Identity Process

Goal of the Technique:

This format is used to let go of disruptive behavioral patterns. It is based on the fundamental assumption that behind every behavior lies a positive intention. Unlike the Alignment method, which considers all neuro-logical levels, the Identity Process focuses on goals and values that are meant to be brought into conscious awareness. One of its advantages is that it provides insight into the ecology of the behavior—that is, the consequences or possible inner resistance.

Coaching Procedure

Step 1: Defining the Problem and Finding a Metaphor

The coachee names a behavioral habit they would like to change. They are informed that a specific part of their personality controls this behavior, and that this part has a positive intention for them. The cause of the problematic behavior does not lie in a harmful motive, but rather in a lack of behavioral alternatives for fulfilling the positive intention.

Step 2: Identifying the First Positive Intention

The coachee now connects with that internal part and asks what its positive intention behind the behavior is. It's important to take time and trust intuition—working with whatever spontaneously arises in the coachee’s awareness. The intention must be phrased positively and should not include negation. For example, behind the intention “not to get hurt” is the deeper positive intent of “safety.”

Step 3: Discovering Underlying Intentions

Once the coachee uncovers the initial positive goal of the behavior, they then ask that part what it hopes to achieve through that. Each new answer is further explored to uncover the deeper, underlying intention, progressively reaching deeper levels.

Step 4: Final State

In the final state, the highest intention has been realized—one that has no further goal behind it. The coachee experiences a pure state of being, characterized by unity and wholeness, with no conditions attached.

Step 5: Integrating the Core State

The coachee now moves backward through each of the previously discovered intentions, as the coach names them. While doing so, the coachee remains connected to their "core state" and notices how the quality of each intention transforms. Then, they return to the original behavior.

Step 6: Review and Integration

Finally, the coachee checks how their perspective on the problem behavior has changed and how they will handle similar situations in the future—specifically by accessing their core state.