Advances in contemporary psychology have matched recent breakthroughs in the science of self-organizing systems and complexity theory. This self- study continuing ed course offers psychotherapists, social workers and  health professionals, as well as, coaches and consultants an opportunity to discover the benefits now available through these innovations. Symbolic Modelling is a new way of thinking about the change process. At its heart is Clean Language, a profoundly respectful questioning process developed by internationally acclaimed therapist David Grove.

Symbolic Modelling helps individuals become familiar with their personal metaphors and symbols ("I'm going round in circles," "I feel empty," "I've lost my connection to the spiritual") so they discover new ways of perceiving themselves and their world. When clients use metaphor to describe their inner experience they are revealing something uniquely personal and meaningful. A metaphor is like a hologram, it contains the essence of the whole person; and as a client's metaphors change, so their behavior, thoughts and feelings change as well.

'Metaphors in Mind: Transformation through Symbolic Modelling' describes how to help others transform seemingly intractable issues so that an enhanced sense of self and life purpose can emerge.
Like learning to play the piano, no amount of theory can substitute for the actual experience of your fingers moving over the keyboard. Therefore 'Metaphors in Mind' gives plenty of practical examples to encourage you to use Symbolic Modelling because only then will you discover how much your clients can benefit from this approach.

And it is not only your clients who will benefit. As a result of using Symbolic Modelling you will develop enhanced listening and observation skills, an improved ability to retain and recall information, and an increased capacity to think systemically and at multiple levels.

Yet, perhaps, the most unexpected benefit of regularly facilitating Symbolic Modelling is learning to become comfortable with 'not knowing', to be in the moment with whatever is happening, and to trust the wisdom in the system.

Although the primary focus in this book is psychotherapy, Symbolic Modelling can easily be adapted for use by health professionals, social workers and coaches. And while the book describes how to use the complete process - because every client uses metaphor to describe their experience - many people have found ways to integrate Symbolic Modelling into their preferred approach. The book also describes how Symbolic Modelling is being used in many application areas including education, health and business.

Symbolic Modelling in a Nutshell

Symbolic Modelling is a method for facilitating individuals to become familiar with the symbolic domain of their experience so that they discover new ways of perceiving themselves and their world. It uses Clean Language to facilitate them to attend to their metaphoric expressions so that they create a model of their symbolic mindbody perceptions. This model exists as a living, breathing, four-dimensional world within and around them.

When clients explore this world and its inherent logic, their metaphors and way of being are honoured. During the therapeutic process their metaphors begin to evolve. As this happens their everyday thinking, feeling and behaviour correspondingly change as well.

Some clients benefit just from having their metaphors developed with a few clean questions. For some the process leads to a reorganization of their existing symbolic perceptions, while for others nothing short of a transformation of their entire landscape of metaphors will suffice. As a result clients report that they are more self-aware, more at peace with themselves, have a more defined sense of their place in the world and are more able to enrich the lives of others.

(Excerpted from 'Metaphors in Mind' and The Developing Company web site: www.cleanlanguage.co.uk)

To order this course

This course is approved for 15 ce hours (1.5 CEUS) by the National Board for Certified Counselors #5803.

A self study course meeting the qualifications for 15 continuing education credits for MFTs and LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners #2387

Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing Provider  #13258 for 18 contact hours.

NAADAC Provider #389

TX Board of Social Work Provider #CS3518

Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider # BAP745