6-Step Reframing

The NLP technique "6-Step Reframing" helps people change unwanted behaviors by connecting with their inner parts and recognizing their positive intentions. Using the example of Maria, who struggles with perfectionism, it demonstrates how she comes to understand the purpose behind her behavior and develops new, healthier alternatives. Through collaboration between the "strict teacher" and the "creative artist," Maria discovers new ways to achieve greater efficiency and inner calm.

The NLP format "6-Step Reframing" provides a powerful way to change problematic behaviors by connecting us with our inner parts and allowing us to recognize their positive intentions. This format is ideal for anyone who wants to change a particular behavior but feels blocked by an "inner resistance." Today, I will demonstrate the technique using Maria, who repeatedly gets caught up in perfectionism.

Maria is professionally successful but feels that she constantly pushes beyond her limits. Her perfectionism causes her to get lost in details and often complete projects late. Although she wishes to put less pressure on herself, she finds it difficult to let go of this high standard.

Step 1: Identify the pattern (X) to be changed

I ask Maria to focus entirely on the behavior she wants to change: her perfectionism. She closes her eyes and imagines a typical situation—the last few minutes before a project deadline, when she still wants to improve details despite the time pressure.

Step 2: Establish communication with the responsible part

I invite Maria to make contact with the part responsible for her perfectionism. "Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and ask the part responsible for perfectionism to show itself." After a moment, Maria says, "I see a figure—it looks like a strict teacher who wants to control everything precisely." I suggest greeting this figure kindly and thanking it for its work. Maria nods, then says, "She looks at me strictly, but she is willing to talk to me."

Step 3: Separate the behavior from its positive intention

I then ask Maria to have the teacher show her the positive intention behind the perfectionism. What is this part trying to achieve through meticulous control? After a moment, Maria responds: "The teacher says she wants to make sure I don't make mistakes and that I am respected." I ask Maria if she appreciates having a part that protects her from mistakes and ensures respect. "Yes, I am grateful for that," she says, and I ask her to thank the teacher for her work.

Next, I ask: "If there were other ways to achieve the same positive results without being so perfectionistic, would the teacher be willing to try those alternatives?" After a short pause, Maria nods. "The teacher agrees to try it."

Step 4: Use the creative part to develop new behaviors

Now I ask Maria to call upon her creative part to find alternative ways to achieve safety and respect without overworking herself. Maria imagines a creative figure—a young artist who appears relaxed and spontaneous. "He is full of ideas," she says with a smile. I invite Maria to ask the artist what new ideas he has that could help her feel safe and respected without falling into perfectionism. Maria listens and reports: "He suggests that I set a clear timeframe before starting a project and stick to it. That way, I can work in a relaxed and efficient manner."

Step 5: Assume responsibility and ensure bridging into the future

I then ask Maria to check with the teacher whether she would support trying the new strategies suggested by the artist. The teacher agrees, and Maria imagines a future project situation in which she sets a timeframe and focuses on doing what is essential. She describes working more calmly and satisfactorily in this visualization.

Step 6: Ecological check – does any part have objections to the new alternatives?

Finally, I ask Maria if any part of her has concerns or objections to the new behaviors. "No," Maria says, "both the teacher and the artist are satisfied. It feels like a true collaboration." At the end, Maria thanks her parts and opens her eyes. She feels relaxed and is excited to implement the new ideas in her workday.