5. Symbolic Modelling Room

Welcome to the Symbolic Modelling Room in the Clean Collection.

Symbolic Modelling began when James Lawley and I undertook an extensive modelling project of the work of psychotherapist David Grove in the mid 1990s.  We added to our clincial practice of David's work by devouring books on cognitive linguistics — the academic basis for the significance of metaphor in thought, word and deed.  A real breakthrough came when we recognised how the principles of self-organising systems theory and evolutionary dynamics could apply to the way Metaphor Landscapes change and evolve. We integrated these ideas into the theory and practice of Symbolic Modelling published in 2000 in our book, Metaphors in Mind, and demonstrated in our DVD, A Strange and Strong Sensation.

Originally, Symbolic Modelling was made up of three components. In a nutshell, it is a method which uses Clean Language to facilitate individuals to learn to self-model through becoming aware of the organisation of their metaphors and symbols. By using their exact metaphors as the raw material for the modelling process, a living, breathing, four-dimensional world within and around them emerges — a Metaphor Landscape. During Symbolic Modelling their metaphors begin to evolve. As this happens their everyday thinking, feeling and behaviour correspondingly change as well.

Once a person has had a chance to discover themselves in a 'clean environment' they come to value their own experience in a new way, and probably for the first time they come face-to-face with the self they have created — 'uncontaminated' by the other person in the room. It can be a unique and sacred experience.

Naturally, I recommend you spend some time in this room and a good place to start is with the introductory article, Metaphors in Mind: A Case Study.

Over the years, we have found that Symbolic Modelling is especially suited to working with ‘big issues’ and 'higher levels' of experience as well as complex and seemingly intractable binds and double binds not amenable to traditional techniques.  Although Symbolic Modelling is a stand-alone process it can easily integrate with other therapeutic models, as described in Tangled Spaghetti in my Head.

While Symbolic Modelling originated as a change process, it is now being used to facilitate individuals and groups to create new metaphors, and in other Application areas. If you would like a sneak preview of working drafts James and I are currently developing then have a look at our work-in-progress.

After you've had your fill in here, please follow me into the latest addition to the collection, the Clean Space and Emergence Room.