Even in the best of times, and certainly in this dawning new year, the question “How are you?” can pose a challenge. Metaphoric Affect Processing (MAP) helps us discover new answers. Metaphor is a neural phenomenon, and MAP uses it strategically, as an introspective sixth sense that perceives as well as describes our feelings, and can transform how we feel, right now. MAP was developed and researched in cancer and psychiatric treatment centers as a communication tool to support patients’ well-being and reduce healthcare workers’ burnout. In this interactive introduction, you’ll be guided in the creation of your own “metaphor mirrors.” Through a fanciful Q&A, these naturally poetic self-reports will emerge gently, intuitively, and automatically – no writerly talents required. You’ll activate your intuition, suspend analysis, generate perspective, and stimulate deep, empathic listening – to yourself and others.
Melissa Johnson Carissimo
Melissa Johnson Carissimo is a Counsellor trained in Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered approach, and a WBI-certified Positive Psychology Coach. She is also the creator of Metaphoric Affect Processing (MAP), which she has researched and taught in oncology, psychiatry, palliative care, and nephrology in Genoa’s largest public hospitals, focused on wellbeing in the contexts of illness. MAP is metaphor-based interview designed to facilitate intuitive introspection and non-analytical expression of difficult feelings, while mitigating counterproductive thought patterns common to states of anxiety and depression. Melissa is based in Genoa, Italy, and New York City. She leads MAP training internationally, for individuals and groups.
