Simon Stanton ran a session on operator generated metaphors at the Wakefield Practice Group some time ago. When he mentioned that he was running an introductory session on Grovian Metaphor Therapy and Clean Language, I was intrigued to see how he combined his excellent business training skills with the very deep client generated metaphor work I had seen on videos of Groves in action. The fee was simply a ludicrously low 20 pounds (sterling).

It worked, in part because the session was based on the work of Penny Tompkins and James Lawley and in part because this was an introduction. It was, however, highly practical and most of us left with new skills and, incidentally, resolution of a couple of our own issues.

During the day, we completed five group or pair exercises which led us to appreciate the power of Clean Language as client and operator.

We commenced with the two core questions, progressing to use of the nine basic questions in the last session, by which time most of us were effecting useful changes with our partners. As ever there was as much to learn from what did not work as from what did, but it usually worked and Simon was on hand to effect a resolution if required by the time constraints.

The whole session was much lighter and more powerful than I had expected - which says something about the efficacy of Clean Language as well as the way in which Simon led it. He is plainly delighted by the what he has learned and enjoys sharing it. Chalk and talk was minimal and highly interactive, with Simon demonstrating before each exercise.

The group included NLPers, therapists, business consultants and those interested in personal development. Everyone left in good spirits and several now want to progress to a training with Penny and James (me included).

On the basics, hospital food was rated from pretty tasteless to pretty good, the room was rather chilly in the morning, but there were hot drinks and a tuck shop. None of which detracts from the fact that the session was inspiring and it was the best value single days training I have done in a long while.

Roni Senior (NLP Practitioner)

©1997 Roni Senior