Clean Language was developed in the 1980s by David Grove to alleviate traumatic memories, by repeating a client’s words back and asking a series of questions which would elicit metaphors and develop them with the least possible influence from the practitioner. David discovered that when people describe their experiences in metaphor they can move through a traumatic memory and resolve the effects more quickly and easily than by conventional therapeutic methods.
David went on to explore spatial remedies, literally moving clients around to gain insight from different perspectives, and in 2005 developed Emergent Knowledge (EK), based on Clean Language, metaphor, spatial questioning and the new science of Emergent. He worked with Carol Wilson, on designing training programmes to translate his techniques into methods that can be used safely by coaches and other practitioners with no training in therapy.
We can provide ILM approved in house corporate training and open distance learning courses in Clean Language and Emergent Knowledge.
David Grove’s Clean Language will appeal to coaches who have a willingness to try something new, encompassing a very different way of thinking to help the client explore challenges, and an openness to a more psychological approach that involves working with clients at the deeper level of visualisation, metaphor and trance work.
Training can cover both Clean Language (working with metaphor linguistically) and Emergent Knowledge (working with space, both physical and in the mind). It teaches participants how to help the client access a different level of thinking, which can lead to transformational change.
The learning takes place in a highly experiential way with opportunities for participants to witness expert demonstrations, see change happen and practise the process themselves to experience the results.
To see a case history of Clean training at the BBC click here.
“It gave me a way to explore emotions and feelings safely. It was also a revelation to see where the client’s mind went to when freed from its usual verbal restrictions when exploring an issue. An unexpectedly great way of working.” – Liz Macann, Head of Executive, Leadership and Management Coaching, BBC.
Carol Wilson’s book, “The Work and Life of David Grove: Clean Language and Emergent Knowledge”, covers David Grove’s life’s work with contributions from all of his key practitioners.
The book contains:
- a detailed record of all the techniques that David Grove developed with Carol, including his latest work on Emergent Knowledge
- Foundation Skills in Clean Language
- Transcriptions of David Grove’s sessions with clients
- Case histories from David Grove’s leading practitioners world wide
- Biographical details and accounts from the practitioners who worked closely with David Grove.