NLP Part 6 - Basic Techniques For Change

Changing submodalities in NLP

Changing submodalities is a technique in NLP that involves changing the sensory qualities of an internal representation, such as an image, sound, or feeling. Submodalities are the specific sensory components of an internal representation, such as its brightness, size, location, and distance.

By changing the submodalities of an internal representation, individuals can alter their emotional response or perception of the representation. For example, if someone has a phobia of spiders, they might have an internal representation of spiders that is large, close, and bright. By changing the submodalities of this internal representation to make the spider smaller, further away, and less bright, the person's fear response may be reduced or eliminated.

Changing submodalities can be used for a variety of purposes in NLP, including overcoming phobias, reducing anxiety or stress, increasing motivation, and improving performance. It is based on the idea that the way we represent information internally affects our behavior and emotions. Therefore, by changing the way we represent information, we can change our response to it.

Association and dissociation in NLP

Association and dissociation are two concepts in NLP that relate to how we experience events and situations in our minds.

Association refers to the experience of being fully immersed in an experience, as if we are looking through our own eyes and feeling the emotions associated with that experience. When we are associated with an experience, we are in the moment, fully present, and experiencing it in a very visceral way.

Dissociation, on the other hand, refers to the experience of observing an experience from a distance, as if we are watching a movie or a scene unfold. When we dissociate, we may feel less emotionally connected to the experience, and may be able to observe it more objectively.

Here are some examples of association and dissociation:

• If you recall a happy memory, you may associate with it by reliving the experience in your mind, feeling the emotions associated with it, and seeing it from your own perspective. Alternatively, you may dissociate from the experience by imagining yourself watching the memory unfold as if it were a movie, observing the details and emotions from a distance.
• If you recall a traumatic experience, you may dissociate from it by imagining yourself watching the event from a distance, as if you were an observer. This can help to lessen the intensity of the emotions associated with the experience. Alternatively, you may associate with the experience by reliving it in your mind, feeling the emotions associated with it, and seeing it from your own perspective.
• If you are preparing for a public speaking engagement, you may dissociate from any nervousness or anxiety you may feel by imagining yourself watching the event unfold as if you were an observer. This can help to reduce the intensity of the nervousness or anxiety. Alternatively, you may associate with the experience by imagining yourself on stage, looking out at the audience, and feeling the emotions associated with the experience. This can help to increase your sense of confidence and readiness for the event.

Anchoring in NLP

Anchoring is a technique in NLP that involves associating a specific state of mind or emotion with a particular stimulus or "anchor" such as a touch, gesture, or word. The idea behind anchoring is that by establishing a strong association between a particular anchor and a desired state of mind or emotion, it is possible to access that state of mind or emotion simply by triggering the anchor.

For example, imagine you want to feel confident and focused before giving a speech. You might create an anchor by clenching your fist or touching your thumb and index finger together, while you are in a state of confident and focused. Then, you can trigger the anchor just before giving the speech, to help you access the same state of mind.

Anchoring can be a useful technique for managing emotions, enhancing performance, and promoting positive states of mind. It can be applied in various contexts, such as public speaking, sports, and therapy. Anchoring can also be used to change undesirable states or behaviors, by dissociating the trigger from the negative state or behavior, and associating it with a more positive one.

The effectiveness of anchoring depends on the strength of the association between the anchor and the desired state of mind or emotion, and on the consistency of the triggering of the anchor. With practice, individuals can learn to create and use anchors effectively to improve their emotional state and performance.

Collecting and Collapsing an anchor

Collecting an anchor involves linking a specific trigger, such as a touch, a word, or a sound, to a specific emotional state or behavior. To do this, the NLP practitioner would guide the client to recall a specific time when they were in the desired emotional state or exhibiting the desired behavior, and then link the anchor with that state or behavior.

Collapsing an anchor involves breaking the connection between the trigger and the emotional state or behavior. This can be done by eliciting a conflicting emotional state or behavior while activating the anchor, or by using other NLP techniques such as reframing or parts integration to resolve the underlying issue.

Collecting and collapsing anchors can be beneficial in helping individuals to shift their emotional states or behaviors in desired ways, such as overcoming a phobia or increasing confidence. By using anchors to trigger positive states or behaviors, individuals can learn to access those states or behaviors more easily and consistently. By collapsing negative anchors, individuals can learn to overcome limiting beliefs or behaviors that may be holding them back.

Reframing in NLP

Reframing is a technique in NLP that involves looking at a situation or experience from a different perspective in order to change the meaning or interpretation of that experience. Reframing can be used to help individuals reframe negative experiences or behaviors into more positive ones, and to help them develop new perspectives and ways of thinking.

The basic idea behind reframing is that the way we interpret and understand our experiences and behaviors shapes how we feel and respond to them. By changing our interpretation of a situation or behavior, we can change how we feel about it and how we respond to it.

There are several types of reframing techniques used in NLP, including content reframing, context reframing, and six-step reframing.

