Metaphors appear simple but are fundamental schemata allowing expression and processing of complex emotions and information. They are so embedded in language and thinking that we are often unaware of their impact, despite the crucial role of metaphors in communication, learning and creating meaning from experiences. A deeper understanding of how to recognize and work with client-generated and counselor-generated metaphors has great potential as an addition to the genetic counseling ‘tool-box’. Here, we draw on studies from related health and psychotherapy fields to discuss how working purposefully with metaphors may offer a powerful way to enhance communication within a reciprocally engaged client–counselor relationship. Metaphors present ways to explain complex genetic concepts in a personally meaningful form, to gain a deeper understanding of client's experiences and emotions, to assist processing of experiences, emotions, and concepts, and to assist client and counselor to access and reflect on subconscious emotions, self-concept, and motivations. In addition, working with metaphors has been shown to facilitate coping and action. This paper sets the scene for why and how genetic counselors can utilize client-generated and counselor-generated metaphors purposefully in all areas of practice, including enhancing the therapeutic interaction with clients, as well as in supervision, training, cultural competence, and shaping of societal attitudes toward genetics.

中文翻译：

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隐喻以及为什么这些在遗传咨询的各个方面都很重要

隐喻看似简单，但却是允许表达和处理复杂情绪和信息的基本图式。尽管隐喻在交流、学习和从经验中创造意义方面发挥着至关重要的作用，但它们如此嵌入语言和思维中，以至于我们常常没有意识到它们的影响。作为遗传咨询“工具箱”的补充，更深入地了解如何识别和使用客户产生的和顾问产生的隐喻具有很大的潜力。在这里，我们利用相关健康和心理治疗领域的研究来讨论如何有目的地使用隐喻可以提供一种强有力的方式来增强互惠参与的客户 - 顾问关系中的沟通。隐喻以个人意义的形式提供了解释复杂遗传概念的方法，深入了解来访者的经历和情绪，协助处理经验、情绪和概念，并帮助来访者和辅导员了解和反思潜意识情绪、自我概念和动机。此外，使用隐喻已被证明有助于应对和采取行动。本文为遗传咨询师为何以及如何在所有实践领域有目的地利用客户生成和咨询师生成的隐喻，包括加强与客户的治疗互动，以及在监督、培训、文化能力和塑造社会对遗传学的态度。和动机。此外，使用隐喻已被证明有助于应对和采取行动。本文为遗传咨询师为何以及如何在所有实践领域有目的地利用客户生成和咨询师生成的隐喻，包括加强与客户的治疗互动，以及在监督、培训、文化能力和塑造社会对遗传学的态度。和动机。此外，使用隐喻已被证明有助于应对和采取行动。本文为遗传咨询师为何以及如何在所有实践领域有目的地利用客户生成和咨询师生成的隐喻，包括加强与客户的治疗互动，以及在监督、培训、文化能力和塑造社会对遗传学的态度。