The role of metaphor in coaching when re-authoring narratives in post-traumatic growth: a thematic analysis

Abstract

In this exploratory study we aim to understand whether metaphor plays a role in re-authoring narratives when coachees are experiencing process posttraumatic growth (PTG). Recognising the post-trauma phase of their life, nine participants who utilised the modality of coaching whilst in trauma recovery were interviewed using semi-structured questions, the data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged from the results indicating metaphor usage is a common factor in re-authoring post-trauma: awareness of past-trauma and a need for reauthoring; an expression for change; the PTG framework created a coherent narrative of PTG in the present; and both coaching and metaphor created a coherent narrative of self and life in the present.

Keywords

• coaching
• metaphors
• posttraumatic growth
• re-authoring
• trauma