Conceptual Metaphors in Internship: Creative Journeys in Counselor Development

Abstract

The use of metaphors is considered a cognitive and affective process in which individuals can creatively explain and understand unfamiliar experiences. Through the Metaphor Identification Procedure, 453 metaphors were identified within semester-long reflective journals from 49 students enrolled in a clinical mental health internship course. Six overarching categories resulted, highlighting creativity used in processing, understanding, and describing events within internship. Implications for supervision and counselor education are provided.