Can metaphors heal (for real)?

Starting from the author’s previous research on metaphor in the counselling practice, this paper addresses the challenge of using metaphor as a transformational self-help tool when dealing with a specific issues related to emotional imbalances. Previous research will be presented in a synthetic way, the problem of scientific reliability will be addressed, and then the case develops starting with metaphorical work as divided between conceptual and linguistic, and ending with discursive practices to foster in order to change your own mood and attitude towards yourself and the world. More specifically, these will be the steps to be addressed: 1) metaphor level – analysis, 2) metaphor level – transformation: new metaphor crafting, at conceptual and word level – performativity: linguistic metaphors production. Metaphor work in combination with concepts and words can be magic, and change your mind toward a different vision. The work can be implemented at 3) discoursal level: fostering alternative discourse strategies that can change your mood and attitude toward the world, so to inform action. Finally, this work suggests going 4) back to the roots: trauma identification and overcoming. This further stage addresses the challenge of deconstructing (destructive) subconscious injunctions and constructing conscious proposals. Eventually, 5) a self-check in self-perception, general well-being, and changed behaviour is proposedsuggested as feedback stage. Self-disclosure will follow, and the paper closes with suggestions for follow-up on further research. This closure wants to open up the horizon of the promising relationship between metaphor and healing.