Shared Roots, Different Frameworks

Provocative Therapy was created by Frank Farrelly and first described in his 1970s book of the same name. It broke with traditional therapy by asking clients “What’s the problem?” and then playfully arguing for why they should keep the problem, using humour, paradox and a series of conversational stances.

Provocative Change Works was developed later by Nick Kemp after years of working closely with Frank and studying his sessions in depth. Provocative Change Works keeps the provocative spirit of Provocative Therapy but adds extra layers: metaphor work, hypnosis, NLP-style submodality shifts, systematic stance training and time-framed feedback loops using recordings.

What They Have in Common

• Both work conversationally rather than mechanically or via worksheets.
• Both challenge the client’s problem story by exaggerating, reversing and playfully supporting it.
• Both use humour and irreverence in a caring way, never as cruelty or aggression.
• Both focus on the “here and now”, responding to what the client does in the moment rather than following a script.

Key Differences Between Provocative Change Works and Provocative Therapy

1. Scope and Application

Classic Provocative Therapy is primarily a psychotherapy method, focused on one-to-one client work. Provocative Change Works keeps that application but is deliberately designed as a general communication model that can be used in therapy, coaching, business, education and everyday conversations.

2. Use of Hypnosis and Metaphor

Frank did not label his work as “hypnosis”, although many people watching or experiencing Provocative Therapy describe trance-like states. In Provocative Change Works, Nick explicitly combines Ericksonian hypnotic patterns, metaphor exploration and provocative dialogue as a single integrated approach.

3. Session Structure and Preparation

In Provocative Therapy, a session traditionally begins with “What’s the problem?” and then the therapist gives all the reasons why the client should keep it.

In Provocative Change Works, that classic opening may be used, but not necessarily at the very start. Clients usually complete notes in advance, and the practitioner may begin with “yes sets” and other setups before moving into more oververtly provocative work. This gives Provocative Change Works a more planned entry into the session while still remaining highly flexible.

4. Additional Tools: NLP, Submodalities & Voice Tempo

Provocative Therapy relies mainly on stance changes and relational communication. Provocative Change Works keeps those but adds explicit use of NLP-style submodality shifts, sensory language patterns and voice-tempo work, changing the speed and tone of a client’s inner dialogue to alter emotional impact.

5. Training & Certification

Frank was clear that there should be no formal certifications in Provocative Therapy or “Provocative Coaching”.

Provocative Change Works, on the other hand, is built as a teachable model. There are structured trainings, a development course and clear competency standards for Provocative Change Works practitioners, with certification offered through Nick Kemp’s programmes and the Provocative Change Works Association.

6. Overall Feel for the Client

Both approaches can feel playful, challenging and surprisingly warm. Clients often report laughing a lot even while dealing with serious issues. Provocative Change Works tends to feel more multi-layered, as the practitioner moves between provocative dialogue, metaphor, hypnotic language and structured follow-up via recordings and time-framing so the client can keep learning from the session after it ends.