NLP
Powerful Parts
NLP and Archetypes
By Eve Menezes Cunningham
W
hen I popped next door to feed my neighbours’ pet fish the THE CHILD
other day, I was feeling pretty resourceful. I had a busy day The Child is exuberant and innocent, playful and
ahead but was looking forward to getting back to work. I fun.
watched them eat for a few moments then headed back to mine. The Plus Side - Letting your child out will help you
Unfortunately, their front door was jammed shut and wouldn’t open find more fun and joy in your day to day life as an
no matter how much I tried different approaches. After a few mo- adult, seeing things with fresh eyes.
ments, full on panic set in. Even though I wasn’t in danger, my inner The Down Side – The Child is also powerless and dependent. When a
Child – helpless, scared and powerless – had kicked in and I didn’t tricky situation, perhaps at work or in a relationship, crops up, your Child
know what to do. may regress you so you forget about all the resources you’ve built up since
We all have lots of aspects to ourselves. These often contradictory you actually were a child.
parts kick in when we’re in different types of situations. For example, The Solution – Reassure your Child. Let it know that everything’s
you might be aware of your Pleaser if you find yourself going above going to be OK. All is well. Parent it by being soothing and calm. (Yelling
and beyond for your boss or a friend or anyone – even when perhaps at this aspect of yourself will terrify it leaving you feeling even less
you should be holding back. resourceful). Let the Child’s creativity and limitless thinking help you out
Or maybe your Rebel comes out whenever an authority figure asks by showing it’s safe to play.
you to do something. Perhaps your Victim might pull you out of a
more resourceful state anytime something triggers a memory of a time
you felt hard done by in the past. THE JUDGE
While it’s healthy to have different parts available to us, it’s im- The Judge bangs its gavel loudly, imposing
portant to remind ourselves that they’re just aspects. None should be authoritative opinions on all aspects of life.
taking over. You can check in to find out whether a more resourceful The Plus Side – Giving your Judge a voice can help
aspect might be more appropriate if something isn’t working. you speak out when you know something is wrong or
But that doesn’t mean trying to eradicate the parts we don’t like. needs to be said.
The more we do this, the more powerfully it will pop up. Just like The Down Side – Apart from potentially hurting friends and family
behaviours, every part has a positive intention. who feel judged, the Judge can be overactive when it comes to you, too.
People’s parts are shaped by their lives so far and the circumstances This can make you feel very stuck and fearful of doing anything at all.
that led to each aspect developing but this overview of some popular The Solution – Listen to your Judge when it serves you (for example,
parts might help you see the aspects that are most prominent for you. when putting the finishing touches on a piece of work) but don’t let it
take over. Promise it a day in court, as it were. You might find using
The Disney Model helpful. The Judge could help the Critic point out
THE HERMIT potential obstacles in any plans. Just ensure you allow your more creative
The Hermit loves to be alone. aspects to flourish, too.
The Plus Side – everyone needs some time
alone. When your Hermit is activated, you’ll
do what it takes to make this time and space for THE CLOWN
peace and quiet for yourself, often finding it helps you think more An entertainer at heart, The Clown can make people
clearly. laugh and create harmony.
The Down Side – If you resist The Hermit when it tries to get your The Plus Side – People love to laugh. Humour is
attention, you may find yourself feeling incredibly cranky around a great tool for dissipating tension and helping make
people. Your temper may be frayed and the slightest intrusions will your point in a gentle, non-threatening way.
send your irritation levels sky high. The Down Side – Sometimes the tension needs to be dealt with rather
The Solution – If you become aware of your Hermit and can’t than dissipated. Your Clown, while trying to keep everyone happy, could
take an immediate time out, schedule one in for as soon as possible. be keeping people stuck.
Knowing the time and space you need alone is on it’s way will enable The Solution – Let your Clown play and have fun but balance it by
you to stop your Hermit sabotaging you. taking a step back. Before automatically making people laugh, check in to
36 | Autumn 2009 - rapport
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