“The meaning of any event depends on the frame we place around it.” – NLP Principle
As clinicians, we often meet clients caught in conflict:
“Part of me wants to leave, but part of me is scared.”
“I know I should stop, but I just can’t.”
These aren’t just contradictions—they’re clues. Clues that within each person live multiple parts, each with its own intention, emotion, and logic. NLP teaches us that healing doesn’t come from silencing these parts, but from integrating them.
What Is Reframing in NLP?
Reframing[1] involves changing the context or meaning of an experience, belief, or behavior—without changing the facts. It’s not about denial. It’s about recognizing that how we frame something shapes how we feel and respond to it.[2]
Two main types of NLP reframes:
- Content reframe – Changing what something means
- “I’m too sensitive.” → “You’re deeply attuned.”
- Context reframe – Changing when/where something might be useful
- “I’m controlling.” → “That’s kept you safe in high-stakes situations.”
When done skillfully, reframing helps clients honor their experience while opening space for transformation.
What Is Parts Integration?
Parts Integration (also known as Parts Work or Visual Squash) addresses inner conflicts between competing motivations.[3] Each part usually has a positive intent—even if the behavior seems harmful.[4]
For example:
- One part wants sobriety. Another wants relief.
- One part wants closeness. Another fears being hurt.
- One part wants change. Another fears loss of control.
In NLP, the clinician guides the client to:
- Identify the two parts
- Understand the positive intention of each
- Find common ground
- Visualize integration into a stronger, unified self
This approach transforms “either/or” into “both/and”, helping clients move forward with more inner alignment and peace.
A Clinical Example
A client says, “I sabotage my own progress.” The clinician asks, “What might that part of you be trying to protect?”
The client realizes: “It’s afraid I’ll burn out or get hurt again.”
Instead of attacking the sabotaging part, they begin to appreciate its intention. From there, the clinician helps the client create a new internal agreement: “I’ll keep moving forward—and I’ll do it with care and rest.”
Suddenly, the internal battle quiets.
Why It Matters
Many clinical struggles—addiction, ambivalence, avoidance—are not about weakness. They’re about dis-integrated parts. When clinicians use reframing and integration, we help clients access wholeness—not by forcing, but by listening more deeply.[5]
Clinician Reflection
This week, notice where your clients (or you) are split between two strong “parts.” Practice asking:
- “What might this part be trying to do for you?”
- “Is there any common ground between these parts?”
- “What would wholeness look like here?”
You might be surprised how quickly clarity and calm return when every part feels heard.
[1] Bacon, Stephen Charles. Neuro-linguistic programming and psychosomatic illness: a study of the effects of reframing on headache pain. University of Montana, 1983.
[2] Gashi, Syzana. “Enhancing Students’ Self-confidence in the EFL Classroom through Neuro-Linguistic Programing Technique-Reframing.” Academicus International Scientific Journal 15.30 (2024): 138-152.
[3] Campbell, Ali. NLP: How to Use Neuro-linguistic Programming to Change Your Life. Hay House UK Limited, 2015.
[4] de Rijk, Lisa, and Rob Kamps. “Neurolinguistic psychotherapy and complex mental health conditions.” Neurolinguistic Programming in Clinical Settings. Routledge, 2022. 84-100.
[5] Ybias, Charito F., Mark T. Ortibano, and Dennis V. Madrigal. “The Effect of Integrated-Neuro-Linguistic Programming as Supplementary Intervention for Individuals with Symptoms of Depression.” Technium Soc. Sci. J. 60 (2024): 122.