The effects of three types of counselor-offered metaphors, varying in levels of complexity, were compared to facilitative responses on measures of perceived empathy, regard, expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness. Eighty subjects, 32 male and 48 female, crossed on levels of cognitive complexity, were assigned to one of four audiotaped treatment conditions: complex metaphor (CM), narrative analogy (NA), cliche (CL), and Level 3 facilitative response (L3). Results indicated that NA and L3 each produced more positive client ratings of empathy, regard, and expertness than CL. Cognitive complexity did not affect client ratings except for CM conditions. The use of metaphors in therapeutic communication is discussed.

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