SIX-STEP REFRAMING
Background to, and extensions of, this sometimes intricate procedure will be presented during the course. Briefly, six-step reframing is a psychodynamic (“parts”) technique, contrasting with the cognitive-behavioural orientation of, say, anchoring or the swish pattern.
Summary of Six-Step Reframing
1) Identify Identify issue X, ensuring it fits in with the theory behind the technique (e.g. is compulsive rather than habitual).
2) Signal Establish communication with the part of you (part X) which is responsible for X. A kinaesthetic signal (i.e. ISR), while not essential, is probably preferable to an internal conversation or image. An IMR can also be used. Use this signal as a “Yes” answer from part X to a series of yes/no questions through the following steps.
3) Intention Attempt to obtain information on the underlying intention of part X – what, specifically, it’s trying to achieve through X. There’s no problem if no such information is forthcoming. Just continue with the technique using the signal, without conscious insight. It’s a good idea, also, to secure part X’s agreement to consider new ways of achieving its intention – ways which work at least as well as X has done.
4) Brainstorm Access your creative (or problem-solving or planning or helping) part and encourage it to participate in the process. Firstly, by getting in touch with part X. Secondly, by finding out part X’s underlying intention. Thirdly, by brainstorming as many new ways as possible of achieving this intention. Fourthly, by notifying part X of these new options. Part X is to signal each time it receives a new choice from the creative part – at least three, and preferably closer to double figures.
5) Implement Encourage part X to choose its favourite three new choices, then to agree to try them out for a specified trial period. Convert the good ideas of step 4 into action. Part X might like to liaise with any other parts for guidelines on how to implement the new choices. Give it the opportunity, also, to fast-forward into the future to identify the specific cues that will let it know it’s time to implement the new choices.
6) Ecology Ask inside if any other parts object to the new choices being used. Deal with any objections by backtracking in the process to step 2, 4 or 5, as appropriate. The desired outcome is for part X to be using three new choices to supersede issue X, without any significant repercussions elsewhere.
