The “As If” frame is a popular and effective NLP technique that encourages people to imagine a different reality in order to overcome limiting beliefs. It enables the client to think beyond their current limitations and explore possibilities as if they did not exist.
Let’s take a look at an example to see how the “As If” frame works. Assume a client questions their ability to ask someone out, claiming that they always seem to back out or that the circumstances are never right. The NLP coach can respond, “If someone were able to do something like that, I wonder how they might get it done.” By framing the situation hypothetically, this creates some distance from the client’s current beliefs.
A more direct approach may be preferable for some clients. The coach can instruct the client to imagine themselves performing the desired action and then observe how they did it. To elicit a change in perspective, change the tense of the sentence, using both present and past tenses.
To catch the client off guard and elicit a spontaneous breakthrough, use the “As If” frame early in the coaching session. If a client expresses dissatisfaction with their spouse’s communication style, the coach may enthusiastically exclaim, “Wouldn’t it be great if you could be totally confident and relaxed when she does that?” This abrupt shift in approach can cause a rapid shift in the client’s emotional state or even cause laughter. Using the “As If” frame in this manner allows the client to see new possibilities while challenging their existing beliefs. By presenting different scenarios, the client becomes more open to trying new ways of thinking and acting. Overall, the “As If” frame is a versatile and effective NLP technique that encourages clients to imagine a reality in which their limiting beliefs no longer hold them back. It facilitates change and personal growth by broadening the client’s perspective and opening up new possibilities.
Select the goal you are doubtful about.
Select your imaginary mentor.
Specify your limiting belief.
Share this situation and belief with your chosen mentor.
Imagine Encouragement from Your Mentor.
Act as if the Outcomes are Coming True.
Handle Leftover Objections.
Test.
We create states by imagining excellence. It’s a way to master your imagination, as Milton Erickson famously said, “You can pretend anything and master it.” An excellent first step in modeling is to imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes, implementing the excellence strategies you wish to model. This helps you intuitively understand their thoughts and actions. Of course, mastery requires practice. You wouldn’t expect to be able to fly an airplane without practice. This pattern is for a small skill or improvement. It’s a good way to get started before making major improvements in mastery.
Step 1. Choose the goal about which you are unsure. #
Think of a personal goal or circumstance about which you feel doubtful. If you’re new to this pattern, choose a small goal, such as producing more creative solutions for something you need to brainstorm about.
Step 2: Select your imaginary mentor. #
Pick a person, living or dead, whom you feel would make an excellent mentor for you and who could help you believe in your ability to achieve this goal. The person should be very insightful. You should be familiar enough with them to imagine how they might relate to you.If you have time, you can learn more about them to better do this pattern.
Step 3: Describe your limiting belief in detail. #
Express your limiting belief in terms of the limits that it expresses. Try beginning with a phrase such as, “I am incapable of (finding a good solution”) or “I don’t deserve (a smooth, creative experience).”
Step 4: Discuss the situation and your beliefs with your mentor of choice. #
Imagine that you are speaking to your mentor, explaining the situation as well as your limiting belief.
Step 5: Visualize your Mentor’s encouragement. #
Imagine your mentor respectfully encouraging you to explore a positive “as if” perspective, with questions such as “What would happen if you could…” Respond to these questions as they are asked. Have your mentor ask follow-up “as if” questions based on your responses.
Step 6: Act as if the outcomes are real. #
Imagine that your mentor is having you act as if the doubtful outcomes were coming true. For example, “Imagine that you have successfully resolved all the issues you had about this. With full confidence about it now, what will you be thinking or doing that is different? "
Step 7: Handle Remaining Objections. #
Notice any leftover objections or resistance you have. Continue steps two and three, focusing them on these residual issues.
Step 8: Test. #
As you go about pursuing your goal, notice any improvements in your state, behavior, or outcomes. What can you learn from the results? If the results are disappointing, are there ways you can improve your use of this pattern? For example, do you understand the imaginary mentor well enough?
“As If” Frame Variations Worksheet (worksheet #32 from the book 500 Practical NLP Forms, Templates & Worksheets: For Therapy, Coaching & Training