Framing
Framing is one of those NLP techniques that fits in well with other
NLP techniques. The framing technique itself is a type of emotional
amplifier or de-amplifier, which works by rebuilding (or could be
perhaps considered correcting) links in your limbic system between
your amygdala and your hippocampus.
What makes the framing NLP technique most affective is its simplic-
ity and ability to be applied easily in conjunction with other NLP
techniques. Before I explain exactly how to do framing, it is best if
you can understand its importance and applications before you go
into it.We learn lessons in life from bad memories, and good memories. In effect, memories can be bad or
good, but in reality memories are emotionless “highlight reels” of past events. No, that’s not a typo, I
do mean emotionless.
Before you rage and throw your Kindle away in anger, please consider this - memories and emotions
are clearly stored / produced by different parts of the brain. Given that those two parts of the brain
are right next to each other, but they are still separate parts of the brain. The hippocampus stores and
produces your memories, and your amygdala is responsible for your emotions.
Exercise: Right now, recall a memory that has negative emotions attached. Nothing traumatic! Use
something like failing a test or an unsuccessful interview. Got one? Good. Read on.
What Just Happened?
Without going into too much detail, your frontal lobe (prefrontal cortex) and thalamus interacted with
your hippocampus and the rest of the limbic system to discover a suitable negative memory.
The Hippocampus (responsible for storage and retrieval of long-term memories) has just brought up
a picture, perhaps a few sounds, or short video snippets (I call it a highlight reel) to represent that
memory.
The Amygdala (responsible for emotions) has judged the memory as fresh. Memories of emotions con-
tained within that memory are judged and everything is linked to the amygdala where you will receive
a quick “reminder” of how those emotions feel. In this case, it will be negative.
See what I’m getting at? Of course you do, because you’re clever. I don’t know who it was or when it
was, but someone discovered this super-handy fact: