Developed by David Grove in 1983 after workig with Vietnam War veterans and abused children for over 11 years.

David Grove observed that by subtley rewording what the client is saying shifts the client's frames of reference. When honouring the client's perspective with a number of very simple questions, using a particular syntax and unique delivery method the client is empowered by confronting their own langauge patterns. He called this approach 'Clean Language'.

David discovered that the more he used Clean Language, the more clients naturally used metaphor to describe their symptoms. When Clean Language questioning was then directed to the metaphors and symbols, unexpected information and experience becomes available to the client, often with profound results.

With Clean Language less is more. It validates the client's experience and enables them to work with the content. It is information-centred so it is not necessary for the coach to understand it. The client is made aware of their own assumptions. Unlike NLP where the structural patterns of language are designed to have the maximum impact, often through the use of suggestion.

Example of a Clean Language approach..

Client: I'm stuck with no way out.
Coach: And what kind of stuck with no way out is that ? (said slowly and deliberately in a deeper tone of voice in a sing-song rhythm. There is an implied sense of curiosity with the client's pronounciation, emphasis, sighs, etc. are matched)
Client: My whole body feels (kinaesthetic representation) as if it is sinking into the ground
Client: I can't see (visual representation) the way forward. It's all foggy
Client: I hear (auditory representation) every door closing to me.

NB: The assumption is that if something is stuck, it has to be stuck somewhere. As the metaphor emerges behaviour changes in the client's real world.

Typical questions . . . .

And is there anything else about . . . .?
And what kind of . . . . is that. . . . ?
And where is . . . .?
And what happens next ?
And then what happens ?
And what happens just before . . . .?
And where does/could . . . . come from ?
And that's . . . . . like what ?

The Clean Language approach helps clients understand their issues at a fundamental level. Deep physiological changes can occur when the client accepts and owns their own solution.

More info at: http://www.cleanlanguage.co.uk/
Read: Metaphors in Mind by James Lawley & Penny Tompkins. Developing Company 2003

Return to top