Metaphors of Movement – The Metaphor Society

Unlock the Symbolic Architecture of the Mind

Metaphors are not just figures of speech - they are the foundational structures of our inner experience. At Metaphors of Movement, we explore how the metaphors embedded in everyday language shape how we think, feel, behave and move through life. This pioneering therapeutic model helps individuals, professionals and organisations decode the hidden symbolic architecture of the unconscious and use metaphor as a pathway to insight and transformation.

Metaphors such as “I feel stuck,” “moving forward,” “at a crossroads,” and “on solid ground” are not poetic flourishes - they are psychological maps. When understood deeply, these metaphors reveal internal landscapes that guide perception, choices and behaviour. Rather than merely interpreting metaphors, our approach examines how they structure experience, offering clarity, agency and direction in personal and professional life.

What is Metaphors of Movement?

Metaphors of Movement is a clinically grounded framework developed by clinician and international trainer Andrew T. Austin. This methodology recognises metaphors as deeply embedded representations of psychological reality. By tracing patterns in metaphor - such as movement, direction, obstacles or terrain - practitioners and clients alike unearth the deeper logic driving thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Rather than focusing solely on emotions or behaviours, MoM invites curiosity about how a person’s internal metaphoric world shapes what they experience. This makes it particularly powerful for therapeutic growth, communication, creativity and performance enhancement.

Who Benefits from MoM?

Metaphors of Movement has broad relevance and appeal:

Therapists & Coaches – improves client insight, session depth and therapeutic outcomes.
Educators & Communicators – enhances teaching, narrative framing and engagement.
Business Leaders & Teams – clarifies strategy, reframing obstacles and unlocking creative problem-solving.
Individuals on a Personal Journey – reveals hidden assumptions, reframes limiting narratives and fosters greater clarity and agency.

Whether you’re seeking personal clarity, therapeutic skill, better communication, or creative growth, MoM provides tools that are practical, grounded and transformational.

Training & Development Pathways

MoM Training Levels provide structured and progressive learning:

The Metaphor Society – A Community of Practice

At the heart of Metaphors of Movement lies The Metaphor Society — a vibrant, global community for exploration, connection and shared study. As a member, you gain access to:

Exclusive webinars and workshops
Past session recordings and Q&A archives
A rich library of blogs, tools and practice groups
A network of like-minded practitioners and learners

This community supports your journey with ongoing learning, peer collaboration, and real-world application of metaphor-based insight.

Resources & Insight

Expand your understanding with:

Downloadable guides: “Metaphors of Movement Explained” (24-page PDF)
Blog insights: From primary metaphors to metaphor taxonomy and idioms
Practice Groups: Online and international sessions
Webinars: Interviews, theory sessions and analytic explorations

Begin Your Journey

Metaphors of Movement invites you to see language differently, to recognise the metaphors that shape your inner world, and to navigate life with greater purpose and direction. Membership opens the door to deeper insight, connection and practical tools for transformation.

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