants have a shared frame of reference: they work together, they are on a work placement or following a part-time programme alongside their job.
Other people's perspectives can make a meaningful contribution to changing the situation.