Why does Medical NLP place such emphasis on techniques to develop ‘right-brain thinking’ when Western healthcare is so firmly bedded in left-brain, linear, objective, evidence-based ‘fact’?

The reason is not to embrace some amorphous New Age notion of ‘intuitive’ medicine, but because recent developments in neuroscience strongly suggest that to remain focused on linear information (‘text’ in the jargon of Medical NLP) at the expense of a more global way of thinking (‘context’) risks slewing the consultation process away, rather than towards, accuracy and effectiveness.

Managing frames is a key, non-verbal skill in Medical NLP, and can make a significant difference in even short, simple consultations.

Most Neuro-Linguistic Programmers are familiar with ‘content’ and ‘context’ reframing. To these skills, we add pre-framing (which, as the name implies, presupposes the consultation will take a specific, positive direction) and in- and out-framing – the quite literal shifting of certain information towards or away from the zone of immediate interaction.

The effects can be profound – but require understanding and practice.

The most frequent call for help and advice on Society of Medical NLP trainings and personal development programmes is: ‘How do I cope with Heartsink patients?’

The Heartsink – a description applied to a wide range of apparently disruptive or recalcitrant patients – seems intent on making your life as difficult as possible. And, the ever-present danger is that if you alienate him (or her), you will be faced with a barrage of complaints, and, possibly, even litigation.

There is hope ...