Reframing (NLP)

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This article is about reframing, a Neuro-linguistic programming method. For reframing in cinematography, please see Reframing (film technique)
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Neuro-linguistic programming
(NLP)

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Concepts and methods
Modeling · Meta model · Milton model
Perceptual positions · Rapport · Reframing
Representation systems · Submodalities
Positive intention · Meta program · Neurological levels
Anchoring · Well-formed outcome


People
Richard Bandler · John Grinder
Robert Dilts · Stephen Gilligan
Judith DeLozier · David Gordon
Connirae Andreas · Steve Andreas
Frank Pucelik · Paul McKenna
Ross Jeffries · Tony Robbins
Genie Laborde · Charles Faulkner


Principal influences
Fritz Perls · Gestalt therapy
Milton Erickson · Hypnotherapy
Virginia Satir · Family therapy
Transformational linguistics
Gregory Bateson · Paul Watzlawick
Epistemology · Double Bind
Alfred Korzybski · Map-territory
Frank Farrelly · Provocative therapy


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The technique of reframing in NLP involves confirming positive intention(s) behind the behavior(s) that one seeks to change (usually an undesirable trait of behavior). Alternatives to satisfy the positive intent are found, followed by negotiations with (parts of) self to resolve conflict, check for ecology and to implement the new behavior(s). Reframing is also used in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to describe changing the context or representation of a problem. More precisely, one of the most effective techniques for achieving almost any desired change in NLP is the "six step re-frame".

In psychotherapy, after irrational beliefs have been identified, the therapist will often work with the client in challenging the negative thoughts on the basis of evidence from the client's experience by reframing it, meaning to re-interpret it in a more realistic light. This helps the client to develop more rational beliefs and healthy coping strategies.

Reframing occurs in life regardless of NLP, and is a common means by which meanings get created and lost in various situations (either deliberately or by hapstance):

Contents

[edit] Examples

...when discussion is held about "tax relief," two historic understandings of taxation are lost: that taxes are the cost of admission to a civil society, and that those who want to evade taxes yet still use public assets like fire and police protection are freeloaders. Instead, taxes are cast [reframed] as something oppressive, from which we need relief. [1]

What is not stated is that a "fair" level of taxation is in the eye of the beholder. Liberals who value government services reframe the tax question in terms of the cost of living in a modern society. Libertarians who want more value for their tax dollars reframe the question in terms of why the government is involved at all, and the fact that excessive taxing allows the government to do more than it is charged to do.

[edit] Six Step Reframe

The Six-Step Reframe is an NLP technique used to replace an unwanted behaviour or bad habit with a more desirable one - while keeping the benefits, or secondary gain, of the old behaviour.

NLP presupposes that "every behaviour has a positive intention," and that any undesirable behaviour a person has will also have a positive benefit behind it (often unconsciously).

The Six-Step Reframe uses a mild trance state, negotiation, and creativity from unconscious resources to change the "part" that's causing the behaviour.

1. Identify the behavior to change

2. Set up signals with the part causing the behavior

3. Identify the positive intention behind the behavior

4. Generate a number of possible alternative behaviors which will equally satisfy the same intent

5. Choose the favored three replacement behaviors

6. Check to see if there is any other internal conflict regarding the change.

[edit] Context Reframing

The meaning of any behaviour or event exists only in relationship to the context in which it occurs.

Every behaviour is appropriate in some context. With a context reframe a person takes the disliked behaviour and asks, "Where could this behaviour be useful?" or "In what other context would this particular behaviour be of value?"

A context reframe leaves the meaning of a behaviour the same and shows how it could be a useful response in a different context.

For example:

A: "I procrastinate all the time; I just can't get things done."
B: "That's a great skill to have; especially when you apply it to overeating - just put off having that second helping. Lucky you."

[edit] See also

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