The Wall Metaphor
Metaphor plays an important role in ACT. Because it’s figurative and playful, people can operate differently within metaphor than in regular conversation. You’ll discover many tested and effective metaphors in ACT books and workshops or online. However, metaphors co-created by client and therapist can be extremely powerful.
Hannah co-created a metaphor with her therapist, which they came to refer to as The Wall. Hannah said she felt like there was a wall keeping her from doing anything, a common experience with depression. The therapist caught that and suggested exploring it further.