I found a metaphor that I felt could be beneficial to clients. The Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorite movies and I have found a metaphor that can be used to relate this movie to our lives. The story is based on the main character, Dorothy who is trying to become what she is meant to be. This is symbolized by her many attempts to get home. Dorothy learns that she cannot do this alone and she needs the help of others. Many students are trying to figure out what their future holds and what they want to do with their life, but they must realize that they need the help of others. Those other people can be family, friends, teachers and counselors. Along the way, Dorothy meets three people who in reality, are ego states that are within her. Dorothy learns that to achieve your goal, you need to use your head (a brain), you need to have passion and feeling for what you want ( a heart), and you need to have determination and be willing to take risks (courage). Through the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy learns that she has all of these within her. Students need to understand that in order to be successful throughout life that they need and education and to use their head, a passion for what they want out of life and determination.
Dorothy also encounters some characters that help her to learn more about life. For instance she thought a lot about the Wizard and felt he was strong but realized that those people are often just as ordinary as we are. She also found out that people who try to hurt us in lots of ways are more vulnerable than we are (Wicked Witch of the West). Students need to realize that to be successful in life they need to experience this world and look within themselves to achieve their goals in life.
The Wizard of Oz is an excellent example of a metaphorical story that would be very beneficial when counseling. I think that students of all ages can relate to Dorothy, the tin man, the scarecrow, and the cowardly lion. This is an excellent way to show students that with a pursuit towards academic excellence, a passion and drive for meeting our life goals, and the courage to take the inital steps, that success is possible for all of us. I think that metaphorical stories are especially useful because students can relate directly to the characters. Also, every child loves a good movie and the movie could be incorporated into a group guidance lesson.
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