This was a great group

We just finished the Tokyo workshops and I am truly impressed with the group. From a zero awareness of the PCW material in a very short time this group was using the PCW skills with great ease. The bar has now been raised for all PCW trainings and special thanks to the excellent organisers  who made this training an absolute delight!

I am about to start a series of Provocative Change Works events across the globe, starting in Japan next week. During trainings I always explain the meaning of the term “provocative” in the context of therapy and how it is also used to best effect in all kinds of other communication situations. Unfortunately the term “provocative” can be seen by some folks as either “an aggressive approach” or “a comedic approach”. Yes there can be humour in provocative exchanges, but the purpose of a provocative session is not to “try and be funny!” and certainly not to be aggressive with the client.
Provocative Change Works is inspired by Frank Farrelly’s Provocative Therapy and learning these PCW skills takes a great deal of skill and application. The challenge for me when running workshops is to find the right balance between demonstrations, explanation and group exercises and to ensure workshop attendees maintain the right manner when using these skills. Since I first met Frank Farrelly I have promoted both his work and my own PCW approach at every opportunity and departed from teaching classic NLP courses. This has led to setting up some great provocative online resources, but regardless of how much information I put out it seems that some folks just don’t get that provocative does not mean “aggressive” or “sarcastic!” Interestingly it’s usually those who have a CBT or NLP background who struggle most with this approach. I do have some sympathy for such folks though; I too was totally confused when I first attended a Frank workshop. Fortunately I had the good sense to appreciate that it would take more than a few days to grasp his work and many years later the investment in time and energy has truly paid off.  I have found that the PCW approach is far more dynamic and creative than what I was taught on my certificated NLP trainings from years ago! However these trainings really helped me figure out what Frank does and formulate my own PCW approach.
The Provocative Icon System I use in PCW and PT trainings is excellent in teaching the many different stances a practitioner can adopt to create client change. These icons represent 36 different potential stances and combinations of these stances are highly effective in provoking useful change. However it’s not enough to merely teach how to adopt these stances. The PCW practitioner needs to also have the manner of working with a client that Frank Farrelly describes “as if talking to an old friend” Despite all the talk of flexibility in workshops, this seems for many to be one of the biggest challenges. I have only seen a few people able to work effectively as provocative therapists and most of these have studied with Frank for many years. In 2006 I set up The Association for Provocative Therapy (AFPT) with Frank’s blessing and I am pleased that Dr Noni Höefner a Provocative therapist of 26 years standing is also a key promoter of AFPT standards in trainings. Noni is one of the smartest trainers I have met with superb flexibility and creative skills.
One of the main challenges for therapists and practitioners watching a provocative session for the first time is accepting that it is very different to NLP, Hypnosis or other types of therapy. The client in the session has an experience that is very different to those who are observing the session. Sometimes well-meaning observers want to “rescue the client” rather than allowing the process to unfold so the client can process the interaction in their own time. This can produce some quite interesting scenarios in trainings where groups find that they have also had their preexisting ideas about communication seriously challenged. A PCW practitioner seeks to provoke new insights for the client and this is always done in a conversational manner. In order to achieve this, the practitioner needs to pay close attention to the client’s responses and while maintaining his or her own excellent state control.  Many new to this kind of approach find this very difficult and if the client shows any kind of emotion the therapist often immediately backs off or tries to placate the client, not realizing that this is often not the most useful strategy. In my experience many clients have had decades of tea and sympathy, psychoanalysis and counseling none of which has been especially useful. This is not to say that these approaches have no merit but rather, not provoking any real change in the client leaves the client in the problem state. Some talk therapy approaches even insist that a practitioner should refrain from influencing the client at all! Many such enthusiasts treat therapeutic situations like an academic discussion, which is fine, but often not especially useful for the client. Provocative Change Works is a conversational jargon free way of working. This absence of jargon in my opinion makes for a more honest and natural communication and my experience is that clients find they need far less session time to resolve their issues.
I have noticed that the obsession with “quick fixes” “fast phobia cures” in the personal change market has increasingly created a level of expectation for both therapists and clients that is in my view both unhelpful and unrealistic. I have blogged about this previously and of course I am accused of “attacking X approach” which of course is not the case at all. I am simply pointing out that it you over hype expectations then ultimately no claims are seen as credible. Developing the skills needed to provoke useful change for a client requires the practitioner to be able to improvise on the fly and to have an extensive range of verbal and non-verbal responses. I rarely see practitioners, trainers and therapists who can demonstrate this ability and this is a far cry from the academic, logical, digital and analytical approaches that are often found in some approaches. I have also noticed that some people have started to add the term “provocative” to their therapeutic descriptions with little awareness or regard to Farrelly’s work. I receive all kinds of communications about how to become a provocative therapist and many enquirers are disappointed that they can’t get a weekend certificate to add to their existing certifications! This week I had an enquiry by e-mail asking if you could become a provocative therapist by reading Frank’s original book!
The new revised PCW site – www.provocativechangeworks.com has a wealth of information on PCW in articles and videos. In many ways PCW and PT are the polar opposite in approach to many traditional talk therapy approaches. In many instances talk therapy approaches are conducted in such a disassociated manner that the sessions become little more than role playing scenarios in which either therapist or client believe that anything useful will occur. That is not to say that these approaches have no value. However I suspect that the success with these approaches is more due to the therapist’s manner than the actual techniques used.
I have personally used the Provocative Change Works approach with over 3000 clients and have found this approach to be the most effective method to help with client change. Most who study with me can learn the provocative stances, but those who really become proficient in this approach have a great sense of humour, don’t take themselves too seriously and have a genuine care for helping others. I always make it clear that PCW is not the only way to produce excellent client results but my interest in any model of communication is in what you can do with it, rather than any academic style study. There seems to be many who agree with this sentiment and I have never been busier either with trainings or with seeing private clients in my UK clinics.
 The full schedule for 2012 international PCW training events can be found at http://www.nickkemptraining.com/calendar.php and this May I will be running a skills development day for previous workshop attendees who want to explore PCW in greater depth.

