In this article we discuss how unwanted behaviours can be eliminated in an NLP technique called a Swish Pattern. This technique is also employed by hypnotherapists, and can be used to round off sessions regarding weight loss and smoking.
1. Create a picture in your mind of the behaviour you no longer want to have.
Using this picture you can already begin to make changes to the way you feel about the unwanted behaviour. Notice what happens when you dull the colour in the picture or move it further away. Changing the fine details (Submodalities) can remove the emotional content that is programmed in your mind to associate to that picture.
2. Create a picture of a new empowering alternative.
This is a picture of a new behaviour that will replace the old behaviour. See yourself in this picture (dissociated). This is so that when your brain views it, it sees it as something you wish to achieve. If you're looking through your own eyes in the picture (associated), your mind may believe that you have already achieved the desired behaviour and will not provide you with an adequate level of motivation to achieve it.
3. Make the change as quickly as Swish!
Put the picture of the unwanted behaviour on a big screen in your mind. Then in the lower left hand corner, make the picture of the desired behaviour. As quickly as you can say swish, move the picture of the desired behaviour over and in front of the picture of the unwanted behaviour, covering it completely, then open your eyes. Do this process several times, until you feel unable to recall the picture of the unwanted behaviour or the feelings that went with it. As you repeat the process, do so very quickly. The key to this technique is to confuse the old wiring in your mind with the use of the speed at which you change the pictures.
Swish patterns are great to use on your own but if you would like to adopt some other powerful techniques to use with it, then give me a call in my office in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire where I can discuss with you the benefits of NLP and Hypnosis.
Short note about the author
Gemma Bailey is qualified hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner. She is based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire and has helped many clients and patients throughout South East England. For more information on Hypnotherapy, NLP therapies and Life coaching, visit
http://www.gemmabailey.co.uk