April 20th, 2009

We welcomed Walter and Helen to the group this month - all the way from Bracknell! After admiring the view from the balcony, they were treated to a demonstration during the 'new member' part of the meeting. When everyone else arrived, we settled down to our main activity for the evening, which revolved around 'metaphor maps'.

Working in threes, with a facilitator, client and observer in each group, the facilitator used Clean Language to help the client model "When I'm _________ at my best, that's like what?" The _________ could be 'learning', 'working', 'coaching', 'parenting', 'cycling'... whatever the client chose. After 20 minutes, the client was asked to draw a 'metaphor map' to represent their model, and the facilitator and observer also had a go at drawing a map of the client's model. The three pictures were then compared, allowing the facilitator and observer to see how closely they had managed to model what was going on from the client's viewpoint.

In some cases, the similarities between the three maps was remarkable. In other cases it was less obvious, but in most cases some resemblance could be seen. In some groups, there was time for more facilitation after the maps had been drawn and it became clear how useful it was for both client and facilitator to have the drawing. Additional information often became available through this medium, which could then be developed through further questioning. Some group members said they would use this idea and ask clients to draw their maps part way through a session.

Other observations included:

• It was quite fun
• Having an intention to draw (as the facilitator) helps you focus on getting and developing metaphors (rather than conceptual content)
• It helps you see what assumptions you are making
• The way people draw is part of the modelling process

It is important to point out that this was a practice group activity: in a regular client session, if the facilitator were to draw a map of any kind, they would not show this to the client, as this would not be clean.

Thank you to everyone who came along for your participation, your contributions and insights. Our next meeting is on Monday, May 11th (please note this is the second Monday in May, rather than the third)