Six Step Reframing – The Universal NLP Method for Change
Today we will discuss one of the most powerful methods from NLP Practitioner: the Six Step Reframing. With this technique, you can resolve almost any problem – from unwanted habits to inner conflicts to behavioral patterns that hold you back. Learn in this episode of the NLP Podcast with Stefan Landsiedel and Marian Zeferer, how to apply the method and why it is so effective.
The World of NLP is the largest NLP platform in the world. You can experience it test for four weeks for free and experience NLP practically.
Table of Contents
What is Six Step Reframing?
The Six Step Reframing is a classic NLP method for changing behaviors, emotions, or thought patterns. The name already reveals the structure: The technique consists of six steps that guide you from problem perception through communication with your inner parts to a sustainable solution.
It was developed in the early days of NLP and combines elements of Gestalt Therapy with modern communication psychology. Its goal: to recognize the positive intention behind an unwanted behavior and develop a new, healthy strategy for it.
Parts Work – The Foundation of the Method
In NLP, it is assumed that our personality consists of many inner parts. Each part has a specific task or intention. So when we do something we actually don’t want – like snacking too much, procrastinating, or getting angry – there is a part behind it that means well but acts in an unfavorable way.
The Key: The Positive Intention
The crucial thought in Six Step Reframing is that every behavior has a positive intention. The smoker may want to relax, the procrastinator wants to avoid overwhelm, and the angry person wants to protect themselves. When you acknowledge this intention, you can find new, better ways to fulfill it – without the old behavior.
How does Six Step Reframing work?
The method proceeds in six clearly defined steps. It can be used in self-application, coaching, or in a business context.
Step 1: Identify the Undesired Behavior
Choose a behavior or symptom that you want to change – such as smoking, constant rumination, or procrastination.
Step 2: Connect with the Inner Part
Imagine there is a part of you that is responsible for this behavior. Visualize it: What does it look like? How old is it? Give it a name. Greet this part and acknowledge that it belongs to you.
Step 3: Recognize the Positive Intention
Ask the part: "What is your positive intention for me?" Perhaps it wants to protect you, help you relax, or provide you with recognition. Thank it for this intention – it shows that your system is working meaningfully.
Step 4: Find Creative Alternatives
Ask another part of you – your creative part – for ideas on how you can achieve the same positive intention in other ways. Gather at least three new strategies. This creates a positive realignment, instead of mere suppression.
Step 5: Take Responsibility
Ask the original part to try one or more of the new options in the coming weeks. Set a trial period during which you test the new behavior.
Step 6: Ecology Check and Future Pace
Check if another part of your system has objections ("Yes, but..."). If not, visualize yourself in a future situation where you successfully apply the new behavior. This anchors the change in your perception.
Practical Examples from Everyday Life
The Six Step Reframing is universally applicable. Here are some typical areas of application:
- Smoking – The "smoking part" wants to help you relax or connect. Find new ways to experience breaks or socializing.
- Nail-biting – The part wants to reduce stress. Alternative: Breathing exercises or short movement routines.
- Online Shopping – Behind excessive consumption often lies the need for connection or reward. The new way could involve maintaining real social contacts or creating conscious moments of enjoyment.
- Anger or Impatience – The part wants to protect you or maintain your boundaries. The alternative: Clarity and self-assertion with calm and strength.
Why this works
The difference from conventional "willpower methods" is that no inner struggle arises here. Instead of suppressing a part, it is heard, acknowledged, and brought into cooperation. This creates inner harmony instead of resistance.
Six Step Reframing in a Business Context
The principle works not only in coaching but also in professional everyday life. Stefan and Marian show in the podcast how you can apply the process in teams and leadership situations can be used.
Example: Arriving late in the team
A team has the problem that many arrive late to meetings. Instead of scolding, the leader could use the process:
- Behavior: Arriving late.
- Positive intention: Use time efficiently because meetings rarely start on time.
- Creative alternatives: Structure meetings clearly, start on time, improve preparation.
- Responsibility: The team decides to test the new rules.
- Ecology check: Are there any objections? If not, start!
The result: The team solves the problem itself – without blame, but with understanding and cooperation. Thus, Six Step Reframing becomes a method for creative solutions.
Conclusion: From Inner Conflict to Inner Cooperation
The Six Step Reframing is much more than a technique – it is a principle of understanding and inner communication. It helps you connect with your unconscious parts instead of fighting against them. This leads to solutions that are sustainable, creative, and holistic. If you want to learn how to apply Six Step Reframing professionally, you will find numerous
exercises and video tutorials in the World of NLP . Test the platform now for four weeks for free and discover how NLP can transform your thinking, feeling, and acting.Frequently asked questions about Six Step Reframing in NLP
What is Six Step Reframing in NLP?
is an NLP technique that allows you to sustainably change unwanted behaviors, emotions, or thought patterns. It is based on the principle that behind every behavior there is a
The Six Step Reframing – even if the behavior itself is problematic. Through communication with the "inner parts," new, healthy strategies are developed to better fulfill the original intention. positive intention How does Six Step Reframing work?
The method consists of six clearly defined steps:
Recognize the unwanted behavior.
- Contact the inner part responsible for it.
- Understand the positive intention of the behavior.
- Develop new, creative alternatives to fulfill this intention.
- Take responsibility and try new ways.
- Conduct an ecology check and future pacing.
- This creates a sustainable change process without inner resistance.
What does "parts work" mean in NLP?
In NLP,
parts work refers to the inner dialogue with different personality parts. Each part fulfills a specific function – such as protection, motivation, or relaxation. In Six Step Reframing, these parts are spoken to in order to create understanding and cooperation between them. This leads to more inner harmony and self-acceptance. What is special about Six Step Reframing?.
The special thing about this method is that it
does not create an inner struggle. Instead of suppressing unwanted behavior, its positive intention is recognized and appreciated. This allows change to occur gently, creatively, and sustainably – often with surprisingly quick results. erzeugt. Statt unerwünschtes Verhalten zu unterdrücken, wird dessen positive Absicht erkannt und gewürdigt. Dadurch kann Veränderung sanft, kreativ und nachhaltig erfolgen – oft mit überraschend schnellen Ergebnissen.
When is Six Step Reframing applied?
The technique is suitable for a variety of topics, e.g.:
- Procrastination and self-sabotage
- unhealthy habits (e.g. smoking, snacking)
- inner conflicts or emotional blockages
- stress management and burnout prevention
Both in coaching and in self-application, Six Step Reframing can bring about amazing changes.
How does Six Step Reframing differ from simple reframing?
In simple reframing, Reframing the context or meaning of a situation is changed ("The problem is an opportunity"). In Six Step Reframing, Six Step Reframing however, inner parts are worked with that are responsible for a behavior – thus a deeper, inner process for reorganizing your thinking and feeling.
Can I perform Six Step Reframing myself?
Yes, with some practice, the technique can be well utilized in self-application. It is important to communicate openly and appreciatively with your inner parts. For deeper processes or complex topics, an experienced NLP coach or trainer, is recommended to safely guide the process.