“Part of me wants to go, and part of me wants to stay.” We all talk this way. NLP takes the language seriously and offers methods for working with inner “parts”: the six-step reframe and Core Transformation.
The core idea
NLP’s parts work assumes that:
- Behaviours you want to change come from a part of you.
- That part has a positive intention, even when the behaviour is unhelpful. Nail-biting may be calming you. Procrastination may be protecting you from failure.
- Better ways to meet that intention can be found.
This echoes parts approaches elsewhere, including ego state therapy and parts therapy in hypnosis (see hypnosis series, part 38).
The six-step reframe
An NLP method dating from the late 1970s and early 1980s. In outline:
- Identify the behaviour you want to change.
- Contact the part responsible, and ask for a signal that it’s present.
- Ask its positive intention. What is it trying to do for you?
- Generate alternatives. Use your creative part to find other ways to meet that intention.
- Ask the part to adopt the new choices.
- Check the fit. Ask whether any part objects (“ecology check”).
Core Transformation
Developed by Connirae Andreas (with Tamara Andreas) from 1989, and described in a 1994 book. It builds on the six-step reframe but goes further: instead of stopping at the first positive intention, you keep asking what that would give you, and then what that would give you, until you reach a deep “core state” described as peace, oneness or being. The claim is that when the part gets that state, it stops needing the old behaviour.
How they compare with other parts approaches
| Approach | Origin | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Six-step reframe | NLP | No good trials |
| Core Transformation | NLP | No good trials |
| Hypnotic parts therapy | Hypnosis | Limited |
| Internal Family Systems | Family therapy | Growing but early |
| Ego state therapy | Psychotherapy / hypnosis | Limited |
(The IFS row reflects general knowledge and wasn’t checked for this article.)
What the evidence says
I found no controlled trials of the six-step reframe or Core Transformation. The “parts” idea is a metaphor. Research doesn’t show that we literally have distinct parts, but it is a useful way of describing mixed feelings and inner conflict, and some people find it helpful and compassionate.
What may help
- Curiosity instead of criticism. Asking “what is this habit for?” can shift self-blame into understanding.
- Finding the need beneath a habit. Many habits meet real needs for calm, comfort or safety.
- Choosing alternatives. Looking for other ways to meet the need is similar to problem solving in CBT.
A gentle try-out
- Pick a minor habit, such as snacking when bored.
- Ask: “What is this doing for me?”
- Ask: “And if I had that, what would it give me?”
- List three other ways to get it.
- Try one this week and see.
Cautions
- Parts work can bring up strong feelings. Take care with trauma or dissociation.
- It is not a treatment for eating disorders, addictions or depression.
- Don’t treat “parts” as separate beings or personalities. It’s a way of talking.
The bottom line
NLP parts work is a thoughtful, compassionate way to approach inner conflict. It’s unproven as therapy, so keep expectations modest and be cautious with serious problems.
Next in the series: Cognitive Hypnotherapy: Where NLP, CBT and Hypnosis Meet
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.