Use of proverbs and idioms in psychotherapy

In psychotherapies, using therapy approaches and methods inspired mainstream psychology which are generally originated from west and specifically originated from USA (their own culture) sometimes can cause insecurity, hesitation and also misunderstanding for individuals with different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, localization of psychotherapy and psychology is important in order to make psychotherapy services more available for a wide range of people and also it is important to make therapy process more beneficial for clients. In this study, based on the needs of the localization of psychology and psychotherapy, use of proverbs and idioms in psychotherapy was examined. In this context, the purpose of the study is that increasing the effectiveness of psychotherapy and understanding therapist's opinions about whether proverbs and idioms can be used in order to reach ultimate goals. Also, it is aimed to understand the effects of proverbs and idioms about providing therapeutic connection by using common language between therapist and client. As a result of them, it is aimed to examine the contribution of proverbs and idioms to localization of psychotherapy and psychology. In this context, interviews were realized and recorded by asking participants semi-structured questions. The participants of the study consist of 10 psychotherapists who live in Istanbul and working in different areas. Also they are from different ages and sexes. According to findings, proverbs and idioms can be used in order to increase effectiveness of psychotherapy and contribute to client's life to determine for his/her own style as a person. It was came up that proverbs and idioms that contribute providing the therapeutic alliance can be used in psychotherapies in different contexts. Based on these results, it is important to research the therapeutic effects of proverbs and idioms and the relationship between proverbs and therapy oriented to localization of psychotherapy and psychology.