The Power of Archetypes

A journey to your inner role models

In the first episode of my series "Developing New NLP Formats," we started with the structure model of change and looked at how new NLP techniques can be developed systematically. I mentioned the dimensions of time, perspectives, and levels of change as ways to find resources. That article gave an overview of the topics coming up in the next issues, which will show in a much more concrete and lively way how all kinds of resources can be activated. Last time, we explored how animals can be included in NLP work. This time, it's about how archetypes can be used in NLP formats.

You step into the middle of the room. One archetype after another rises – not as a figure, but as a posture, an inner voice, an energy that feels like a person inside you. And suddenly you get it: You're not alone. You're many.

Imagine you open a heavy wooden door. Behind it is a round hall, lit by warm light. The floor is smooth like polished stone, and all around are twelve chairs arranged in a circle. Each one is different – one wild and untamed, one simple, one fancy, one playful. This is the hall of your inner archetypes. You instantly feel that each of these chairs has its own energy. Some feel familiar, some strange. Some have been with you your whole life, others are just waiting for you to finally let them speak up.

The explorer – the first one who comes up to you

He's got the wind in his face and the scent of new paths in his clothes. His eyes sparkle. "Come on," he says, "let's see what's possible." If you follow him, you instantly feel a sense of space. He opens doors you didn't even know existed. Problems turn into adventures. Boundaries become invitations. Decisions that used to weigh you down suddenly feel light.

The wise one – a quiet companion

He doesn't say anything until he has something important to say. When he speaks, the whole room goes quiet. "Take another look," he whispers. And every time you do, you spot patterns that were hidden before. He helps you clear the fog, see through illusions, and get to the heart of things. His perspective is like an eagle's view: high up, clear, and calm.

The creator – with paint on his fingers

As soon as he enters the room, inspiration blows in. "Nothing has to stay the way it is," he says. "What do you want to create?" With him, you feel free. Problems turn into canvases. Doubts become ideas. He shows you a world where you don't have to react – you get to create.

The hero – the energy of new beginnings

He's powerful, present, not a hint of arrogance – but full of determination. "Whatever it is," he says in a calm voice, "we've got this." With him, fear turns into courage, and being stuck turns into action. He stands for that moment when you stop waiting and start doing.

The protector – warm, clear, reliable

You can tell it's him by how the room gets calmer when he talks. "It's okay," he says. "I'll take care of it." This archetype gives you support. He shows you what's really important and reminds you that strength sometimes looks like caring – not just power.

The lover – heart over head

He doesn't step forward, he comes closer. One look, and you feel it: connection. "How are you really doing?" he asks. And he really means it. His perspective brings you into contact – with yourself, with others, with your needs. Under his gaze, conflicts lose their edge.

The fool – with a cheeky grin

He stumbles into the room, cracks a joke, twists things around – and you laugh, even though you didn't feel like laughing. "You're taking this too seriously," he says. "Look at it like this." He breaks stuck patterns with humor, lightness, and creative surprises. Just one smile from him, and a problem that seemed huge shrinks down to normal size.

The magician – deep and transformative

He doesn't say much. He just works his magic. When the Magician enters the room, the energy shifts. He sees connections you never noticed. "Everything can change," he murmurs. And suddenly you feel something inside you rearrange itself – quietly, but powerfully.

The ruler – clear, structured, confident

He doesn't ask questions. He sets priorities. "What's important?" he asks. "And what comes first?" His perspective brings order. He helps you make decisions you should've made a long time ago. In his presence, self-leadership just feels natural.

The innocent – light and trust

He has this unshakable way of believing that everything can turn out okay. Not naive – just hopeful. "Maybe it'll be easier than you think," he says. And suddenly, that thought isn't just a sentence, it's a real possibility.

The friend – carried by community

He sits down next to you, not wanting anything. "I'm here," he says. Those three words change more than you think. His perspective reminds you that you don't have to do everything alone. That teamwork and sharing ideas are often the fastest way to solutions.

The rebel – sparks and freedom

He sees rules and asks, "Really?" "Why not do it differently?" "Why not now?" The Rebel gives you the perspective of change. When you're stuck, he shows you paths others wouldn't even consider.

The hall closes – but not forever

At the end of this journey, you're standing in the middle of the room again. Twelve chairs, twelve perspectives, twelve possible versions of you. Suddenly you realize: these figures aren't strangers. They're you – just in different forms. You can call on her whenever you need her. You can sit in her chair, feel her energy, hear her voice. And with every perspective you adopt, your scope of action expands. You become more flexible, clearer, more creative, and more courageous. Archetypes expand your inner horizon – not just as a theory, but as a real, living experience.

