Clear A Head Wellbeing

Using reframing to help with an issue

We can all become stuck when dealing with a particular issue or circumstance. Maybe we are in a job that we dislike or perhaps living on a street that falls short of our expectation. It could even be that the haircut we opted for doesn’t make us feel fantastic after all. What can we do when we don’t have an option to change the situation? How about reframing it?

At its simplest, a reframe consists of trying to look at the situation from a new perspective or angle. Can we find aspects of the situation that aren’t negative or entirely negative at all? The problematic street where people drop litter might house a number of people with whom we get on with very well. The haircut, if not a catastrophe, might offer a radical new look which we might not have entertained before. The job, as long as we are not being exploited, might have hitherto overlooked aspects such as friendly staff. If we can change the situation then fine, if not, a reframe can be useful.

A good hypnotherapist or therapist might have in their toolbox a recourse to reframing. For example, what if the therapist tells you that the limiting behaviour or perspective that you feel so ashamed of is your coping mechanism for getting you through difficult times. Might that not lighten your burden to some degree?

Try re-framing yourself. Choose a relatively light challenge that you are currently faced with. Can you find any positive or useful aspects? Explore to the maximum then move on to more challenging issues. It is a useful practice.