NLP Framing for Resourcefulness
Introduction
Neuro-linguistic Programming presents several frames of reference that are used to put things in different contexts and perspectives, by giving them different meanings. These frames can be applied to handle feedback or criticism effectively, or to cure certain phobias and traumas.
The concept of framing is developing the ability to step out of an experience, take a second position so that you can understand the different perspectives, and learn to cope with them. You need to learn the length and degree of changing frames in order to gain the maximum flexibility of consciousness.
When we shift to another frame, we reframe our perspective and consequently our meaning. This change in meaning brings about a change in Neuro-linguistic and neuro semantic reality. We begin to see normal things differently, feel different types of emotions, and begin to speak and act in a different manner. This can be done by undergoing Neuro-linguistic courses.
One of the types of frames used is the Neuro-linguistic backtrack frame. This frame presents a simple yet efficient model for framing. This frame uses the skills required of rapport building such as matching, mirroring, leading and pacing. With the neuro linguistic, backtrack frame you can evaluate the information obtained through tonalities and words. Backtrack frame involves mirroring the other person’s words, which helps in maintaining the rapport. This frame is particularly useful in meetings, where you need to make sure that all people are in synchronization with the conversation and the points made. The Neuro-linguistic backtrack frame also provides you some additional time to think about the next statement. This can be learnt using Neuro-linguistic training.
Another type of frame, as per Neuro-linguistic courses, is the ‘As If” frame. This frame helps to solve problems by assuming that some event has already taken place and then exploring the possibilities. ‘As If” frame is also referred to as the ‘Pretend’ frame by some Neuro-linguistic Programming trainers. For example, pretend to be one year in the future, and you have achieved certain goals.
Take a look back from the future and identify what steps you took to achieve that result. From this new perspective, you might identify some insightful points that were not available to you in the present. Sometimes we tend to be so close to the problem that we ignore the big picture. With this frame, you can tackle a problem from a future perspective. The ‘As If” frame can be used in meetings when a person is absent. On questioning the group about what the person would do if he were present, other members who know the person well might give some valuable hints. This technique can be developed using Neuro-linguistic training.
The ‘As If” frame employs four different types of switching actions. This can be learnt through Neuro-linguistic courses. The first switch is a time switch, where you pretend to go into the future, look back and figure out the steps taken. The second way is a person switch, where you can pretend to be someone else and then try to tackle the issue. The third method is information switch, where you pretend you have all the information at hand to make a decision. The fourth method is function switch, where you pretend to change any function or aspect of the situation before handling the issue.
The Uses of the ‘As If” Frame
The ‘As If” frame is particularly useful for handling difficult people who are resistant to change. This can be learnt using Neuro-linguistic Programming techniques. Pretending does not particularly threaten any person, as opposed to the real change. Since there is no intimidating environment, people are more open and willing to experiment, as per Neuro-linguistic training.
Another Neuro-linguistic frame pattern is the ‘Agreement’ frame. This is particularly used in situations where there is a conflict and people are unable to view each other’s point of view. In this frame, both the parties rise above their current levels and take into account all the perceptions, concerns and frames of reference. According to Neuro-linguistic training, when the two parties rise above the level of the problem, they can reach quality agreements.
According to the ‘Agreement’ frame pattern of Neuro-linguistic programming, the first step is that each person must specify their current frame, by listing the values, criteria and beliefs behind each goal. This helps to gather important information from each individual, and makes them feel valued and heard. The next step is to identify all the common elements at the higher level that both parties agree. By trying to move to a higher common level, both parties try to rise above their current personal levels.
The next step is to identify a higher-level category that both parties agree to, if there are no common higher-level elements. That is, try to make the parties agree on a more generalized concept or idea, if they disagree on the specifics. The next step is to prepare a larger level frame of agreement, where the intentions of each party is known and accepted as genuine by the other party. The next step is to base the negotiation on the higher-level agreements. Here you must move back down to the specifics, and reach a compromise that is acceptable to both parties. The final step is to conclude and confirm the agreement, by identifying and solidifying every level of agreement and its importance to each party.
The Importance of Handling Criticism
An important application of Neuro-linguistic frame is for handling criticism. The dissociative frame is used for removing an emotion from an experience using Neuro-linguistic training. This procedure was developed by Neuro-linguistic Programming experts Steve and Connirae Andreas, by modeling people who are able to turn criticism into feedback.
The steps taken for efficiently handling criticism are:
1. Enter a dissociative state. Look at yourself from a distance. Since you are not the person receiving the criticism, any negative feeling associated with the episode will also be dissociated.
2. Dissociate yourself from the criticism by seeing the other you “over there” getting the criticism. Watch yourself before the start of criticism. When the criticism starts, see that a version of you steps out of the first you and starts watching the first you receive the criticism. This is experiencing double dissociation. Since double dissociation might be tricky, you can alternatively watch the first you and see the words used by the critic printed on an imaginary blackboard floating in the air.
3. Make a movie out of the content of the criticism. Ask questions to the critic as to what he means by any vague statements and use that information to make the movie.
4. Evaluate the criticism given. Decide which part of the criticism you agree with and which part you do not agree. By comparing movies of your experience and that of the critic, you can look for mismatches. If there are too many mismatches, ask questions to the critic to gather further information.
5. Decide what would be your response. Since you have all the information at hand, you can decide which items of the criticism you agree with, and which items you do not agree. First talk about all the items you agree with, and then share the items you do not agree along with the reason. Apologize for parts you need to correct in order to maintain rapport.
6. Bring a change in your behavior as per the new findings from the criticism. Start to adjust your behavior then onwards by imagining a situation and practicing your response with the new behavior. This helps train the unconscious mind.
7. Incorporate the enlightened you inside you. This means remove all barriers and pull in the new improved you, the one who was watching you from a dissociative frame. Let this new you integrate into your unconscious mind.
The Dissociative Frame
According to Neuro-linguistic courses, the dissociative frame can also be used to cure phobias and traumas. Our personality is a result of our memories. By reframing our memories using the Fast Phobia Cure, described in Richard Bandler’s book “Using your brain for a change”, we can get rid of any negative hurtful memories. This can help us develop a more positive outlook about life and develop an exceptional personality. Using dissociation, we can remove negative emotional impact of undesirable memories and then recode the visual and kinesthetic characteristics of the memory, as per Neuro-linguistic courses.
A simplified approach for fast phobia cure is :
1. Establish a resource anchor to bring the client out of the traumatic state.
2. Praise the client on his mind’s ability to remember events
3. Using a blank movie screen, project the client into a time when he felt safe
4. Tell the client to be in the projection booth looking at himself sitting in the theatre
5. Tell the client to run a black and white movie of the bad memory on the screen, and experience a double dissociation by watching himself in the theatre watching the movie.
6. On reaching the end of the scene, freeze the frame and turn into a blank screen
7. Help the client associate with the image at the end of the scene after surviving the event
8. Ask the client to view the movie backwards in color.
9. Repeat the process till the kinesthetic or the image disappears
10. Test the client by letting him imagine the phobic state in the future, and rerun the process if phobia is still present.
