The topic of metaphor in connection with affects, cognition, and speech is linked to difficult empirical and theoretical problems that arise from the fact that the range of topics related to the object of study is enormous. A complete coverage of every related topic goes beyond the possibilities of this dissertation. Without intending to be exhaustive, the theoretical part in this study attempts to make a general integration of the main theoretical currents, their differences, and some questions related to them. Chapter 1 concerns itself with the theory of affects from a neuropsychological, psychological, and psychoanalytic perspective. It is followed by a discussion of different theoretical developments and applications in the psychoanalytical and non-psychoanalytical field. Chapter 2 proposes to integrate a hierarchy of thought and affective processes from the proposals of different theories and authors, as well as a general outlook of the proposed memory storage formats. Psychoanalytical thought formats, like primary and secondary thought process are also considered. Chapter 3 proposes a theory of intra- and inter-psychic thought and speech processes. A brief review of linguistic theories is given, as well as of some pertinent psychoanalytic and semiotic theories leading to the theorisation of the theory of metaphor. Chapter 4 makes a revision of the theory of metaphor from different perspectives. Approaches from different fields of study are compared in relation to the functioning of metaphor. Chapter 5 is an attempt to develop an integrative, personal perspective of how metaphor works and how concepts can be interpreted and oriented into an empirical model. Chapter 6 inaugurates the empirical part of this study. Objectives and question complexes in relation to the proposed conceptualisation and its empirical application that arose are discussed. Chapter 7 describes the sample and data collection, as well as the "Method for Identifying Metaphors" and formats that were developed for the coding of metaphor. Methodology, instruments of assessment, such as EMFACS and Theme, a computerized software program, are described. Chapter 8 presents hypotheses and operationalisation and Chapter 9 presents the obtained results in three parts: 1) Metaphor quantity, quality, and distribution; 2) Metaphor quantity and quality and psychotherapy outcome; 3) Affects and metaphors. (Myria Fabregat)