Reviews some of the more prevalent metaphors used to describe the nature and character of the self. Contends that counselors have theories about the self, whether implicit or explicit, and that these theories directly influence their practice. Poses various ethical questions associated with different metaphors of the self. (JPS)

A constructivist framework can often appear vague and abstract to the novice counselor. The abstract and nebulous realm of meaning-making, which is central to constructivist approaches, can be frustrating for a linear, task-oriented counselor. This digest explains the approaches used in constructivist counseling. The need to use constructivist…