NLP → NLP Lexicon

Submodality (Submodality)

Definition

Submodalities are the fine distinctions within the Sensory Channels – Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory and Gustatory (VAKOG). While Modalities the primary representational systems in NLP represent, submodalities refer to the specific Subproperties within these modalities that shape our perception, memory, and emotions. For example, visual submodalities describe properties such as brightness or size of an internal image, while auditory submodalities concern volume, pitch, or direction. By deliberately changing these submodalities, emotional reactions to experiences can be consciously influenced.

Origins and Theoretical Background

The concept of submodalities was developed by Richard Bandler He observed that people structure their inner experiences not only through sensory channels but also through subtle differences within these channels. These differences – the submodalities – determine, how intense, meaningful, or emotional an experience is perceived. By deliberately changing these sub-properties, the meaning and emotional impact of an experience can be reshaped and transformed.

List of Submodalities

1. Visual Submodalities

• Brightness
• Colors (color or black-and-white)
• Sharpness
• Size of the image
• Distance (near or far)
• Perspective (associated or dissociated)
• Movement (static or dynamic)
• Focus (centered or peripheral)

2. Auditory Submodalities

• Volume
• Pitch
• Pitch
• rhythm
• Direction (left, right, up, down)
• Distance (near or far)
• Speed (slow or fast)
• Clarity

3. Kinesthetic Submodalities

• Temperature (warm or cold)
• Texture (rough or smooth)
• Pressure (light or heavy)
• Intensity
• Movement (calm or dynamic)
• Body area (localized or global)

4. Olfactory and Gustatory Submodalities

• Intensity of smell or taste
• Quality (pleasant or unpleasant)
• Complexity (simple or layered)
• Temperature

Application Examples

• Overcoming phobias: A person with a fear of spiders can shrink the image of the spider, represent it in black-and-white, or move it into the distance to reduce the fear response.
• Enhancing positive experiences: A pleasant experience becomes more intense when the inner image is made brighter, larger, or more colorful.
• Changing habits: Someone who is tempted to smoke by the smell of cigarettes can change the olfactory submodalities to weaken the craving.

Areas of Application

• Therapy: Changing emotional reactions to distressing memories.
• Coaching: Reinforcement of resources and positive states.
• Learning and training processes: Increasing concentration and motivation through conscious perception control.
• Personal Development: Building resilience through targeted emotional self-regulation.

Methods and Exercises

1. Identifying submodalities: Analyze the fine qualities of an experience. Ask, for example: "Is the image bright or dark?", "Where does the voice come from?" or "How does it feel?".
2. Changing submodalities: Experiment with the properties – change brightness, volume, color, or movement and observe the emotional effect.
3. Testing effect: Check how the emotional experience has changed through the alteration of submodalities, and stabilize desired reactions.

Synonyms or Related Terms

• Subproperties
• Fine-tuning sensory perception

Distinction

Submodalities differ from Modalities by their level of detail. Modalities refer to the overarching sensory channels (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic), while submodalities describe the specific characteristics within these channels.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Individually: Submodalities allow for conscious control of emotional reactions and promote self-regulation.
• Practically: They enhance the effectiveness of NLP techniques in coaching, therapy, and personal development.
• Scientifically: The concept is based on insights from perceptual psychology and Neuroplasticity.

Criticism or Limitations

• Subjectivity: The perception and alteration of submodalities is individual and requires sensitivity as well as precise observation.
• Scientific validation: Despite convincing practical results, empirical research on submodalities is still limited.

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & MacDonald, W. (1988). An Insider’s Guide to Sub-Modalities. Meta Publications, Capitola.
• Andreas, S., & Andreas, C. (1989). Change Your Mind—and Keep the Change. Real People Press.
• Mohl, A. (1993). NLP in practice. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen.

Metaphor or Analogy

Submodalities are like the sliders of a mixing console.

By adjusting the settings for volume, pitch, or balance, you change the perception and effect of a piece of music. Similarly, you can alter the effect of an inner experience by tweaking the "sliders" of the submodalities – brighter, quieter, closer, or softer.

See also