title: Unconventional metaphors and emotional-cognitive regulation in a metacognitive interpersonal therapy.
abstract: This study investigates the relationship between unconventional (i.e., creative) metaphors and emotional-cognitive regulation in a metacognitive interpersonal therapy (MIT). The occurrence of unconventional metaphor was identified using the Metaphor Analysis in Psychotherapy (MAP) model, and emotional-cognitive regulation was assessed by the Therapeutic Cycles Model (TCM). The results showed that the dyad's frequency of unconventional metaphors is significantly related to emotional-cognitive integration, reflective processes and moments of therapeutic engagement based on the quality of such regulation. More specifically, client metaphors were associated with emotional-cognitive integration and moments of therapeutic engagement, while therapist metaphors were associated with reflective processes. The results suggest that unconventional metaphors may be considered markers for different cognitive-emotional regulatory processes and moments of heightened therapeutic work and change in MIT.
authors: University of Salento, Department of Pedagogical, Psychological and Educational Sciences, Lecce, Italy. omar.gelo@unisalento.it
authors: Omar Carlo Gioacchino
authors: OC
authors: Gelo
authors: Erhard
authors: E
authors: Mergenthaler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019365:Metaphor; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D016896:Treatment Outcome