“I have known Nick Kemp for several years. I was first introduced to his work through the good offices of Steve Andreas from whom he received the highest recommendation. I finally met Nick in 2006 at the IASH Conference in San Francisco, California. I was immediately impressed by his brilliance, enthusiasm and high ethical standards.
Nick has done the NLP community the great service of interviewing and documenting some of the best minds in the field. His interviews are insightful, probing and excellent sources of information.

I have taken several trainings from Nick, read his materials and listened to several of his DVDs. Every one of his presentations and products meets the highest level of intellectual and practical value. His presentations are well organized, provide clear instructions and provide plenty of room for discussion. In every interaction with him, I have come away richer for it.
I am happy to recommend him as a trainer, teacher, therapist and a friend.” January 11, 2012

Richard Gray, Member, Institute for the Advanced Study of Health
worked directly with Nick at Nick Kemp Training LTD

“How do you some up Nick in one word - 'remarkable' would be my answer.

I have attended several of Nick's courses over the years and on each occasion I have come away both enlightened and re-energised. Nick's personable approach ensures you always feel welcome and involved. Coupling this with his no-nonsense approach means you learn quickly and get to the heart of any issues quickly and efficiently.

I would best describe him as a stealth 'bomber' trainer, slowly steering you towards the right outcome and then wham making a positive lasting change!

I have used Nick's skills and techniques at numerous times in my own career and in my own business. I am always amazed at how much emotion plays a part in business decisions - using Nick's techniques I guide my clients to the right decision they should be making. To name but one of many in a work environment I have used his techniques to steer around more career and less business focused individuals.

If you haven't been on a Nick Kemp course, you need to...” January 5, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Chris Hawley
hired Nick as a Personal Trainer in 2009, and hired Nick more than once

“Unassuming and yet beneath that quite persona there is a depth of knowledge and integrity. Very likable and easily approachable, Nick has that magical knack of making people feel good and his methodology is so easily understood that his workshops are refreshingly effective. I will recommend Nick to anyone wanting to have the tools for a better life.” January 4, 2012

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

Dr. .A. Abraham
hired Nick as a training in 2010

“I organized workshops presented by Nick Kemp in Warsaw. Nick in a brilliant trainer and the creator of Provocative Change Works(TM) - a method that dramatically increases efficiency and speed of personal change work (therapy and coaching). The participants were much more than satisfied.

As the sponsor of the events I honestly recommend Nick. It was a pleasure to work with him as a trainer and do a business with him as a partner.

