NLP → NLP Lexicon

Thinking

Definition:

In NLP, "Thinking" is not considered an independent, isolated term, but is broken down into specific representation systems (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory) and their sub-properties (submodalities). Thinking is understood as a process in which information is processed in one or more of these sensory modalities.

Examples:

• Visual Thinking: Images, colors, or spatial representations in the mind.
• Auditory Thinking: Inner dialogues, sounds, or melodies.
• Kinesthetic Thinking: Body sensations or emotional states.

In NLP, it is assumed that thinking is closely related to the way people represent and interact with their reality.

Origin and Theoretical Background

The conceptualization of thinking in NLP is based on the idea that all cognitive processes occur through representations in the sensory modalities. This assumption traces back to the early work of Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who were inspired by linguistics, Gestalt psychology, and cognitive psychology. Thinking in NLP is strongly connected to the perception and processing of experiences and is therefore often analyzed in connection with the representation systems and their submodalities.

Application Examples

• Coaching: A client who struggles to make decisions is asked how they think about it (e.g., whether they see inner images, have an inner dialogue, or perceive a certain feeling). The coach uses this information to support the decision-making process.
• Therapy: A therapist works with a client to change distressing thought patterns by adjusting the submodalities of those thoughts (e.g., a loud inner critic).
• Learning strategies: People with a visual thinking style learn more effectively when information is presented in diagrams or images, while auditory thinkers benefit from spoken explanations.

Areas of Application

• Coaching: Analysis and optimization of thinking processes for goal achievement.
• Therapy: Changing thought patterns to cope with fears or emotional blockages.
• Education: Development of personalized learning methods based on the preferred representation system.
• Communication Training: Adapting language and expression to the thinking and perception style of the counterpart.

Methods and Exercises

Exercise: Recognize and adjust thinking processes

1. Identify the representation system:

   Think of a problem or goal. Ask yourself: "How do I perceive this?"

   Response options: Do you see images? Do you hear inner voices? Do you feel something?

2. Examine submodalities:

   If you see images: Are they large or small? Close or far?

   If you hear an inner dialogue: Is it loud or quiet? Friendly or critical?

3. Make a change:

   Change the submodalities: Shrink an image, lower a critical voice, or amplify a positive feeling.

Variation:

Use visualizations or affirmations to strengthen the preferred thinking style or develop alternative perspectives.

Synonyms and related terms

Synonyms

• Cognitive Processes
• Mental Representations
• Perception Processing

Related terms:

• Representation Systems: The foundation of thinking in NLP.
• Submodalities: The specific properties of the sensory modalities that influence thinking.
• Inner dialogue: A commonly used form of auditory thinking.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

Practical benefits:

• Promoting clarity and structure in thinking processes.
• Adapting learning and problem-solving strategies to individual thinking styles.
• Support in overcoming distressing or limiting thought patterns.

Scientific benefits:

The NLP model of thinking is linked to theories from cognitive psychology and neuroscience, particularly the theory of mental representations. Scientifically, however, the NLP perspective is often criticized as being overly simplistic, while its practical applications in coaching and therapy are widely appreciated.

Criticism or Limitations

• Criticism: The model of thinking in NLP is often criticized for simplifying the complexity of human thinking and partially relying on subjective assumptions.
• Limitations: NLP considers fewer aspects such as emotional, social, and unconscious influences on thinking processes, which are emphasized more in modern psychology.

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1979). Frogs into Princes: Neuro Linguistic Programming. Real People Press.
• Dilts, R. (1998). Applications of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in Learning and Development. Meta Publications.
• Baddeley, A. (1992). Working memory. Science, 255(5044), 556–559.

Metaphor or Analogy

Thinking is like painting a picture: The colors are your sensory perceptions, the details your submodalities, and the entire picture is your reality – which you can reshape again and again.

See also