• Content reframing involves changing the meaning or interpretation of the content of a situation or experience.
• Context reframing involves changing the context or frame in which a situation or experience is understood.
• Six-step reframing involves exploring the positive intent behind a behavior and finding alternative, more positive ways to achieve that intent.

Reframing can be a powerful tool in helping individuals to shift their perspective and develop new ways of thinking and responding to their experiences. By changing the meaning or interpretation of a situation or behavior, individuals can improve their emotional state, reduce stress, and develop more positive attitudes and behaviors.

180 process in NLP

The 180 process is an NLP technique that is designed to help people shift their perspective on a problem or issue that is causing them distress. It involves asking a series of questions that encourage the person to view the situation from different angles and consider alternative ways of thinking and feeling about it. The process is called the 180 process because it involves turning around or reversing the person's current way of thinking about the problem by 180 degrees.

The 180 process is often used to help people break free from limiting beliefs or negative patterns of thinking that are holding them back in some way. By examining their current beliefs and thought patterns, and then considering the opposite or reverse perspective, people can gain a new understanding of their situation and find new solutions to their problems.

The 180 process typically involves the following steps:

1. Identify the limiting belief or negative thought pattern that is causing distress.
2. Consider the opposite or reverse perspective on the situation.
3. Identify the positive aspects of the situation and focus on them.
4. Consider how the opposite perspective might be useful or beneficial.
5. Re-evaluate the original belief or thought pattern and consider a new perspective.

The 180 process can be used in a wide range of situations, from personal and professional growth to relationship issues and other life challenges. It is a versatile and effective tool for helping people shift their perspective and find new solutions to their problems.

Acting “As if” in NLP

Acting "As If" is a technique in NLP that involves behaving as if a particular desired outcome has already been achieved. This technique is often used to help individuals cultivate a mindset that aligns with their goals and to help them overcome limiting beliefs and self-doubt.

When a person acts as if they have already achieved their desired outcome, it allows them to tap into the feeling of success and reinforces their belief that they are capable of achieving their goals. This can increase their motivation, improve their self-confidence, and help them take the necessary steps towards achieving their desired outcome.

For example, if someone wants to become a successful entrepreneur but is struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure, they can use the acting as if technique to help them shift their mindset. They may begin to dress and act as if they are already a successful entrepreneur, and engage in activities that successful entrepreneurs typically do, such as attending networking events or seeking out mentorship opportunities. By doing so, they are building the habits and mindset necessary for success and reinforcing positive beliefs about themselves and their abilities.

Acting as if is beneficial when used in conjunction with other NLP techniques such as visualization and goal-setting, and when applied consistently over time. It can help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and cultivate a growth mindset, which can lead to greater success and fulfillment in life.

Priming in NLP

Priming in Neuro Linguistic Programming refers to the process of preparing the mind and body to be receptive to a certain idea or behavior. It involves influencing the unconscious mind to recognize and respond to certain stimuli in a particular way.

In NLP, priming can be used in various ways such as:

• Setting the context for a specific task or activity: Before engaging in a specific activity or task, priming can be used to help prepare the mind and body for the activity.
• Anchoring a desired state: Priming can be used to anchor a positive state of mind or emotion. This can be useful in situations where a person needs to access a particular state, such as confidence or motivation.
• Increasing awareness: Priming can be used to increase awareness of certain patterns or behaviors that a person may want to change.
• Overcoming negative beliefs: Priming can be used to challenge and replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
• Enhancing performance: Priming can be used to enhance performance in sports, public speaking, or other activities where mental preparation is important.

Priming can be accomplished through various techniques such as visualization, guided meditation, positive affirmations, and use of metaphors. The specific technique used depends on the desired outcome and the individual's personal preferences.

Incantantions in NLP

Incantations are positive affirmations or declarations that are repeated frequently with high intensity and emotion to reprogram the mind and create a new belief system. The term "incantation" comes from the Latin word "incantare," which means "to chant" or "to enchant."

The use of incantations in NLP is based on the idea that our beliefs and thoughts shape our reality. By repeating positive affirmations with conviction, we can change our beliefs, emotions, and behavior. Incantations are often used as a tool to overcome limiting beliefs and negative self-talk and to build confidence, motivation, and resilience.

Some examples of incantations used in NLP include:

• "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better."
• "I am confident, powerful, and unstoppable."
• "I choose to focus on the positive and to see opportunities in every challenge."
• "I am worthy of love, success, and happiness."
• "I am grateful for all the blessings in my life and for the opportunities to grow and learn."

The key to effective incantations is to repeat them with strong emotion, conviction, and physical intensity, such as clenching fists, standing tall, or pumping the chest. This helps to anchor the positive affirmations in the mind and to create new neural pathways that support the desired beliefs and behavior.

Would you like to use any of these techniques for changing your own beliefs and behaviors? Contact us here for free 30 minute session and let's discuss it together.

The Part 7 of the series about NLP focuses on Advanced Techniques. Continue with Part 7 here.