More than merely dispensing data, people need to be understood, need to be ‘heard’ and need to be ‘felt.’ This is when we use metaphors, similes and allegory to ‘walk in another’s shoes.’   

Clinicians use metaphors to describe physical signs, disease processes, treatment goals and objectives of healthy living. Examples include “the grape size lesion, we can battle this cancer, smooth sailing with your new regimen.”  

Patients use metaphors when describing their physical symptoms, their emotional issues and their life situations. Examples of metaphors include “the pain is like a sharp knife, I feel boxed in, I carry a heavy burden and feel stuck.”  When you identify a person’s metaphor, you speak the same language.  

This ability allows you to reframe that language and refocus their ability to choose the way they think, feel and act.   

This episode is a starting point to build your tool kit of empowering metaphors and learn how to use empowering metaphors and avoid unhealthy ones.   

Welcome to The Introverted Doctor, the podcast that uncovers myths, mistakes, and misconceptions that hold healthcare professionals back from living their best life at work, home, and play. Each week, Dr. Lalit Chawla will present tips and strategies that you can begin applying right away! He's a full-time Family Physician, Adjunct Professor of Medicine, International Lecture and Writer.   In his former life, he was a professional Illusionist and still uses his skills in his workshops, lectures and in the clinical setting.  He incorporates magic and illusions in his lectures and teaches healthcare professionals how to use magic in a clinical setting and in the rehabilitation setting.  www.TheIntrovertedDoctor.com