Product reviews for Clean Language

This is a -˜how to' book which sets out a way to explore how people in both therapy and in everyday life communicate in metaphor, and to understand what they are really saying. According to the authors, using Clean language avoids leading questions or incorrect assumptions, and can “help people to make changes they would like in their lives” and “improve communication, understanding and rapport”. The book takes the reader through a series of well presented clear explanations, illustrations and verbal examples of metaphor, and transcripts from case studies. Each chapter has an Activity section with practical exercises for the reader to do either at home or with friends, encouraging the reader to use the Clean framework within which to engage in change-enhancing communication. The book will thus be useful not only to professionals but also to parents and teachers.

As the authors say, “metaphor is at the heart of the Clean way of thinking”. Sullivan and Rees set out an interviewing scheme for therapists based on asking specific Clean Language questions and then working with whatever metaphors are revealed by the client. Clinical professionals in psychotherapy or hypnotherapy will recognise many of the structured questions as ones they already use to facilitate change, and will be familiar with the use of metaphor as a therapeutic agent. However, the Clean Language structure offers a simple and logical way to conduct the therapeutic session. There are 12 basic Clean Language Questions which are structured open questions, grouped as -˜Developing', -˜Sequence and Source' and -˜Intention' questions. These are then further subdivided into Specialised Clean Language Questions in a way that will help practitioners plan their sessions with clients in a logical and productive fashion. This book is easy to read and the illustrations are witty and entertaining.