Metaphors in coaching: how symbolic modelling can support change
As a cognitive hypnotherapist, I often notice that clients already carry rich internal pictures of where they are, what feels difficult, and what might help them move forward. Metaphor gives us a respectful way to explore those inner landscapes without forcing an answer too quickly.
Recently, I have begun helping clients model their metaphoric landscape so they can safely explore, at a slight distance, what they may be doing subconsciously, what they may be avoiding, and what they might need next. Using Clean Language techniques developed by David Grove, alongside symbolic modelling, we work together to support transformation by helping clients understand where they are, how they feel, and what action may be needed. With AI and skilled facilitation, we can create powerful images that enrich coaching sessions and reveal simple, meaningful ideas for moving forward.
Included in this blog are some of these images, including the Tree of Life.
This client had a strong sense of overwhelm, which contributed to anxiety, stress and procrastination. Through symbolic modelling, we arrived at the image of a tree: dense with leaves and unnecessary branches, carrying extra weight and blocking positive light from reaching the core. Glimpses of light still shone through, offering elements of hope and encouragement, but not enough to clear the anxiety. As we explored further, the client shared that the trunk represented growth, security, safety and presence. Some branches were strong and well nurtured, offering well-deserved rewards such as love, fun, friendship and security. At the top was the goal: the sun, providing warmth, energy, love and hope. Around the outside, branches were covered with dense leaves, symbolising jobs, the to-do list, chores and unnecessary weight. These outer leaves seemed to create the anxiety and procrastination: “Where do I start?”
Further development brought in the visualisation of the client as a stick character climbing the tree on a Jacob’s ladder: a ladder that kept growing, keeping the goal, the sun, in sight but still out of reach. The stick person was nimble, fast and, in reality, very able. They could tackle one branch at a time, spending time with the good branches, such as family, partner and career, as well as those overwhelmed by leaves. Importantly, this character also needed rest: lying down at the core of the trunk. When we explored this, rest meant recovery, increased strength, energy and focus. Rest and stopping were allowed.
With the created metaphoric landscape, highlighted resources and image, the client could understand more clearly where they were in life. It offered a reminder of what was permanently good, while also helping them recognise their core strengths. It also showed why anxiety was present, why the weight felt so heavy, and why a way forward was sometimes difficult to see.
Together, we discussed options for tackling one branch at a time, allowing more light in and making the tree feel lighter. There was also powerful confirmation that rest was not only important, but necessary. The main takeaway was that the tree is for life: whatever comes its way, it can survive and grow.
I hope the visual picture at the start of this passage helps bring the metaphor to life. The two images below, from separate clients, are called Leap of Faith and Shore to Shore.
If you would like to model your own metaphoric landscape and better understand where you are today, and where you would like to go, please feel free to contact me.
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