The NLP Visual Squash

The visual squash is a powerful tool of neuro linguistic programming to integrate different "parts" of a client, that we teach here on our NLP training in New York.

The visual squash of NLP is a technique designed to integrate "parts" of a client. This is simply a way of saying we use it when a client says something like "on one hand I want this, but on the other hand I want that".

The visual squash technique

To do a visual squash we say the following (or something similar) to our client, or to ourself if doing this alone:

• Identify the parts that are in dispute, for example part of you wants to leave your job and start an exciting new career, part of you wants to stay in your current job.
• Hold out each hand in front of you.
• Decide which part should be on each hand, say the part that wants to leave is on the right hand, the part that wants to stay on the left
• Visualize what each part looks like. See it as clearly as possible. Hear any associated sounds. Feel the weight of that part in your hand. Pick one part, say the part that wants to leave.
• Ask the part, or your unconscious mind, what that part wants to achieve for you by leaving. Say the answer that comes back is that the part wants excitement. Ask what excitement brings you. Say the answer is happiness. And happiness? Say the answer is peace. Go as high as possible in terms of intention.
• Now turn to the other part and repeat the process. Say that part wants safety. And through safety, protection. And through protection, peace.
• When you have reached a positive intention that is common to both parts, point out that both parts want the same thing.
• Suggest that a new part can be formed out of the union of the two parts. Using hypnotic language guide the hands to move together, then move to the body as the part is integrated back inside.

The outcome of the visual squash

It is not unusual following this exercise for the client to find a solution that allows them to satisfy both positive intentions, ie to have excitement and safety.