A SOLUTION-BUILDING METAPHORICAL CONCEPT FOR DIRECT SOCIAL WORK WITH CHILDREN: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

As a practicing social worker the researcher was interested in a specific metaphorical conceptthat was used in a private practice context during direct social work intervention with children.The metaphbrlcal concept was subjected to methodological analysis to determine and describeits applicability with the aim of adding to the body of knowledge regarding the use ofmetaphors in direct work with children from a solution-focused perspective. The underlyingmetatheory was social constructionism with specific reference to solution-focused andstrengths-based social work practice.It was found that the particular metaphorical concept had specific functions that could belinked to solution-building questions and play actions. Adaptations to the basic metaphor wereobserved when it was used as part of sensory play, biblioplay and to enhance posttraumaticplay.