Confusion into Understanding describes a coaching format designed to gain greater clarity about incomprehensible learning material. The method uses visualization and submodalities—fine distinctions in the senses—to create an internal representation of the topic. This does not automatically result in learning the topic itself, but it can create better conditions for doing so. By improving one’s attitude toward the subject and their inner belief in their own ability to grasp it, the learner can boost motivation and get a clearer overview of which information is missing. The Praliné Pattern also deals with motivational issues, but focuses on tasks that the person already understands and simply finds tedious.

Coaching Process

1. Step 1: Define the Problem
   The coachee selects a topic they want to understand or learn and another topic they already comprehend.
2. Step 2: Visualize the Understood Topic
   The coachee forms a mental image of the topic they already understand. The coach elicits the submodalities of this image, such as color, size, the coachee’s perspective relative to the image, etc.
3. Step 3: Visualize the Confusing Topic
   The coachee also visualizes the incomprehensible topic and describes its submodalities.
4. Step 4: Match Submodalities
   Next, the submodalities of the confusing image are adjusted to match those of the already-understood image. This creates a clearer mental picture, making it easier for the coachee to organize the information about the topic.
5. Step 5: Check
   Finally, verify how the coachee’s attitude toward the topic has changed and whether they feel more positive about it. The coaching can also highlight which pieces of information are still missing to deepen their understanding of the topic.