Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds

Clean Language (meaning untainted by assumption or metaphor) was developed by therapist Dave Grove who sought to find respectful and effective ways to work with trauma victims. The approach he devised was based on a new type of questioning (and listening) that was rooted in honoring the clients language rather than paraphrasing it, and cleaning up his own communications with respect to assumptions and metaphors. Inspired by the effectiveness of Groves work, James Lawley and Penny Tompkins studied the approach, codifyied and expanded upon it. Now, authors Sullivan and Rees introduce the concepts to the broad range of helping professional (from psychotherapist to organizational coach). The basic perspective is straightforward: keep your opinions and advice to yourself; listen attentively; ask Clean questions to explore metaphors; and listen to the answers and then ask more Clean questions about theyve said.