

Changeworking
James Tripp & Ruckus Skye
Changeworking is a show for practitioners and coaches who help their clients create change. Host Ruckus Skye engages in conversations with internationally renowned hypnosis and changework expert and trainer James Tripp. Discussions include tools & techniques, concepts and insights, and changework philosophy for the working practitioner.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
What Clean Language Really Is — And How It Transforms Coaching, Hypnosis, and Changework
Get YOUR Clean Language Quick-Start Guide (instant access PDF): www.cleanlanguagecourse.com In this episode, Ruckus sits down with changework expert James Tripp for a deep, revealing exploration of Clean Language — what it is, what it isn’t, and why it has quietly reshaped the worlds of coaching, therapy, hypnosis, and personal change. If you've ever wondered how practitioners help clients access deeper layers of meaning, uncover hidden metaphors, or experience transformative “aha” moments without suggestion or interpretation… this conversation will light up your brain. James breaks down: • The surprising origins of Clean Language and why it was built to work without content • How Clean Language creates vivid, immersive experiences that feel almost hypnotic • The essential difference between leading attention and leading the client • Why emergence (rather than engineered solutions) is the future of changework • How Clean Language dramatically strengthens hypnotic absorption • What the “Clean Syntax” actually is — and how it works • Why Clean Language is ultimately a capacity, not a technique You’ll also hear a live demo where Ruckus experiences a shift simply by answering a few clean questions — a perfect illustration of how quickly this modality gets under the surface. Whether you're a coach, therapist, hypnotist, IFS practitioner, NLP’er, or someone who just loves understanding the mechanics of change… this episode opens a door you’ll want to step through. 🔗 Free Resource Get the Clean Language Quick-Start Guide (instant PDF): 👉 www.cleanlanguagecourse.com 📌 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome & Intro 01:00 – What People Get Wrong About Clean Language James explains why Clean Language is not about language patterns and how it differs from classic hypnotic language approaches. 02:00 – The Origins: David Grove & Metaphor-Based Processing Why Grove created Clean Language for trauma without content, and how metaphors became the gateway to safe transformation. 03:30 – Beyond Words: Clean Language as Experience James shares why the process is fundamentally experiential, not linguistic — and how it bridges conscious and unconscious processing. 06:00 – The “Aha” Moment: Why Clients Discover What They Didn’t Know They Knew How Clean Language evokes awareness and surprise, including James’ story of the plastic water pistol metaphor. 10:30 – Emergence: Why Clean Language Helps Change Unfold Organically Why neither practitioner nor client needs to pre-engineer solutions — and how this connects to Ericksonian lineage. 14:00 – Client Factors: Curiosity vs. Reality Testing The mindset that makes change possible, and the trap clients fall into when they try to pre-evaluate everything. 16:00 – Practitioner Openness: Staying Out of the Way James explains why “It’s okay not to know” may be the most important practitioner principle Grove ever taught. 17:50 – The “New Truth” Technique How repeating a client’s emerging truth six times (Power of Six) creates felt-sense alignment and real change. 21:30 – Tracking Difference: The Engine of All Clean Facilitation How noticing subtle differences guides every intervention — and why that changed the entire way James does changework. 23:45 – Leading Attention vs. Leading the Client Why Clean Language is not directionless — and how facilitators choose what to spotlight. 27:00 – When Clients Want the Impossible Using solution-focused moves to uncover what a desired “impossible” outcome really represents. 29:30 – How Facilitators Actually Choose the Next Question Instinct, training, unconscious patterning, and years of calibration — not algorithms. 31:00 – How Clean Language Supercharges Hypnosis & NLP James describes weaving Clean Language into Ericksonian flow, NLP processes, coaching, and everyday work. 33:00 – Using Clean Language Inside Other Modalities (IFS, NLP, Standard Coaching) Why it blends seamlessly and immediately elevates any interactive approach. 35:00 – Why Clean Language Can Sound “Weird” — and Why That’s Okay Origins in hypnosis, how conversationalizing it works, and the importance of context. 37:30 – Human First: Using These Tools Ethically with Friends/Family Why processes must stay “under the radar” in casual conversations. 42:00 – A Simple Micro-Frame to Introduce Clean Language in Coaching James gives a ready-to-use phrase: “Do you mind if I coach you a little on that?” 44:30 – The #1 Thing Clean Language Changed in James’ Work The feedback-loop sensibility that became the foundation of Hypnosis Without Trance. 47:30 – Clean Language as a Capacity, Not a Technique Why the deeper sensibilities stay with you long after the formal questions fade. 51:00 – Demonstration: The Clean Syntax in Action Live unpacking of “healthy” → “mentally clear” → experiential shift. Ruckus describes how it changed the feeling in real time. 54:00 – Why Clean Language Creates Stronger Trance Than Classic Hypnosis No more “I don’t think I was under” — because the client’s own material powers the hypnotic absorption. 59:00 – Clean Language as the Simplest, Most Reliable Method for Any Session Why, if you remember nothing else, Clean Language principles alone can carry a whole session. 1:02:00 – What You Can Use in Your Very Next Session James offers a simple starting point: track key concepts (“trust,” etc.) and explore them with clean, experiential questions. 1:04:30 – Closing & Free Resource Reminder to grab the Clean Language Quick Start Guide at cleanlanguagecourse.com
Oct 21, 2025 • 41min
1st Order & 2nd Order Change
James Tripp, a therapist and trainer, dives into the intriguing distinction between first-order and second-order change. He illustrates how first-order changes merely shift things around without real impact, likening it to rearranging chess pieces in a losing game. Tripp argues for creative, unconventional solutions to break free from entrenched patterns. He discusses how Ericksonian methods provoke radical change by circumventing rigid logic, touching on topics like insomnia and familial dynamics. His insights emphasize that true transformation requires thinking outside the box.
