NLP → NLP Lexicon

Interval-Time (Between Time)

Definition

The Interim Time is a special variant of the inner time line that describes how people structure their motivation. Individuals with this pattern focus on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). It describes a mental structure where Past composure future as images in a V-shaped space lie before the person, while the present is represented in the own body. This arrangement allows for consciously shaping time perceptions, reorganizing the relationship between past, present, and future, and thereby supporting changes and goal realization more effectively.

Origin and Theoretical Background

The concept of Between-Time originates from the theory of time lines in NLP, developed by Richard Bandler composure John Grinder was developed. The basic idea: Every person organizes their perception of time in an individual way – some see their past behind them, others to the left or right of them, and still others experience it directly in front of them. The Interim Time represents a special form of this time line: Past and future are represented as separate but accessible areas in the outside, while the present is experienced as embodied experience that remains palpable in the now. This structure supports the integration of experiences and the conscious shaping of changes in the here and now.

Application Examples

• Coaching: A client who has difficulty visualizing their future is guided to see their time line in the form of a 'V' – the future is clearly in front of them, the present is anchored in the body. This creates a stronger sense of orientation and agency.
• Therapy: In working with distressing memories, the Between-Time technique can help to see the past spatially 'outside'. This creates emotional distance and allows for a healing reassessment of the experience.
• Goal Setting: The technique supports clients in shaping their future vividly and motivatingly, while simultaneously experiencing the present as the starting point for change.

Areas of Application

• Therapy: Support in processing traumas or distressing memories through spatial distancing.
• Coaching: Promotion of goal clarity and mental alignment with future goals.
• Personal Development: Improvement of self-reflection and temporal orientation through conscious experiencing of past, present, and future.
• Conflict resolution: Reorganization of temporal perspectives to let go of past conflicts and recognize future action possibilities.

Methods and Exercises

1. Time line visualization: The client is invited to visualize their time line as V-shaped structure – with the present in the body and the past and future in the outer space. This exercise serves to create a clear awareness of temporal orientation.
2. Future projection: The client imagines how they have already achieved their goal in the future and mentally moves along the time line to it. This makes the future goal emotionally tangible and motivatingly anchored.
3. Integration of resources: Resource-rich experiences from the past are consciously brought into the present to use them as inner strength for future tasks.

Synonyms or Related Terms

• Time line: General NLP model of mental time representation, to which the Between-Time belongs as a special variant.
• Time perception: General concept of the psychological organization of time in consciousness.
• Temporal representation: Perception and mental structuring of past, present, and future.

Structuredness

• Timeline Therapy® (Tad James): Extended application of time line work to resolve negative emotions and blockages.
• Future pacing: Mental pre-experiencing of successful future scenarios.
• Submodalities: Changing the sensory qualities of memories and future images for emotional realignment.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Practical benefits: The Between-Time technique improves the Self-Awareness, strengthens the time awareness and promotes the goal-oriented action competence. It helps people to reorganize their past, embody the present, and clearly shape the future.
• Scientific Reference: In psychology, the temporal self-perception is considered central to motivation, decision-making ability, and well-being. Even though the NLP model of the time line is not empirically validated, it corresponds with concepts from cognitive psychology about mental time travel ('mental time travel').

Criticism or Limitations

• Criticism: The idea of a fixed V-structure may seem too abstract or too rigid for some people. Individuals with low visualization ability may have difficulty applying the technique effectively.
• Limitations: The technique should be individually adapted, as people organize their time perception very differently. A too rigid interpretation can restrict the flexibility of the inner representation.

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The Structure of Magic I. Science and Behavior Books, Palo Alto.
• Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLP. Meta Publications, Capitola.

Metaphor or Analogy

Imagine you are standing at the fork of a V-shaped path – with one foot firmly on the ground that represents the present past. To your left, the path leads back into the memories of the past, to your right, the path opens up to the possibilities of the future. And right there, where you stand, lies the Interim Time – the moment of conscious decision, in which you choose which step to take next. This metaphor shows: the past and the future are visible and reachable, but the power to change lies in the tangible present.

See also