The first presupposition of NLP is 'Respect for the other person’s map of the world'. Now, when we talk about respect, it doesn't imply that we have to agree with or passively accept their perspective. Rather, it involves acknowledging and entering into their unique worldview.
Beyond Boundaries: Embracing Diverse Worldviews
Imagine a client sharing something that seems unusual or even absurd to you. Instead of dismissing it or judging it as irrational, it's essential to approach it with respect and understanding. For instance, consider a client who believes they see people from television shows following them around. Rather than outright rejecting this belief, a respectful approach would involve engaging with the client's reality.
In one example, a practitioner encountered a client who claimed to have Mary from a TV show following them. Instead of dismissing this notion, the practitioner explored it further, asking questions to understand the client's experience. They even humorously redirected the client's focus to a more positive figure by asking the client a simple question: "couldn't you pick a better channel?", demonstrating respect for their perspective.
Similarly, if a client expresses beliefs about communicating with UFOs, the respectful approach is not to ridicule or invalidate their experiences. Instead, it involves acknowledging their reality and finding ways to work within their framework to facilitate positive change.
The World According to Them: Honoring Individual Worldviews
Ultimately, respecting the client's map of the world means utilizing their perspective as a starting point for guiding them toward their desired outcomes. It's about honoring their unique experiences and utilizing them as valuable resources in the process of personal growth and transformation.
Comments