NLP → NLP Lexicon

Identity

Definition

In NLP, it refers to Identity the self-image, the inner image, the self-understanding, and the conception that a person has of themselves, including the values, beliefs, and roles they assume in life. Identity significantly influences a person's behavior, decisions, and personal development. It is the feeling of continuity and uniqueness that informs us about "who we are" and "what makes us who we are."

Identity encompasses both conscious and unconscious aspects and is shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, and interaction with our environment. In NLP, identity is primarily considered in the context of self-image, beliefs, and personal values. The goal is to recognize hindering self-images and replace them with supportive concepts to promote personal growth and development.

Origin and Theoretical Background

The concept of identity has its roots in psychology, particularly in the humanistic psychology of Carl Rogers and the social-cognitive theory of Albert Bandura. Erik Erikson's stage model of psychosocial development, which describes identity as a key component of human life, is also referenced.

Bandler and Grinder, the founders of NLP, emphasized the importance of the representation systems (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, etc.) with which people construct their identity in their work. They connected identity with beliefs and values that are anchored at deeper neurological levels, as in the model of logical levels by Robert Dilts. Identity is one of the logical levels according to Dilts that determines a person's deeper beliefs and self-understanding.

Application Examples

1. Coaching:

   A coach helps a client develop a new, positive self-image that supports them in their professional growth.

2. Career Coaching:

   A manager who sees their role as a "strict leader" learns to expand their identity as an "inspiring coach" to improve their leadership skills.

3. Therapy:

   A client who feels lost after a difficult life phase works with their therapist to redefine their identity, dissolve negative self-concepts, and build a healthy identity based on their values and goals.

4. Personal Development:

   Someone who considers themselves "not creative" can develop a new self-image that fosters creativity through NLP techniques. For example, an exercise where the person visually imagines successfully performing a creative activity strengthens a supportive self-understanding.

5. Leadership:

   Leaders use their understanding of their team members' identities to increase motivation and engagement.

Areas of Application

• Therapy:

  Identity work to cope with identity crises and self-doubt; working with self-image to heal trauma and strengthen resilience.

• Coaching:

  Support in professional and personal reorientation.

• Leadership Training:

  Promoting a coherent and inspiring leadership style.

• Personal Development:

  Changing hindering beliefs and promoting a positive self-concept, self-awareness, and authenticity.

• Education:

  Developing a strong self-image in students and learners.

• Conflict resolution:

  Understanding how personal identity influences dynamics in relationships to improve communication.

Methods and Exercises

1. Working with the logical levels:

   Reflection on identity in the context of skills, beliefs, and values related to specific areas of life to enable clarity and change.

2. Reframing techniques:

   Hindering beliefs about one's identity ("I am always a loser") are replaced with new, positive perspectives ("I have learned from my mistakes and I am growing from them").

3. Timeline work:

   Visualizing one's life path to clarify identity.

4. Future Self Visualization:

   The person imagines how they will live in the future when they have already embodied their desired identity. This technique strengthens the connection between current actions and long-term goals.

Synonyms or Related Terms

• Self-Image
• self-concept
• Personality Structure
• Personal Values
• Authenticity

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Strengthening Self-Awareness: People develop a clearer understanding of their strengths, values, and beliefs.
• Promoting Personal Growth: Changes in self-image can lead to increased self-confidence and agency.
• Integration of Experiences: Negative or confusing experiences are integrated into a consistent self-understanding.
• Promoting Authenticity: People learn to lead a life that aligns with their identity and values.

A clear understanding of one's identity helps resolve inner conflicts, make better decisions, and live authentically. Research shows that people with a stable identity are more resilient to stress and challenges.

Criticism or Limitations

• Changeability: Identity is not static but dynamic: it is constantly evolving, which can sometimes cause uncertainties. This means that changes require time and self-reflection.
• Deeply Anchored Beliefs: It can be difficult to recognize and change deeply anchored beliefs about one's identity, especially without professional support.
• Scientific validation: Critics accuse NLP of not all techniques being scientifically grounded, which also applies to work with identity. The subjective nature of identity makes it difficult to measure objectively.
• External Influence: Societal expectations can distort self-image and lead to inner turmoil.

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The Structure of Magic: A Book About Language and Therapy. Science and Behavior Books, Palo Alto.
• Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W H Freeman/Times Books/ Henry Holt & Co.
• Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLP. Meta Publications, Capitola.
• Erikson, E.H. (1968). Identity: youth and crisis. Norton & Co.
• Rogers, C. (1961). On Becoming a Person. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.

Metaphor or Analogy

Identity is like an inner compass – it gives us the direction in which we move and helps us find our place in the world.

See also