A Brief View of the NLP Meta-Model and ADHD

In NLP, there is a presupposition that says, "The map is not the territory."  This means that a person's view of reality isn't the totality of that reality. For example, the above map is of the world, but it is just a representation, it isn't actually THE world. Everyone has their unique map of not only their world, but various aspects of their life.

Those with ADHD can often have MULTIPLE maps for a particular aspect, and also juggle many maps of various aspects at the same time in their minds.  

Now, with this foundation laid out, let's explore language.  When someone says something, NLP evaluates it using something called the Meta-Model.  The Meta-Model is a framework used to evaluate what a person says in terms of surface meaning (often "fluff" language) and deep meaning (what their map actually is). The Meta-Model is broken into three main areas, Generalization, Distortions, and Deletions.  These have various layers to explore as well. Going deeper into this is for another blog post.

So, what does all of this have to do with someone with ADHD?  Well, it can be VERY useful to help get to the deeper structures, and gain a better understanding of their map. THAT is very powerful.

For example, let's say someone with ADHD says, "I can't organize my work." (organizational issues are often a manifestation of ADHD symptoms).  Some may think to ask, "What work?" or "What do you mean by organize?"   A better question would be, "Is it only work you have trouble organizing?"  Why ask this?  Who knows, maybe it IS restricted just to work, yet he/she has the neatest, most organized desk or drawers on the planet.  If it is just work, then their map starts to be revealed.  Then you can start to look at what they believe about organizing things at work, is it only particular projects, etc.  What is happening in mind to exhibit the ADHD symptoms in this circumstance?  It goes on from there.  

Once you begin to get a clear representation of their map, (their internal processes), and you get down to specifics, you can then utilize such technologies as EFT or more NLP to help guide them to re-arrange their map so they can accomplish what they wish.  In the end, it's all about giving people with ADHD the capability to control their experience of ADHD, so they may better use its gifts, while controlling those aspects that arent so useful, depending on the circumstance.  

Useful Perceptions

Presuppositions of NLP

NLP makes certain presuppositions as its guiding force. These beliefs are not claimed to be universally true, but are rather a set of ideas that an NLP practitioner presupposes to be true, and then acts accordingly. Every individual, major religion and business has a specific set of beliefs influencing their behavior. That is what the following 13 presuppositions do for believers in and followers of neuro-linguistic programming.

1 – No one is wrong, people are perfect.

This NLP presupposition is that we are all perfectly implementing our own, unique conscious and subconscious strategies. Understand also that flawed strategies, however perfectly executed, can be changed.

2 – There are no random actions.

Everything you do has a purpose, whether you are aware of it or not.

3 – You always make the best possible choice, giving your mental programming.

NLP presupposes that, even though your behavior may be self-destructive, you are intentionally choosing to act in that particular way.

4 – Choice is better than no choice.

The more choices you give yourself, the more control you have over a particular outcome.

5 –  The Map is not the Territory.

Humans respond to their own experiences, and not to reality.

Your personal sense of the "real world" is absolutely different than anyone else on the planet. This NLP presupposition states that you act on what you see as reality, even if it is not reality in fact.

6 – When people act, they do so because they believe there will be a positive result.

All human behavior is positively intent. Every human being acts in a way that is consistent with their values and beliefs, with the intent that an action will create a positive outcome.

7 – You learn when you do.

Studying is great. Researching is fine. Planning is smart. But if you want to understand anything, your learning comes when you take action.

8 – All human information is assessed through the senses.

This means that when you consciously work to improve your senses, you increase the accuracy of your information, which allows you to think and act more certainly.

9 – You can copycat your way to success.

NLP presupposes that if any one person can do a thing, you can do that thing. You simply model what they do, and implement it yourself.

10 – Your brain and body are intrinsically linked.

No thought you process is an island. Your mind affects your body. Accordingly, your body influences your mind, automatically. When you think in a particular manner, your body actually changes physically. And when your body changes, your mind undergoes a transformation as well.

11 – People have all the resources they need, or the ability to create what they need.

This NLP presupposition believes that not one person on the planet is un-resourceful. There are only un-resourceful states of being. You have everything you need, or you can make it.

12 – There are no failures, just feedback.

When you communicate or act, the response you receive may not be the one you wanted, but that does not mean that you were a failure. There are only responses, feedback, and the changes you make if you desire a different set of feedback.

13 – The unconscious human mind balances conscious existence.

Between your conscious and unconscious states of being, you have everything you need to live a balanced, healthy, full life.

Until next time.....

John