Modifying Metaphors For Neurodivergent Clients 8 Practical Tips

Metaphors can be a powerful way to bring therapeutic concepts to life - but they don’t always land the same way for every client. For many neurodivergent clients, metaphors may feel confusing, too abstract, overly literal, or simply disconnected from their lived experience. When used without flexibility, they can unintentionally create misunderstanding rather than clarity.

In this eBook, Russ Harris shares 8 practical tips to help you thoughtfully adapt and modify metaphors so they are more accessible, meaningful, and effective for neurodivergent clients.

Learn how to:

• Recognise when a metaphor may not be landing, and respond with curiosity, flexibility, and collaboration.

• Adapt metaphors to feel clearer, more personalized, and more relevant to each client’s individual experience.

• Use therapeutic language more intentionally to support understanding, engagement, and neuroaffirming practice during sessions.