Although the metaphor has long been used as an educational tool in sociology, its use in sociological practice has been limited. However, the affinity between the metaphor and the sociological perspective affords the sociological practitioner a unique opportunity to meet a client in a created space of shared meaning. This is useful when the client's situation is too painful to share his or her thoughts and feelings with an outsider, or when the clinician and client come from very different backgrounds. Metaphors may be voluntarily presented by the client, elicited from the client, or designed by the clinician. Techniques to enhance efficacy and ethical considerations are discussed.
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