My First Pesso Boyden Experience
by
Ron Down,
Corporate Executive

When I first read about PBSP I found it intriguing. It reminded me that whilst I can gain an understanding of something by reading about, if I really want to develop a deep understanding, then there’s no substitute for getting involved with it experientially. So that’s what I decided to do!

Rather than try to explain (rationalise) my experience I thought I would just share my learnings/what struck me as I went thought the day:

Putting it out there This is about what happens when you externalise a problem. I’ve long found that either talking about or writing down aspects of a problem helps me to move forward. Pesso Boyden creates the environment to do this in a very special and unique (in my experience) way, building a rich picture of the system (structure) containing what the client wants to work on and using the resources (others in the group) to take on the roles of key elements of the system.

Teasing out the bits that are below the surface. So often key parts of the system or dynamics of the relationships between key parts of the system are just outside conscious awareness, being part of the Other Than Conscious. Part of the facilitation process – creating the system – helps to tease these out, so that what they represent can be acknowledged and handled.

Checking for fit In the process of setting up and working with the structure, it seemed to me that a crucial part of the facilitation was ‘making the picture match’. For me this seemed closely related to adjusting the submodalities. I found it a wonderfully gentle and yet precise process.

Alternative memories Having created a representation of the system at the appropriate age, the use of “ideal” person (coach, mentor, sibling, etc.) seemed very powerful in providing an alternative memory to ‘resource’ and ‘sponsor’ the client.

I really appreciated the care and attention that the facilitator gave to each client to ensure that the system (environment) was crafted with the client and to the choices of words and actions of the those who were playing roles as part of the system.

Being part of the experience, both as an observer and in various roles gave me many insights. Even without being the client myself I learnt a lot during the day – from the perspectives of the roles that I played – that I could relate to my own personal system/context.

I would certainly recommend the process to anyone – and reiterate that the only way to find out about it is to go along to session. There’s only just so much that can be appreciated by cognitive exchanges. It’s like an iceberg. If you only engage in discussion or reading about it you experience the part that is above the water line. That deeper tacit understanding requires participation!

Ron Down