“Changing Metaphors of the Self: Implications for Counseling,” by Marie Hoskins and Johanna Leseho, Journal of Counseling and Development, January/February 1996, Vol. 74, pp. 243-252.

The nature and character of the self can be described in many metaphors. This article explores the variety of metaphors used, first examining the traditional and then the postmodern metaphors. Finally, the authors explore the implications these have for counseling. Traditional metaphors for self include: the unitary self and the integrated self. The unitary self concept contends that the self is a central core which remains unchanged throughout life. The goal of life is to remove the outer protective layers gained as defenses from life’s trials to discover the inner true self. The integrated self, on the other hand, focuses on combining all aspects of self cohesively, and not in shedding all undesirable aspects of a person’s thinking, feeling, and behavior. It involves the reconciliation of opposites to create the “True Self,” or “Higher Self.”

Postmodern metaphors for self include: the narrative self, possible selves, the empty self, the internalized self, the community of selves, and the dialogical self. The narrative self is described as a fluid, evolving character in a continual process of becoming which is impacted and shaped by the surrounding culture in which it lives. Possible selves are, in essence, the cognitive bridges that connect the “now” self with the future. They are a person’s schemas or “working self-concept” for what one might become. They incorporate past and present experience as a means of creating future selves, while at the same time future possible selves are used to evaluate and define the present self. The empty self arises from a self which is divorced from a sense of historical past or spiritual presence, a hollow person without a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

The internalized self suggests a metaphor of a community within. Specific metaphors are the community of selves and the dialogical self. The community of selves (Mair) differs from Jungian archetypal integration and Berne’s parent, adult, child figures in the following ways: 1) the conceptualization is only a metaphor that is not conclusive; 2) the term community allows for greater flexibility in depicting subselves, since people envision all kinds of communities; and 3) this community is based on cooperation and collaboration, not on an authoritative hierarchy. A person “lives with” an internal community. The dialogical self is a metaphor using character, dialogues, overlapping dramas, and organized acts as a way of defining self. The individual is the author of a personal story containing meaningful events, which reflection on past and present experience creates. The stories of one’s life can be told from any vantage point; the self has many voices and none have the ultimate power.

There are many metaphors of self that are congruent with different theoretical perspectives in counseling. The article raises questions about the advantages, disadvantages, and impact of adopting a metaphor as a means of defining self. The authors suggest that counselors keep in mind that metaphors are not a replacement for reality, saying that “The map is not the territory.” The human spirit is too complex to be limited to one interpretation, and each metaphor has assumptions about the best way to live, as well as having its own strength and limitations.

I found this article fascinating because it deals with the concept of being. There are no hard and fast rules for knowing, becoming, or interpreting self. At best, this article and any other can only consider and debate these intangible, heady concepts. Some of this article borders on the philosophical or spiritual realm. The description of metaphors provoked within me an examination of what I consider my self to be; in psychotherapy, the Self is the tool in use, and it is paramount that the therapist be awake to this. My concept of self shapes the way I counsel others, and I need to be aware of the values conveyed indirectly by this.