Anecdotes, Metaphors, and Stories

Abstract The beginning of group therapy can be an unruly time for the novice and even experienced counselors. Through the use of Anecdotes, Metaphors and Stories (AMS), counselors can effectively begin a group and tap into the unconscious emotions and representational systems of their group members. Additionally, through the use of AMS, counselors can facilitate the process of group therapy at any stage. This article provides a review of anecdotes, metaphors and stories and how they can be applied in the group therapy setting. Additionally, theoretical and practical application of these techniques are explained and illustrated. Finally, how this set of interrelated techniques may be applied at the specific stages of group development is presented.