The use of metaphor in the process of forgiveness within the therapeutic setting
Ann Watling and Beverly Cole
Citation: Watling, A., & Cole, B. (2025). The use of metaphor in the process of forgiveness within the therapeutic setting. European Journal of Counselling Theory, Research and Practice, 9, 2, 1-9. https://ejctrap.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-9-2025/volume-9-article-2
Processing dates: Submitted: 7 March 2025; Resubmitted 27 June 2025; Accepted: 16 July 2024; Published: 3 October 2025
Abstract
The concept of forgiveness is an intricate phenomenon that facilitates the release of resentment and other painful emotions, whilst the process of ‘letting-go’ of unforgiveness enables individuals to be free from their connection to past hurts. Nonetheless, the meaning of forgiveness is commonly misunderstood by today’s society.
There have been considerable advancements in measuring forgiveness, yet despite extensive research evidencing how forgiveness improves mental health, increases self-esteem, and fosters hope, the process of how forgiveness unfolds remains unclear. Furthermore, notwithstanding many examples of forgiveness models, there has been a paucity of research on the process of forgiveness itself. This paper therefore explores the process of forgiveness through a client-generated metaphorical lens.
Metaphors are fundamental to human communication across diverse cultures and religions, enabling individuals to understand abstract and complex concepts. They are deeply personal constructs, shaped by an individual’s unique experiences and perceptions. Thus, metaphor can facilitate the process of forgiveness, portraying difficult-to-define inner experiences as more concrete and relatable.
How unforgiveness is currently addressed within therapy is considered, and the need for, and benefits of, a metaphorical model for working with forgiveness is introduced. It is proposed that such a framework could foster personalised insights and help a client identify where they ‘stand’ within their forgiveness journey. A metaphorical model for working with forgiveness is currently the subject of qualitative research to assess its potential as a therapeutic intervention that could provide significant insight into a client’s inner-world, and enhance understanding of the process of letting-go of unforgiveness.
Keywords: Forgiveness; Unforgiveness; Metaphor; Therapy; Counselling interventions
Biographies
Ann Watling is a PhD student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and an accredited member of the BACP and NCPS. She is a counsellor and counselling supervisor across private practice and the voluntary sector. In addition to her clinical work, Ann is a trainer for Cruse Bereavement Care, a leading UK charity providing support to individuals grieving the death of someone close. With a background in nursing and midwifery, she is also particularly interested in the impact of women’s birthing experiences and their psychological transition to motherhood.
Email: 1551426@student.uwtsd.ac.uk
http://orcid.org/0009-0004-4535-3958
Beverly Cole is a lecturer and PhD/MA research supervisor within the Academic Discipline of Psychology and Counselling at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. In addition to her academic roles, she is an accredited member of the BACP and a practicing psychotherapist/counselling supervisor within the NHS, private practice, and the voluntary sector. Her research interests include Heuristic Self-search Inquiry, Auto-ethnography and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. She has a particular interest in research into the training and supervision of psychotherapists.
Relevant publications include:
Noble, H. J., & Cole, B. J. (2024). Falling into Glăveanu’s Gap: A lyric essay searching for resilience through creativity. European Journal for Qualitative Research,14, 48-61.
Noble, H. J., & Cole, B. J. (2020). Re-writing the pain: A Lyric Essay. European Journal for Qualitative Research, 10, 16-27.
Edworthy, A., & Cole, B. J. (2012). Cycles of Self Esteem. Social Care and Neurodisability, 3(1), 27-36.
Email: beverly.cole@uwtsd.ac.uk http://orcid.org/0009-0004-1911-2528