Tomasz Kowalik” January 3, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Tomasz Kowalik
hired Nick as a Trainer and coach in 2009, and hired Nick more than once

“I have been an American living in the UK for twenty years. I run a business, and at first found that I was not always achieving the outcomes that I expected with my Clients. Sometimes, things were getting lost in translation. I realised that, especially in England, a lot of communication is coded: words are used carefully and people don't always say what they mean....

My communication needed to be more precise: I needed to notice and understand what others were saying on all levels, and learn to respond to each individually minute signal being sent to me with an appropriate signal in order to make the connections I wanted.

I wanted to find someone who could help me to learn more precise ways of communicating.

I contacted Nick Kemp, and he recommended that I attend an upcoming workshop that he would be running. I did attend, and participated and found it so useful that I attended another, and then another! This man has the power to communicate, and the skill and talent to teach others too.

Nick taught me to listen and hear in a sensitive way, and to look, and see, and fully understand what others are saying. He taught me to slow everything down- I used to rush through things, due to a lack of confidence. Now, I truly understand the value of my own time, and of my own skills. I take the time to listen carefully to what others are saying, and I take all the time I need to formulate a response. It is interesting to notice that when you do this, people will attach more importance to your words, and the whole exchange becomes more respectful and more valuable. I learned to communicate on a lot of levels all at once. It's amazing to truly grasp the power of speaking in plain words and also in metaphor, and to use body language in a way that reinforces your words. People will respond to you with more thought and care, and you will connect with them in the way that you wish.

In an economic boom I was operating like a bull in a china shop, and business was slow. It's now 2012, and we are in global recession, and my business is flourishing, thanks to my precise communication skills.

If you need more Clients, if you need fewer of the right Clients, if you want to sell more, if you want to achieve, if you want to work at your personal relationships, if you want to work on yourself, then do contact Nick and he will have a chat with you to find out how he can help, and be sure to listen, because, honestly, this stuff is gold dust!” January 1, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Cheri LaMay
hired Nick as a Business Consultant in 2004

“Simply put, there is no one I could recommend more highly than Nick Kemp.
Whether for seminars or individual consultations, Nick does the job done right - and in a good humored and delightful way.” December 31, 2011

Doug O'Brien, Owner, Doug O'Brien & Associates - Center for NLP & Hypnosis
worked directly with Nick at Nick Kemp Training LTD

“Nick's therapeutic work is a great example of how diverse one can help a client to find their strength in themselves to resolve what is limiting them.
The mixture of hypnotic techniques with provocative dialogue is unique to him. Beside the effectivity theroff, it is also very amusing to watch.

Lucas Derks, Netherlands” December 30, 2011

Lucas Derks, Owner, sociaalpanorama
worked directly with Nick at Nick Kemp Training LTD

“Nick and I offer a variety of therapeutic interventions in the North and North East of England, and are members of the prestigious Just Be Well team based in Harley Street.

Having listened to the glowing comments made by several colleagues who had attended various training events organised and run by Nick, I decided to attend one myself.

Everything was exceptionally well organised and professional and I can wholeheartedly recommend his services. I took a great deal home with me.” December 30, 2011

Denis Niblett, Owner, Denis Niblett Clinical Hypnopytherapy
was with another company when working with Nick at Nick Kemp Training LTD

Trainer Nick Kemp Training
“There is a placidity in Nick's style which creates a perfect setting for one to be jolted in to self realization!

Nick and Provocative Therapy Workshop in Trivandrum, India, 2010, opened the doors to a fresh perspective in understanding self and others.” August 26, 2011

Maya Sadasivan, NLP Programme Administrator, MindMasters
worked directly with Nick at Nick Kemp Training

“In my opinion Nick is one of a few current pioneers in the world of therapy and changework. He has done a fantastic job of modelling, developing and creating new approaches which are pragmatic and powerful. As a trainer I have been inspired by Nick's attitude and style and recommend him very highly an outstanding therapist and trainer.” August 5, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Ben Dowman
hired Nick as a Training in 2009, and hired Nick more than once

“Nick is a 'dynamo'. One of the nicest and insightful people I know, who will help you ground useful and practical skills. In an industry where nonsense is the norm, Nick brings much needed sense, pragmatism and value.” July 27, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Beju Shah
hired Nick as a Training in 2005, and hired Nick more than once