Background: Where archetypes come from – a look at C. G. Jung

When you work with archetypes, you step into a field that's way older than any modern coaching method. The Swiss psychiatrist C. G. Jung was the first to clearly describe this inner world of images. Through his work with dreams, myths, and symbolic stories, he discovered that people all over the world experience very similar figures: the brave hero, the wise old woman, the rebellious trickster, the nurturing protector. Jung called these recurring patterns archetypes and saw them as expressions of the collective unconscious – a psychological level that all people share. For him, archetypes weren't rigid roles, but living forces working inside you, often long before you even notice them consciously. Sometimes they show up as feelings. Sometimes as spontaneous impulses. Sometimes as images that just feel “right.” Archetypes color your perception, influence your decisions, and shape your reactions – without you even needing to name them. They're basic psychological patterns that have lived on for thousands of years in stories, fairy tales, and myths, because they're part of our inner blueprint. When you consciously step into an archetype today, you're tapping into this ancient structure. That's why archetypes feel so intuitive, so powerful, and so deep: They speak to the part of you that knows more than words can say.

NLP formats with archetypes

Archetypes aren't just fascinating personality images – they're powerful tools for coaching and change work. When you integrate them into NLP formats, you open up a world of clear perspectives, emotional depth, and intuitive wisdom. In this chapter, I'll show you how to use archetypes – and how you can create your own new, creative formats from them. Archetypes are like inner mentors. Through them, you discover what's possible. Each one brings its own energy: courage, clarity, lightness, order, care, inspiration, transformation. And you can use exactly these energies as resources in your coaching work.

1. Reframing with archetypes – new frames of meaning in seconds
Reframing is all about seeing a situation in a new light. Archetypes are perfect for this, because each one instantly activates its own perspective. Here's how it works: Pick a topic that's weighing on you. Then, one after the other, switch into the perspective of two or three archetypes: The hero sees a challenge instead of fear. The wise one sees patterns instead of chaos. The fool sees humor instead of heaviness. It feels like three totally different realities – and that's exactly what makes changing perspectives so powerful.

2. Parts work with archetypes – making conflicts visible
Lots of inner conflicts are made up of two parts that have different needs. When you give these parts archetypal figures, their dynamic suddenly becomes clear and solvable. Example: One part wants safety → Protector. One part wants change → Rebel. In dialog work, you can see why both are important – and how they can come up with a new solution together. Archetypes give your inner parts a form you can actually feel, not just think about.

3. State change with archetypes – instant energy boost
Archetypes instantly create states you can feel: The lover opens your heart. The ruler straightens you up. The fool makes you light and flexible. The hero gets you moving. Through posture, voice, and breathing, you can anchor these states and call them up anytime.

4. The mentor technique with archetypes – deep inner coaching
The mentor technique is one of the nicest NLP interventions for making inner wisdom accessible. With archetypes, it gets even deeper, because each archetype embodies its own kind of guidance, advice, and support. Here's how it works: Pick a question that's close to your heart. Then, in your imagination, call up an archetype as your inner mentor – someone who embodies exactly the energy you need right now: The wise one gives you clear insights and shows you connections. The creator inspires you and opens up creative possibilities. The protector calms, stabilizes, and boosts your confidence. The magician helps you transform inner boundaries and understand more deeply. The friend gives you warmth, acceptance, and encouragement. Talk to your archetypal mentor like you would with a real person: What advice does he give you? What does he see that you haven't seen yet? What resource does he want to give you? This technique is so powerful because you're not just “thinking,” but actually experiencing an inner counterpart whose perspective supports and carries you emotionally.

5. Working with metaphors and archetypes – stories that work all by themselves
Metaphors are some of the most powerful NLP tools because they talk straight to your unconscious. Archetypes boost this effect massively – they're the "original images" that most stories are made of. If you let an archetype show up in a metaphor, it instantly feels right, familiar, and meaningful. Here's how it works: Pick a situation or something going on inside you and come up with a little story where an archetype takes the lead role: The hero stands for courage, new beginnings, and breakthroughs. The wise one brings light into the darkness and shows the next step. The magician turns limitations into possibilities. The protector makes sure there's safety, stability, and trust. The fool breaks up rigid patterns with humor and lightness. The lover heals, connects, and opens the heart. You can use these archetypes yourself in a metaphor to guide your coachee – or you let the coachee come up with their own metaphor by asking: "If your challenge was a character – which archetype would it be?" "Which character brings the solution?" "Which role shows up as an ally in your inner story?" Archetypes turn metaphors into lively, intuitive spaces for change. They let your unconscious get what it's about right away – no need for lots of explanation.

Practical example

Here's a complete, vivid example of how the exercise with the 12 archetypes can look in a coaching session.

Starting situation: The client is called Jonas, he's 37 and a freelance graphic designer who's struggling with a decision: Should he take on a big project that's well paid – but really limits his creative freedom? Jonas feels torn. On one hand, he needs the money. On the other, he's afraid of betraying himself. He describes his inner experience as "just a total mess." You suggest he step into his circle of archetypes to get more clarity.

