The Time Progression technique describes moving forward along a timeline. Originally developed by Milton Erickson, this method can also be carried out in a trance state. It is used to fulfill long-held wishes by visualizing the achieved goal and then mentally moving backward through the intermediate steps. This makes it easier to plan the first actions for things you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet pursued. For larger visions and goals, the Walt Disney Strategy is recommended. For change desires and goals that have already been clarified, the PeneTrance method can be used.

Coaching Process

1. Define the Goal: At the beginning, the coachee’s goal is established. Two points in the room are designated as ground anchors for the present and the future.
2. Visualize the Goal: The coachee stands on the “future anchor” and visualizes the situation in which the goal has been achieved. They use all their senses to immerse themselves as deeply as possible in this situation and savor the positive feeling.
3. Visualize the Final Step: Next, the coachee mentally retraces the path that led to this outcome. They take one step toward the present to re-experience the last intermediate goal: its location, how they felt in their body, memories of important steps, and key insights.
4. Visualize the Penultimate Step: The coachee takes another step toward the present to visualize the second-to-last interim goal. If there’s any uncertainty at one of these steps, it’s important to determine whether the coachee still lacks crucial resources or is blocked by potential negative consequences associated with the goal. Then they move one step earlier. To keep things manageable, there should be no more than 3-5 sub-goals. At each sub-goal, a sheet of paper or an object is placed on the floor as a ground anchor—possibly containing notes from the coach.
5. Adopt a Dissociated Position: Once back in the present, the coachee steps out of the timeline and views the line with the 3-5 ground anchors from an outside perspective. They reflect on whether they’re missing any resources or might need more time to achieve the goal. If so, the ground markers for the goal and sub-goals are shifted accordingly.
6. Walk the Timeline from the Present to the Future: Now the coachee moves from the present anchor toward the future anchor, checking in at each sub-goal and imagining how the goal will be achieved. Upon arriving at the goal position, they once again vividly imagine having reached the goal.
7. Return to the Present: On this second return trip, moving from the future back to the present, the coachee can integrate everything they’ve learned and felt during the exercises.
8. Review: Finally, the coachee observes any changes in how attractive or attainable the goal now seems.