Metaphor | Beyond the Limits of Understanding

Presented by Joaquin Lopez, MS, Professional Counselor Associate

Friday, October 21, 2022, from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Virtual by Zoom: (webinar details provided after registration)

All Tickets: $10.00 /EHNW Affiliates attend FREE

Why do metaphors hold so much power? How can we use metaphors in a clinical setting that is therapeutic and productive for both the counselor and the client?

Metaphor is the language of transformation. Since time immemorial humans have expressed the awe and wonder of the universe through the use of metaphor. As a literary device, the metaphor constructs meaning through comparisons by using one object in place of another. Thus, going beyond the known form and meaning of an expressed object to evoke a message or explanation. The use of metaphor ushers in the opportunity to go beyond what we believe to be true. In the counseling office, metaphors give permission to explore the unknown, to see what cannot be seen, and to get in touch with aspects of our experience in a unique way to forge new meaning.

Metaphor | Beyond the Limits of Understanding will first examine metaphor through a poetic and literary lens identifying its parts and functions. After which will follow an investigation of the use of metaphor in a clinical setting from a theoretical perspective and its applications with clients. The discussion will also include a review of tools to explore metaphor through circumambulation and word association.

Presenter Bio

Joaquin is a Jungian-existential oriented counselor registered as a Professional Counselor Associate with the State of Oregon. He graduated from the Portland State University CACREP-accredited Master’s program in counseling. He serves on the board of the Existential-Humanistic Northwest Professional Organization and Gather:Make:Shelter arts organization. His professional memberships include the American Counseling Association, Oregon Counseling Association, S.A.I.G.E. (Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Communities), and Oregon Friends of C.G. Jung. His private practice is located in the historic district of Beaverton, Oregon, in Theel House. Joaquin is a performing artist with an extensive career as a musician and cultural arts producer. Selected to serve as a Creative Laureate for the City of Portland for the term 2021-2023, he is an advocate for arts & culture and creativity.

This event is being offered by EHNW Portland. Please reach out to them for questions about this event.