Dissertation - World Federation of Music Therapy

Level 2
Some of the core metaphors may be metaphors of the self. At the level of the narrative
configuration of the self the client explores an imagery situation of special quality,
enabling her to give “a precise metaphoric characterization of herself, the situation,
the obstacles, the defence, the potential”. The analyst looks for “the imaging ego”
(Clark 1991) in the imagery, the element, which makes “I” statements.
In this material I have identified the following metaphors of the self:
Session #1: The kayak rower. – Rowing the kayak represents ‘simple life’ (postlude
comment from session #7), access to nature and beauty. However, the rower is also
isolated and alone, and longs for relationships and community.
#2: The pixy. – In the interview PIJØ recognized this “rather confused person,
running around, not really knowing where it was going” as part of herself.
#3: The forest lake. – This metaphor is cancer-related and seem to represent the body
self. The waters (bodily fluids) were polluted (by the cancer) but a natural recovering
process takes place, and life comes back to the beautiful lake.
#4: Thumbelina* is a tiny creature confronted with the beauties and horrors of nature
(at the lake). She is helped to survive by nature’s creatures but also confronted with
darkness and danger. She manages to solve the problem and heads for new
adventures.
#5: The castle. – Houses and buildings are classical metaphors of the self. This castle
presents new rooms and options for the protagonist. It contains challenges and
surprises but also opportunities for expansion.
#8: The little girl. – The abandoned girl may be an image of PIJØ as a child, however
it may also be a metaphor of her need for holding, caring and protection, as provided
by the blackbird and the hunter.
#9: The snail. – This whole session is configured as the snail’s choice making. Three
options are presented, and the snail makes a choice, acknowledging how much it
needs rest and comfort (like the little girl).
*’Tom Thumb’ is male, while ‘Thumbelina’ from the fairy tale by H.C. Andersen is
female. - In sessions #6, 7 and 10 PIJØ is herself in the imagery, the ”I” who
experiences and makes statements.
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