“I met Nick Kemp for the first time last August in Boulder Colorado at an Advanced Mastery Training organized by Steve Andreas.
He introduced his Provocative Change Works by working with clients from the street. It was amazing how efficient
the change was. Nick is a brilliant trainer and therapist. He has a deep understanding of human nature and
an excellent sence of humor which is universal and creates an atmosphere where change can happen easily.
Nick was in Budapest in March and enchanted the Hungarian audience. We can hardly wait for him to come to Budapest again in October!” July 26, 2011

Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative

Gyorgyi Stenger
hired Nick as a Personal Trainer in 2011

“Nick is an excellent trainer who is deeply knowledgeable, interesting and congruent with his message. He was honest about what people can expect and deliver on his promises. Nick is also one of the more attentive and personable trainers I have met. If you have a chance to take his trainings or work one on one with Nick, you are going to see results. I highly recommend him.” July 26, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Gene Plotkin
hired Nick as a Training in 2009, and hired Nick more than once

“I first met Nick at a group event years ago. Since then I have attended many of his events, including Provocative Change Works, Stories from the Outside Inn, Powerful Presentation and others. Each event has given me the skills to achieve better and more deeply satisfying results in my business life, because Nick hears what you are saying on all levels, and he responds to you personally. He instils skills and abilities including confidence, creativity, and, importantly, the ability to learn.

In fact, I can say that Nick has been instrumental in the growth and development of my business and in myself as a professional. I was running a budding (small!) garden design business back then, and now I am a Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers and teach garden design at Degree level.

I have also had private therapy sessions with Nick. These have been enormously helpful in strengthening my relationships and in my personal life. If you are thinking of engaging with a trainer, I absolutely recommend that you get in touch with Nick Kemp Training.” July 26, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Cheri LaMay
hired Nick as a Personal and Professional Training in 2004, and hired Nick more than once

“Nick Kemp is one of the few trainers in the personal development and change work field that is able to deliver the goods. With an eclectic background, Nick has developed his "Provocative Change Works" model for client work that utilises some of the best aspects from Provocative Therapy, NLP, Ericksonian Hypnosis and other areas. With years of experiences as a trainer, Nick has created a trainable model that is employed internationally by therapists and coaches and is hugely influential upon my own work.” July 26, 2011

Andrew T. Austin (Psychotherapist), Trainer, Metaphors of Movement
was with another company when working with Nick at Nick Kemp Training

“Nick Kemp is one of the leading experts and trainers of behavioural change techniques and specifically provocative approaches. He runs excellent workshops and has a range of high quality training materials. I would highly recommend Nick as a therapist, trainer and advisor.” July 25, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

 Andrew Bradford
hired Nick as a Business Consultant in 2008, and hired Nick more than once

“I've known Nick for many years and we have worked together on a number of corporate projects. I can wholeheartedly recommend him as a business consultant. I know his background and have seen first hand his skills and ability to provide business trainings, coaching and workshops. As far as I'm concerned the bar is set by this guy!” July 25, 2011

Mark Zaretti, Director, Sparticle - Because success is more than just a website
was a consultant or contractor to Nick at Nick Kemp Training

“I have now attended 2 of Nicks training courses, The Outside Inn and Provocative Therapy, both 2 day weekend courses. I have to say they both were excellent and very inspiring.

The content was well presented, easy to retain due to the varied presentation style. There was also plenty of humour and laughter - which always makes it more memorable.

As there are always plenty of opportunities to ask questions I came away highly satisfied.” May 25, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Diane Shillito
hired Nick as a training in 2010, and hired Nick more than once

StudentNick Kemp Training
“Nick is the the best trainer and teacher that I have come across in my adult life. He leaves you hoping the night goes quickly so you can be back in the training again and when the seminare are over, awaiting details of the next one. I am not a training junkie and the last one was after 2 years but you just fall right back in with Nick and pick up where you left off, knowledge refreshed and eager for more.” July 11, 2011

Colette Farrell, Regional Manager London and East of England, Kennedy Scott Ltd,
studied with Nick at Nick Kemp Training

There are a number of Provocative Change Works DVDs now available. Take a look at the online store here