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
Confidence & Self-Doubt in Coaching
Explore the universal feelings of self-doubt that every coach faces; it's a shared human experience. Discover why coaching operates in the realm of complex systems, where predictability is elusive. Emphasize your role as a catalyst for change—enabling clients' own intelligence rather than fixing them. Embrace uncertainty and curiosity, allowing creative flows to emerge. Learn to engage clients actively, moving beyond the pressure of guaranteed results and redefining success through joy and participation.
11 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 54min
Showmanship & Performance in Changework
A fascinating dive into the intersection of showmanship and changework unfolds, with connections to hypnosis, shamanism, and performance arts. Discover how performers often excel as hypnotists and the role of evocation versus information in effective communication. Practical techniques like tonal shifts and street hypnosis are introduced, along with insights on borrowing from comedy and acting to enhance coaching. The discussion touches on historical hypnotism, the power of language, and the nuances of nonverbal influence—all aimed at creating a more impactful client experience.
12 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 41min
Identity: How shifts in self-concept can transform
Delve into the intriguing world of identity and self-concept, where personal narratives shape your reality. Discover how a simple shift in language can unlock new self-perceptions and influence behavior. Learn why self-concept is believed to be destiny, affecting everything from feelings of safety to life choices. Explore Ruckus's surprising personal therapy story about identity fear and the challenges of adapting to life's transitions. Uncover the transformative power of words and how they can evoke profound change in your life.
4 snips
May 30, 2025 • 45min
Psychoactive Facilitation
What does it really mean when a client “goes psychoactive”? In this episode, Ruckus and James explore how deep engagement emerges — not from force, but from slowing down, dropping judgment, and leaning into possibility. From metaphors to memory reconsolidation, this conversation unpacks what makes transformation feel alive.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: What is psychoactive facilitation? 01:00 – James shares the origins of the term from David Grove’s quadrant model 05:00 – The difference between being in a state vs. describing one 09:00 – Ruckus connects psychoactive facilitation to immersive, imaginal states 14:00 – Psychoactive facilitation is dynamic dreaming — trance as co-creation 19:30 – Where psychoactive states meet changework 22:45 – How to tell when a client is going psychoactive 26:00 – Letting go of “what should happen” to allow emergence 31:30 – Being oriented toward possibility = psychoactive facilitation 35:00 – Creating conditions for unconscious engagement 41:50 – Stacking the odds toward psychoactive facilitation 44:00 – Closing thoughts and outro
CONTACT
Email: changeworkingpod@gmail.com
Website: www.clientshifts.com
Changeworking is produced by Ruckus Skye.
#podcast #changework #hypnosis #nlp #coaching #coach #CoachingTools #ClientBreakthroughs
May 20, 2025 • 41min
Beliefs, Truths, and Trances of Identity
James Tripp, an internationally recognized hypnosis and changework expert, dives deep into the realm of beliefs and their unseen influences on our lives. He discusses how unconscious beliefs can act as invisible operating systems that dictate our realities. Tripp explores Byron Katie’s belief-turnaround process and delves into the concepts of truth versus usefulness. He also shares insights on how self-identity shapes emotional connections and offers techniques for reframing beliefs to promote personal growth. This conversation sparks a journey towards psychological freedom.
12 snips
May 9, 2025 • 43min
Mindshifts & Meta-Awareness
James Tripp, an internationally renowned hypnosis and changework expert, dives deep into the fascinating world of meta-awareness and mind shifts. He discusses how recognizing one's identity can lead to significant transformative moments. Curiosity emerges as a vital resource for facilitating change in clients. The conversation explores the integration of breakthrough experiences and the subtleties of navigating resistant clients. Tripp highlights the connection between trance and identity, making a compelling case for the power of self-witnessing in personal growth.
25 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
Parts Work: The Multiplicity of the Mind
This discussion dives into the intriguing concept of 'parts work,' revealing how our minds are composed of multiple subpersonalities. The hosts share personal stories that highlight the benefits of recognizing these inner parts for personal growth and emotional healing. Techniques for engaging with our emotions and understanding different internal narratives are explored, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. Additionally, the talk offers insights on applying these ideas to improve relationships by acknowledging the various aspects within ourselves and others.
9 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 40min
Brain Hemispheres: Beyond Left vs. Right
James Tripp, an internationally renowned hypnosis and changework expert, shares intriguing insights on brain hemispheres and their significance in change work. He discusses Ian McGilchrist's ideas, highlighting how the left hemisphere favors control-oriented thinking while the right hemisphere embraces holistic awareness. The episode delves into the contrasting ways each hemisphere processes experiences and offers techniques to balance these perspectives in therapeutic settings. Tripp's journey and renewed appreciation for trance work further enrich the conversation.


