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Below , we present some examples of metaphors . Remember that survivors need to feel that the story or metaphor mirrors real life , and the survivor ’ s experience . To motivate and inspire , it should reflect his culture , norms , and personality . You can change and adapt stories and metaphors to make them as relevant as possible .
The dragonfly
HELP AND ACTION
The dragonfly metaphor can help a survivor understand his situation and perhaps improve it . The two wings of the dragonfly symbolise the past and the future . Between the wings lies the present . The survivor can gradually become more present ( here and now ) and gain more control over his life and his personal resources . The dragonfly ’ s eyes symbolise his ability to look beyond his traumatic experiences and see hope for the future . By looking ahead and remembering good memories from his past , the dragonfly can learn to use his wings again and to fly . Survivors too should be free to determine their life and move in the directions they want .
The dragonfly metaphor may be described in four parts : ( 1 ) life before the abuse ; ( 2 ) the abuse ; ( 3 ) when the survivor experiences triggers and flashbacks ; and ( 4 ) when the survivor understands trauma reactions , learns to deal with them , and gradually gets better .
In the first part , the past may be represented by his kind grandfather , the sound of the river where he grew up , etc . The future may be represented by his desire for education , to obtain a good job , to travel , etc . The dragonfly lives in the present , between past and future .
This part shows the dragonfly in a good place . He has good memories and hopes and plans for the future . His legs are well planted on the ground , he is stable . It also shows what is taken away from him when he is abused ; and that , as he recovers , he will be able to remember what has been good and will be able to plan again for the future . It is true , of course , that not everyone lived a happy life before they were abused ; almost all , nevertheless , can recall good and important memories .
The second part shows the dragonfly just after he has been abused . He no longer has hopes or plans and has lost faith in the future . He no longer feels safe : his legs are no longer solidly on the ground . The dragonfly has become thinner , his wings droop .
The third part focuses on the dragonfly ’ s triggers and flashbacks . His wings have changed . He still has no plans for the future and no longer remembers his past before the trauma incident . In this part , his feelings are hidden behind the hurt he has experienced .
Then a transformation begins . He still experiences triggers and flashbacks : bad memories flood the dragonfly ’ s senses . When he hears someone running behind him , it takes him back to the moment when he was assaulted . But he learns how to help himself to be more connected to the present ( the here-and-now ).
The fourth part shows the dragonfly finally getting better . He has learned to be in the present , and to deal with his emotions and with triggers and flashbacks . His legs are closer to the ground . He can talk about past , future and present . The dragonfly is now able to fly long distances and confront the future and feels pride because he has already overcome many challenges .
The dragonfly story has a happy ending , which should be a point of discussion with survivors . Let them reflect on their own hopes for the future . They are not dragonflies , so these must be realistic .