Coaching with NLP For Dummies®

Changing Emotional States

The good news about states is that you can change state when you feel that doing so is appropriate. In particular, the following sections cover the classic NLP approach known as anchoring, which enables you to access the precise states that serve you best, regardless of what's happening in the world around you.

For coaching to be most effective, both client and coach must be in resourceful states. You can describe a resourceful state as being alert, present, calm, clear, curious or creative – whatever words epitomise the best state for you.

Checking the baseline state

To change state, you need to first tune into your baseline state, which is your normal, most familiar way of going through the day.

The following self-awareness exercise helps clients capture information about their baseline state and note how it shifts throughout the day.

1. Have your client check in with herself for seven days, noting feelings at morning, noon and night.

   Your clients may choose to write down the baseline state in words on a chart, put a colour code in her diary, drop pebbles in different jars, affix coloured sticky notes to a calendar or draw symbols such as smiley and sad faces. Be as creative as you like in co-creating this bank of information.

2. After gathering enough ...