Step 1: Jonas enters his inner space
You guide him into the meditation. He closes his eyes, breathes slowly – and imagines the big round room, full of silence and possibilities. He sees the twelve chairs. Each one is different. Some are bright, some dark, some playful, some strict. You say: "Feel which chair calls to you first."

Step 2: The first call – The explorer
Jonas immediately says: "That one – the chair with the leather cover, it feels like it's facing outward." He sits on it in his mind. His shoulders lift a bit, like he's breathing in fresh air. You ask: "How does the explorer see your situation?" Jonas: "For him, the project is an adventure. He sees opportunities. A new network. New doors... maybe even contacts abroad." He seems surprised at how positive that sounds. Message from the explorer: "You grow when you dare."

Step 3: The second call – The protector
After a moment of feeling, Jonas says: "Now a really heavy, massive chair is calling me – feels like a wooden throne." That's the protector. As soon as he sits on it, his posture changes. He seems calmer. You ask: "What does the protector say about your issue?" Jonas: "He's skeptical. He says: 'Take care of yourself. Look at the contract closely. Don't let yourself get used.' He frowns. 'He wants me to say no – or at least set clear boundaries.'" Message from the protector: "Your freedom is worth protecting."

Step 4: The third call – The creator
Jonas suddenly smiles: "The creator is calling me. A colorful, wild, slightly chaotic chair." He sits on it, his voice gets warmer. You ask: "How does the creator see your decision?" Jonas: "He says: 'Money doesn't matter. The real question is: Can you create something you're proud of?'" He pauses. "He wants me to boldly bring in my own style – no matter what the rules are." Message from the creator: "Make art, not compromises."

Step 5: The fourth Call – The wise one
Jonas takes a deep breath: "The wise one sits on a simple, plain wooden chair." he settles down, becomes centered. You ask: "What does the wise one see?" Jonas: "He sees that I'm making the choice bigger than it really is. He says: 'You're not deciding for your whole life – just for one project. And every project is a learning step.'" He relaxes. "He would say yes – but with clear conditions." Message from the wise one: "Make the decision without any drama."

Step 6: More archetypes show up
You invite Jonas to feel if any other archetypes want to talk to him. Two step forward:
The rebel: Jonas sits down on a chair full of edges. "The rebel says: 'Do your thing or leave it!' – the project is way too rigid for him." He laughs. "He's right... there's not much room for extravagance." Message from the rebel: "Create space for yourself – or just say no."
The friend: A soft, comfy chair. Jonas looks relieved. "The friend asks: 'What feels good for you? What makes your life easier?'" Jonas thinks for a long time. "The team would be nice. Working together could be fun... but only if I don't have to carry everything by myself." Message from the friend: "Pay attention to the human side – not just the content."

Step 7: Integration – What Jonas takes away from the archetypes
You ask him: "If you put all these perspectives together – what becomes clear?" Jonas sums it up: The explorer says: Courage, new paths, opportunities. The protector says: Boundaries, check the contract, self-protection. The creator says: Keep your creativity alive. The wise one says: No drama – just a pragmatic decision. The rebel says: Claim your space. The friend says: Teamwork, humanity, and joy matter. Then he says: "Now I know what I have to do: I'll take on the project – but only under the condition that I don't become a mere assistant. I need two creative freedoms in the contract and regular coordination, otherwise I'm out." He takes a deep breath. You can see relief spreading across his face.

Step 8: Return from the circle
You gently guide Jonas back from the meditation. He opens his eyes, looking awake, clear, and collected. He says: "That was the first time I heard all the voices inside me – not just the chaotic thoughts."

Session result: The archetypes have given Jonas: Courage (hero, explorer), Clarity (wise one), Self-care (protector), Creative freedom (creator), Boundaries (rebel), Connection (friend). He makes a decision that feels right, whole, and in tune.

New, innovative NLP formats with archetypes

Here I'll show you some totally new formats you can use right away or develop further. They're simple, effective, and easy to share.

Format 1: The archetype council – your inner decision-making board
When you're facing tough decisions, you can form an inner council. Three to five archetypes symbolically sit at a table – and each one shares their perspective. Here's how it works: 1. Pick your topic. 2. Choose 3–5 archetypes (e.g. hero, wise one, lover, ruler, fool). 3. Each one answers the same question from their own point of view. 4. In the end, you make your decision with all those voices backing you up. The result is surprisingly clear, because the archetypes bundle up your inner needs.

Format 2: The shadow as a Guide – Integrating hidden power
Instead of fighting your shadow, you use it as a source of deep wisdom. Here's how it works: 1. Identify a recurring trigger or an annoying pattern. 2. Question: Which archetype is showing up in the shadow? (e.g. strict ruler, wounded innocent, critical magician) 3. Find its message. 4. Turn it into a resource. The shadow becomes the voice of growth – it shows you what you can integrate.

