NLP → NLP Lexicon

Six-Step Reframing

Definition

The Six-Step Reframing is a classic NLP technique for changing unwanted behaviors, by recognizing the underlying positive intention and developing new, more appropriate behavioral alternatives. This method was developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder and is based on the fundamental assumption that every behavior – even destructive or inappropriate – serves a useful purpose. Through the reframing process, the positive intention is preserved while the behavior itself is changed.

Origins and Theoretical Background

The concept of reframing originally comes from systemic family therapy and was influenced by the works of Virginia Satir, Milton Erickson and Gregory Bateson. In NLP, this led to the development of Six-Step Reframing, a structured technique for the targeted change of unconscious patterns.

The method is based on two central NLP principles:

• 1. Every behavior has a positive intention – even if it appears superficially negative.
• 2. A person has all the inner resources to find new, more appropriate behaviors, as soon as the positive intention becomes conscious.

Application Examples

The Six-Step Reframing is used in many areas:

• Behavior change: e.g. with smoking, procrastination, emotional reactions.
• Dealing with fears: nervousness, or self-doubt.
• Coaching and therapy: Dissolving blocking beliefs or hindering patterns.
• Performance enhancement: Improving self-motivation, focus, and inner calm.

Example: Stage Fright

A client suffers from severe stage fright before presentations. In reframing, it becomes clear that the stage fright pursues a positive intention – it wants to protect the client by preparing them for possible mistakes. Through the process, the client learns not to fight the nervousness but to transform it into focused energy and presence.

Areas of Application

• Therapy and coaching: Working with unconscious processes and behavioral patterns.
• Leadership Training: Changing negative thought and action patterns.
• Personal Development: Transforming hindering beliefs.
• Conflict resolution: Promoting new perspectives in difficult situations.

Methods and Exercises

The Six-Step Reframing follows a clearly structured process:

1. Identification of the unwanted behavior:
   Which behavior or feeling should be changed?
2. Contact with the inner instance:
   The unconscious that controls this behavior is addressed or symbolically perceived (e.g. as an image, feeling, or voice).
3. Recognizing the positive intention:
   What benefit does the behavior pursue? Example: Stage fright wants to ensure protection and attention.
4. Development of alternative behaviors:
   The unconscious is invited to find new strategies that fulfill the same intention but without negative side effects.
5. Reviewing the alternatives:
   Do the new options feel congruent and 'ecological' (i.e. in harmony with the entire personality)?
6. Integration and testing:
   The new behavior is internally tested and projected onto future situations – e.g. confidently mastering a future presentation.

Synonyms or Related Terms

• NLP Reframing
• Inner dialogue with the unconscious
• Positive intention model

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Promotes self-reflection and helps to make automatic patterns conscious.
• Supports the integration of unconscious processes into conscious decisions.
• Enables sustainable behavior changes through positive reframing.
• Is successfully applied in coaching, therapy, and personal development.

Criticism or Limitations

• The idea of an 'unconscious instance' is a metaphorical model, not a scientifically proven mechanism.
• Not suitable for everyone – some people prefer cognitive or rational approaches.
• Prerequisite: Willingness to engage in a creative inner dialogue.

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1979). Frogs into Princes: Neuro Linguistic Programming. Real People Press.
• Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLP. Meta Publications, Capitola.
• Hall, L. M. (2001). The User's Manual for the Brain. Crownhouse Publishing, Carmarthen.

Metaphor or Analogy

The treasure in the dark cave

Imagine you are wandering through a dark forest and discover a cave. In the cave sits a menacing-looking being that blocks your way. You want to turn back, but when you look closer, you realize that the being is guarding a treasure – a gem that it protects for you.

The being represents your unwanted behavior – it may seem obstructive or frightening at first glance, but it has a positive intention. When you learn to recognize this intention, you can work with the 'being' to use the treasure (the inner resource) in a new, healthier way.

The Six-Step Reframing helps to discover this treasure, without having to fight against the protective behavior – but by understanding and transforming it.

See also