Stimulating unconscious processes with metaphors and narrative.

Metaphors, analogies, fairy tales, parables, myths, aphorisms, anecdotes, stories are effective communication tools used for educational, suggestive and persuasive purposes. They are part of pragmatic and strategic communication with the intent to convey values, suggest feelings, thoughts and behavior aimed at improving the clinical outcome. In the philosophical field these tools are used to concretely explain an abstract thought, such as Schopenhauer's story of porcupines to send the message of the right distance between people: neither too close not to be stung, nor too distant not to feel cold.