Source: Richard Bandler, Robert Dilts, and Steve Andreas
Select a problem and identify its typical context.
Anchor to the floor.
Anchor a resource state.
Transfer the resource state to the problem spot.
Add stimuli while returning to the resource position.
Figure-eight your eyes through the rep system positions while focusing on the problem pattern.
Break state. Notice any resourcefulness in your state or ideas. Run an ecology check.
Test.
One of the most important ways to get out of stuck thought patterns is to develop a better-articulated sense of how our minds work. That is, to develop a more subtle and detailed recognition of our thoughts and rep systems and how they form interlocking patterns. As you know, much of NLP is about unlocking these patterns to allow for more flexibility.
The Breaking Limiting Associations pattern is a very rapid pattern, once you learn to work with it. If you and your client have determined in advance a well-formed outcome and the problematic thinking patterns that disturb the achievement of this outcome, you only need to work one-by-one through them using this pattern. In addition, this pattern is powerful, mostly because of its use of the body. Your client has to move around, which involves more senses.
The more your client is engaged in the process of change, the better and longer-lasting results that process will bring. When you work with patterns that involve your client moving around and being active, it is best if you explain the steps ahead of time. For this pattern, for example, it would serve you well to decide ahead of time where the anchors on the floor should be.
Walk your client through it before using the pattern. It will make everything go smoother. Also, remember that when you use active patterns, that is, patterns that involve physical action by your client, speak slower. Do not rush it, because your client needs to organize and re-organize thoughts and physiological movements, and being in a trance, they need more time than normal awake states. This is also not the kind of pattern you want to use right in the first session you have with a client. Establish some trust first.
Work on other issues for the first session if this one is the best choice for a specific issue your client has presented. The reason is that this pattern may cause automatic and random breaks of state for your client.
Physical movement requires attention. That’s also the reason you should have trust with your client, and more than that, explain the steps ahead of time. It makes the need to move from one spot to another less “unknown” and more “comfortable” and logical.
Step 1: Select a problem that tends to occur in a particular environment or situation. #
Think about what, in the context, leads to the behavior. Make note of factors such as time of day and the kinds of people or pressures that are involved.
Step 2: Anchor to the floor. #
Get into the problem state and anchor it to a spot on the floor. Take a little time to get to know the state and its sub-modalities.
Step 3: Anchor a resource state. #
Determine what resource state would make it easy to eliminate the problem. Pick another spot on the floor, and imagine stepping into the state there. Anchor the resource state to that spot. Notice the details of that state.
Step 4: Transfer the resource state to the problem spot. #
Move back to the problem anchor spot, but access the resource state and amplify it. Hold the image of the problem pattern while fostering the physiology of the resource state.
Step 5: Return to the resource position and add stimuli. #
Tap your right foot. Move your left finger to your chin. Look up and to the right while repeating, “Hmmm,” as though you were having a deep thought. At the same time, step back into the resource anchor spot.
Step 6: Figure-eight your eyes through the rep system positions while focusing on the problem pattern. #
As you think about the problem, focus on each rep system as you move your eyes in each corresponding rep system direction in a sideways figure-eight pattern (like the infinity symbol).
Step 7: Break state. #
Take note of any resourcefulness in your situation or ideas. Run an ecology check. Break state. Observe any changes in how you experience the problem. Look for fresh ideas or a more resourceful state. Ask yourself if there are any objections to experiencing the problem from this more resourceful place, or dropping the problem for more successful behavior.