Physiologies

Our bodily processes play a crucial role in determining our emotional states. They reflect our internal states. By changing our physiology, however, we can also change those states.

Physiology refers to everything connected to the physical body (as distinct from mental processes). A person’s physiology includes everything that can be observed externally — primarily their body language. NLP assumes a close connection between body and mind. A person’s physiology directly influences cognitive processes and emotional experiences. Even small physical changes can have a significant impact on inner well-being.

What Is Included in a Physiology?

• Breathing
• Lip size and movement
• Facial color
• Muscle tension
• Posture
• Ideomotor (unconscious) movements
• Eyes: direction, blinking, pupil size, moisture
• Voice: tone, volume
• Perspiration
• and much more...

Thies Stahl distinguishes between problem physiology, goal physiology, resource physiology, and reconciliation physiology, as well as various mixed forms.

Problem Physiology

This refers to the state from which a client describes what they find problematic and how they experience it. A person demonstrates their problem physiology when they talk about their issue, recall a situation (or imagine a future one) that did not go as desired. Problem physiologies are observable but differ from person to person.

Goal Physiology

This is the physiology the client must demonstrate at least once during most NLP change techniques so that the practitioner knows what to look for when the change work is complete. It serves as a visual reference for the successful completion of the process.

Resource Physiology

The resource physiology is very similar to the goal physiology. It is defined as the physical state representing the skills or capabilities that enable the client to reach the goal physiology. Breathing, posture, muscle tone, and micro-movements are usually similar in both. By the end of the change process, the client should be able to consciously access this resource physiology on their own.

Reconciliation Physiology

The reconciliation physiology is the physical expression that accompanies the deeply emotional realization when a client suddenly understands that a behavior they wanted to eliminate once served a meaningful and essential purpose in their life. At the moment they can appreciate the positive intent behind that behavior, their physiology visibly changes — signaling integration and inner resolution.