Devil and angel analogy in counselling. Is it right? It seems not.

[ValerieCupcake]

My friend's having therapy and her main problem is anxiety. The therapist is telling her that it's the devil and the angel that is vying for control of her thoughts and decisions and so forth. I see that this is an analogy but to me it seems wrong. I don't think it is meant with a religious angle. But even so it seems unhelpful. It takes agency away and feeds into her being out of control of her own thoughts and decisions. Anyone come across this before?

Therapist here.

It’s not a metaphor I would use.

There is some merit in externalising intrusive thoughts, eg labelling them as an ‘ocd thought’ as it helps separate the thoughts from the person, a concept called de-fusion which is helpful.

Saying there are a devil and and angel vying for control of her thoughts actually sounds a bit psychotic!

Having said that I know from experience clients don’t always accurately recall what we say and can put their own interpretations on things.

Where did she find said therapist?

@JudyGemstone

Saying there are a devil and and angel vying for control of her thoughts actually sounds a bit psychotic!

Having said that I know from experience clients don’t always accurately recall what we say and can put their own interpretations on things.

Where did she find said therapist?

Through the IAPT self-referral. They have sessions on the phone once a week.

The idea of an angel of one shoulder and a devil on the other is a really common trope. It’s such a common shorthand metaphor that when it comes to TV shows, films, adverts etc we are all expected to be familiar with it.

The angel and devil are parts of ourselves, not external forces. By identifying each of those aspects of the self, then we can examine our different motivations and re-integrate.

Of course, I’m getting this third hand from your second hand account and seeing it in a way that makes sense to me. It’s not clear if this was an offhand metaphor or if it’s something that is being explored more deeply, and what discussions are going on around it. If your friend has an issue with it, she needs to take it up with the therapist. It’s for her to decide what is and isn’t helpful, not you. Remember there will be a lot else going on in sessions, explanations and explorations that you won’t be privy to.

Thanks for the comments. I've heard of a monkey on your shoulder telling you to do things (imaginary of course) but not this.