Most coaching today operates without a theoretical framework. No cognitive behavioural model governs why the coach does what he or she does. Most coaches today operate with an eclectic range of techniques, processes, homework, charts, and patterns. They have a grab of bag tricks but no methodology. Those who have some methodology have no theoretical framework. If you were to ask a coach why he or she chose a certain technique over another, and how he or she decided on that for a particular client, and why now at this point in time, you would not be given an informed explanation. Typically you will be told, "I do it by intuition. It just felt right." We call that the Fudge Factor. Anthony Grant, Ph.D. and delegate, noting this lack of a theoretical framework, has sought to supply such. He wrote his doctoral dissertation on this, "Towards a Psychology of Coaching" (2001). In that work he sought to locate coaching in a sound methodology based upon Cognitive-Behavioural psychology and Solution-Focused theory. "A model of coaching that is grounded in established cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and solution focused theory and practice (SF), and which includes a generic model of self-regulation and goal attainment is outlined. It is argued that such a model can form the basis for a psychology of coaching." (p. 4) Further, Grant founded his research on the importance of meta-cognition skills. "Yet meta-cognitive skills—the ability to think about one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours —are essential factors in mastering new skills (Carver and Scheier, 1998), and it has been argued that relapse prevention training, and training in self-talk, should facilitate transfer of learning (Latham and Seijts, 1997)." (p. 19) "The fostering of such meta-cognitive skills is central to the coaching process; it may be that coaching may prove to be a useful adjunct or replacement for some training programs." (19) Focusing on Meta-Cognition as the cognitive-behavioural foundation of coaching, Grant details the research in "psychological mindedness," self-reflection, and insight. He quotes Nelson and Narens in the field of Meta-Cognition, authors also quoted by Dr L Michael Hall PhD. in providing the research basis for the Meta-States. "Meta-cognition is a higher-order executive process. It is any knowledge or cognitive process that refers to, monitors, or controls any aspect of cognition (Moses and Baird, 1999). Knowledge and regulation, (monitoring and control processes, Nelson, and Narens, 1990), involves activities such as planning outcomes, choosing strategies, and enacting plans." (p166) The cognitive-behavioural framework of Neuro-Semantic Coaching makes it stand out as very different from most coaching. Why? - Because we have a framework within which to work. We have a structure that gives form and reason to what we do, and why we do it. We don’t just do whatever we feel like doing. We don’t operate from a grab bag of tools. In Neuro-Semantic coaching we use the Matrix Model. This model unifies the hundreds of patterns and techniques of NLP along with every major model in NLP and NS, Neuro-Semantic Coaching has an over-arching map for knowing what to do, when, and with whom. This meta-cognitive structure enables the coach to know where he or she is at any time with a client. In coaching, as in therapy, this makes a big difference in terms of competence, elegance, and effectiveness. It gives greater value to the client for her or his money. It doesn’t waste time. It’s efficient. |
The following edited version of the co-founder of neuro-semantic coaching explains what it is:
What then is meta coaching and how does it differ from other approaches to coaching?
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Coach uses the Meta-Model of Language, the Meta-Programs for perceptual filtering, the Meta-States of the human psycho-logics, and the Meta-Modalities of a person’s internal mental movies, and cinematic features. This gives the meta-coach four systems of the same thing– subjective experience. territories that we seek to navigate). territories that we seek to navigate). This distinction between content and process began in NLP, but continues in Neuro-Semantics in a new and fascinating way. It allows us to engage in the meta-coaching process and to recognize that these terms (content, process) are self-reflexive. They can apply to themselves. This means we can have content of content, process of process, the process of the content, the content of the process. This makes for far richer coaching, as we no longer limit "content" strictly to the primary state level. Why is a systems model important? It’s important because it empowers us to reduce complexity, find leverage factors that transform the whole system, eliminate simplistic either-or answers, and respond holistically to the whole person. |
As a framework, the Matrix Model enables the Neuro-Semantic Coach to make a unique profile of each client. It begins with the Meta-Programs or Lab profile in NLP but it goes much further. Now as a coach we can respond to the goals and outcomes that a client has chosen. This puts the Neuro- Semantic Coach at a real advantage. It provides a direct route for intervention to the client’s mind-body-emotion system of frames. Profiling where a client is in a given situation, what facets of his or her framing and matrix needs to be addressed, enables the coach to think systemically and to look for small critical leverage points that can have a system-wide influence. This focuses the coaching, streamlines the solution oriented approach, and drives the generative nature of transformation. |
Neuro-Semantic Coaching differs also in that it highlights the coach’s role as an expert in process or structure. The Neuro-Semantic Coach respects the client as the content expert in his or her own life. The coach operates as the process expert, understanding how to model the client’s mind-body-emotion system and finding the leverage points in that system for quickly facilitating the client’s resources. This leads to two ways of coaching. Michelle Duval, Neuro-Semantic Master Coach, describes these as Freestyle Coaching and Process Coaching. "program" as such, but responds appropriately in an ad hoc way to the immediate context. This works well for clients who don’t know precisely what they Process coaching works best for those new to being coached and to those who want to be coached around the subject of personal excellence or mastery of a particular subject. Duval’s coaching program for Process Coaching is a three-month period with seven key face-to-face sessions, supported by numerous phone coaching sessions, a coaching manual, and audio-tapes for further learning. The highly structured program is designed to provide the process for identifying numerous well-formed outcomes for the client and fulfilling them in the work together. The specificity and precision of the process makes for an exciting adventure for both coach and client. The newest process coaching in Neuro-Semantics is built around the Matrix model and facilitates a client to create a more vital and robust matrix of frames to govern every aspect of life from self to relationships to career and health. Yet those are not the only possibilities for a process coaching format. The Neuro-Semantics coach could equally use the Accessing Personal Mastery model from the Meta-States introduction training with the patterns of Neuro-Semantics to coach a person in any specific kind of mastery. Since this has already been formulated as a training programme, the process structure is already available for the coach who wants to specialize in such. Why is this important? It is important because it gives structure to coaching for both the coach and the client. It allows a coach to create a viable business from coaching. And it offers many possibilities for creative transformation to the client. |
regardless of our theories and principles, it is only in the feed forfeel and act upon great ideas. feel and act upon great ideas. From the Mind-to-Muscle pattern to numerous others, the Neuro-Semantic Coach is able to effectively translate the great concepts and principles of the higher levels of the mind back down into the body, into muscle memory. |
6. Neuro-Semantic Coaching uses Framing for Conversational elegance. What NLP began with the idea of frames and framing, Neuro-Semantics has taken much, much further. With Meta-States, we now recognize the structure of "framing" as bringing one thought, feeling, concept or belief to another. This sets a frame. Realizing this, affects the generative breakthrough that we can frame at any level of the mind and in any matrix and that we can do so simultaneously. This opens up framing as a critical skill for the coach. \ What began as meta-stating in 1994 now becomes framing in seven directions: deframing, reframing, counter-framing, pre-framing, post-framing, out- framing, and analogous framing. And when we can do that, then Mind-Lines become a tool for conversational coaching. With Mind-Lines we can now change a mind, set new frames, and initiate more productive behavioural and emotional Games. |
Summary:
Is Neuro-Semantic coaching unique and special? You bet it is. And now you know a little bit about how and why it is special.
NOTE: This is an edited version of an article by Dr L Michael Hall