different perception of opportunities as well. Thus, one situation viewed from more than
one perspective can open several problem-solving alternatives. Using multiple metaphors
in career counselling enhances creativity in the given situation and identifies multiple
options for solving the situation.
Disadvantages:
Erroneous interpretations
Metaphors are communication instruments so that the counselee is able to set the level
and type of exchange with the counsellor. Although useful in career exploration,
metaphors may occasionally lead to erroneous interpretations of the situation. It is
necessary to clarify the metaphor and elaborate upon it to equalize the language and
expectations of the two parties. The counsellors’ role is to observe moments when the
metaphor significances are divergent. In order to remedy such situations, the counsellor
can come back to the unclear elements and accentuate certain components if
misunderstood and erroneously integrated.
Blocking the creative process
Metaphors are expressions of our creativity and imagination, and if flexibly used they can
open opportunities by creating different perspectives on events. Relating careers to a
single metaphor or a rigid use of this metaphor may block creativity. Metaphors carry a
vision of one’s career and focusing on only one metaphor may limit the complexity of the
vision. It is therefore suggested to use several career metaphors, and this way the
counselling process will lead to a more complex and realistic perspective on one’s career.
The results obtained by using multiple metaphors may be complementary career facets or
can be integrated in a more complex career image.
Lack of control
Metaphors are fluid structures. They are not fixed, and therefore not completely
controllable. There are no algorithms for developing a metaphor. Metaphors represent
instruments for the counsellor. Using at the same time more “objective” metaphors may
offer a realistic image of the dynamics within the counselling process.
Bibliography
Amundson, N. E. (1997). Myths, Metaphors and Moxie: The 3M’s of Career Counseling.
In: Journal of Employment Counseling. 34, p. 78-84.
Amundson, N. E. (1998). Active engagement: Enhancing the career counseling process.
Richmond, British Columbia, Ergon Communications.