Format 3: The Archetype Triad – Lightness, clarity, power
This format is perfect for quick transformations: 1. Fool – breaks up the old structure 2. Wise one – brings insight 3. Creator – develops the new solution. Three perspectives that together make a complete change process: Pattern interruption → insight → creation.

Format 4: The Archetype Cycle – a complete journey of development
A big format you can use in coaching, workshops, or trainings: 1. Innocent: starting point, longing 2. Hero: first step, courage 3. Protector: stabilization 4. Wise one: insight 5. Magician: transformation 6. Creator: shaping the future. This cycle takes you through six archetypal stages and opens up a deeper, almost mythical way of personal growth.

How you can invent your own formats

Working with archetypes is an endless creative pool. Here's a simple way to come up with your own formats:

Step 1: Pick 2–3 archetypes with an exciting dynamic
Examples: Rebel + protector + wise one; Hero + magician; Fool + ruler; Shadow + lover. Contrasts create growth.

Step 2: Define a clear question or topic
For example: "How do I deal with resistance?" "How do I make an important decision?" "How do I resolve my inner conflict?"

Step 3: Give each archetype the same task
Each one shows you: their perspective, their message, their solution. This brings clarity and diversity.

Step 4: Arrange the archetypes as a storyline
You can create a sequence like: Fool → ruler → lover; Shadow → wise one → creator; Protector → hero → magician. The order sets the vibe of the format.

Step 5: Bring all insights together at the end
One quick question is enough: "What do I take away from all the archetypes?" That way, all those voices become a new self-image.

Essence

Archetypes are a creative powerhouse for NLP
Whether it's reframing, parts work, state management or new formats – archetypes boost every method and open up new levels of impact. They speak to your unconscious in a clear, symbolic language that goes way beyond just technique. When you bring archetypes into your NLP practice, you create mental spaces that are rich, intuitive, and full of possibilities. You tap into the wisdom of inner role models that have been working through stories for thousands of years – now in your own change work.

EXERCISE: Your personal archetype circle

A journey to twelve perspectives that will expand your inner horizon. This exercise helps you connect with the universal archetypes and use their perspectives on purpose. You create an inner circle of role models that can guide you in tough situations, when making decisions, or in creative processes. First, I'll just describe the exercise. In the second step, you'll get a practical example. And in the bonus section for this article, you'll also find our archetype cards as a coaching tool.

Step 1: Your archetype space
Find yourself a quiet spot and sit up straight in a comfy position. Close your eyes. Imagine you're stepping into a big round room – bright, calm, and inviting. A space that exists just for you. There are twelve chairs arranged in a circle. Each chair looks different: wild, elegant, simple, playful, colorful, powerful. You don't need to know which chair belongs to which archetype – just let them have an effect on you. Take a deep breath and feel the vibe of this room.

Step 2: The call of the first archetype
Open your awareness to the question: "Which archetype wants to talk to me first?" Maybe you feel drawn to a certain chair. Maybe an inner image pops up. Maybe you hear a word like "Hero," "Wise one," "Fool," or "Lover." Just trust your gut. In your mind, walk over to that chair and sit down.

Step 3: Step into the role
As soon as you sit, let the archetype take shape inside you. That can be subtle – an attitude, a feeling, an inner vibe. Then ask yourself three questions: 1. How does this archetype see the current situation that's on your mind? 2. What message does it have for you? 3. What strength or ability is it giving you today? Let the answers come up on their own, don’t force them.

Step 4: Say thanks – and let go again
Once the archetype has shared its perspective with you, stand up inside again. Thank it – with a little gesture, a word, or just a feeling. Then go back to the center of the room. Take a deep breath in and out.

Step 5: The second call
Ask the question again: "Which archetype wants to talk to me next?" Again, a chair will draw you in. Go over, sit down, and take on the archetype’s posture. Ask it the same three questions as before.

Step 6: Repeat the process until your circle has spoken
You can now invite as many archetypes as feels right for you: sometimes it’s two or three, sometimes five or six, sometimes all twelve. It’s not about “finishing”. It’s about using the perspectives that matter to you right now.

Step 7: Your personal archetype compass
If you want, slowly open your eyes and grab a sheet of paper. Write down the archetypes that spoke to you today: What insights did they give you? What strengths did they activate? What decision, mood, or clarity feels different now? That’s how, over time, your personal archetype compass is created – a tool you can always come back to.

Step 8: Use your circle in everyday life
You can activate your archetype circle anytime: when you’re facing tough decisions, in conflicts, when you’re lacking inspiration, for inner blockages, for creative thinking, for more self-leadership. Just ask yourself: "Which archetype helps me the most in this situation?" You’ll be surprised how clear these inner answers get when you work with your circle regularly.