The NLP Meta Model

When we take part in an NLP Practitioner Certification Training we learn the 12 or so categories of the Meta Model. So how does this apply in our own lives?  

Cause and Effect

Take the Cause and Effect category. How does this apply to how we live, think, and relate?

Well, do you tend to blame others for your bad moods? Or feeling grateful to them for your good moods? Do you blame fate? Or check your astrological chart or clairvoyants?

Do you consider that aspects of your life are outside your realm of influence? Or do you believe that you have responsibility for your own responses?

Insight into a person's thinking

Many of us when we first encounter the Meta Model tend to rush out and use it as a means of interrogating others. We become Meta Monsters.

Yet the real value of the Model is not in its use as a means of interrogating but in the insight it gives into the how the person speaking is currently  viewing life - into their model of the world.

In this regard it's usually best to avoid any questions for quite some time and to, instead, quietly listen - really listen- while you mentally note the patterns which they use most. And to the patterns which seem to most get in their way. Because these are the patterns which they are currently using to  maintains their attitude/model of the world.

Expanding models of the world

If their current world view is causing them difficulty you can then, if it is appropriate, ask them some of the 'challenge' questions on this particular pattern so they have the opportunity to revaluate things for themselves.

Using the challenge questions calls for excellent rapport - at a higher level than mere behavioural matching, so ensure you are skilled in this otherwise you, however helpful your intentions, may not get the response that expect.

Layers/levels of patterns 

You will encounter certain 'Russian-doll' thinking patterns. You will ask about one category and their response will raise another one - that was behind the one you questioned. 

A number of people have come up with predictability lists indicating which pattern is likely to lead to which. You could learn these in advance but I don't personally see the point. Just get really good at all of the patterns. This is probably due to my intellectual laziness but I prefer to keep things very simple and use them a lot rather than have them very complex and use them only with difficulty.

So I suggest that you simply listen very attentively, go after the pattern that you suspect is most getting in their way, and then repeat this process when they move on to the next pattern!

The Meta Model and your own thinking

I agree with those who say that it is best not used in a conscious manner to model your on-going self talk. This tends to take you into a loop where you're meta modelling your internal dialogue - and then meta modelling your meta modelling, and so on into a very complex process.

However if you find yourself in a bit of a mental log-jam why not do a few pages of stream-of-consciousness writing about whatever is bothering you. Then use the Meta Model on this to recognise your own patterns after you have used them.

Check out the Writing Freely method on our personal development site.

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NLP FAQ

Why learn NLP

How to learn NLP

Where to learn NLP - and how to choose a training provider

NLP Core Skills - our course in the New Forest

What's special about Pegasus NLP Trainings

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