What is Clean Language

What is Clean Language

Clean Language is a powerful coaching technique developed by David Grove in the 1980s. It is a methodology used primarily in coaching and psychotherapy but is also applicable in business, education, and personal development. Clean Language focuses on the client's own words and experience, minimising the coach's assumptions, interpretations, or suggestions. This approach helps clients discover and develop personal symbols and metaphors, thereby facilitating deep change. Here's a guide on how to use Clean Language in coaching:

1. Understand the Basics of Clean Language

• Respect the Client's Model of the World: Recognise that the client's perspective and language structure their experience of reality.
• Minimise Influence: Use questions that reduce the introduction of your own ideas, assumptions, or judgments into the conversation.
• Focus on Metaphors: Pay attention to the metaphors and symbols the client uses, as they often hold the key to unlocking deeper understanding and change.

2. Learn the Core Questions

Clean Language has a set of core questions designed to help clients explore their thoughts and feelings without leading them in any direction. Some of the basic questions include:

Developing Questions:

• "And what kind of X (is that X)?"
• "And is there anything else about X?"
• "And where is X? And what's X like?"

Moving Time or Space:

• "And then what happens?"
• "And what happens next?"
• "And where could X come from?"

These questions encourage clients to delve deeper into their own metaphors and experiences.

3. Practice Active Listening

• Listen Attentively: Give your full attention to the client, listening not just to the words but also to the tone, pace, and volume of their speech.
• Reflect Back: Occasionally, reflect the client's words back to them. This can help them to hear their own words from a new perspective and deepen their insight.

4. Use Clean Language Questions Skillfully

• Start Broad, Then Narrow Down: Begin with broad questions to open up the conversation, then use more specific questions to explore details.
• Follow the Client's Lead: Let the client's responses guide which clean language question to ask next. The aim is to explore their metaphorical landscape, not to direct it.
• Encourage Exploration: Use questions to help the client explore their metaphors and experiences more deeply, enabling them to discover new insights and solutions.

5. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

• Establish Trust: Build a relationship of trust and safety where the client feels comfortable sharing deeply.
• Be Patient: Allow the client time to think and respond. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection.
• Validate the Client's Experience: Show acceptance and validation of the client's experience, regardless of what they share.

6. Reflect and Learn

• Self-Reflection: After each session, reflect on your use of Clean Language. Consider what worked well and what could be improved.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing learning about Clean Language and other coaching techniques to enhance your skills.

7. Seek Supervision and Feedback

• Regularly seek supervision from experienced Clean Language practitioners to review your practice and receive feedback.
• Engage in peer discussions to share experiences and learn from others.

By integrating Clean Language into your coaching practice, you can facilitate a space where clients can explore their inner thoughts and feelings more freely and profoundly. This approach not only respects the client's expertise in their own life but also empowers them to discover their own solutions and pathways to change.