Key Takeaways
- Words can be either constructive or destructive; reframing helps patients describe themselves and their situations positively.
- Reframing involves changing your interpretation of events and shifting from negative to positive descriptors.
- Implementing reframing requires effort to change old habits and become aware of language usage.
- Listening closely to your words and feelings aids in identifying areas to change for a better mindset.
- Reframing is a valuable tool at Above & Beyond Acupuncture, especially during Lifestyle Coaching sessions.
The words a person uses can be constructive or destructive; they can be positive or they can be negative. When a patient comes to Above & Beyond Acupuncture for treatment, our practitioners will listen for how he or she uses his or her words to describe themselves and/or their situation. By using reframing techniques, patients are provided the necessary tools to restructure their language in an effort to use words to build a better life.
So what exactly is reframing? Reframing is a central cognitive-behavioral technique of “telling yourself a different story” about the same events, or in this case characteristics. Reframing means coming up with a different interpretation. [Link]
Oftentimes, patients will have tendencies to describe people, places and things with negative descriptors and will also tend to focus on issues they do not like. It is also common to use past experiences to influence current perspectives. By replacing those negative descriptors and shifting toward a more positive viewpoint, it becomes easier to maintain a happier state of being.
Implementing a tool like reframing can take some work, as changing old habits and ways of communicating may require some effort. The easiest way to begin to change your words is to start listening very closely to what you say, how you say it, and how you feel right after the words leave your mouth. When you become more present and aware of your vocabulary and the descriptors that you use, it will be easier to identify and subsequently change.
Putting time and effort into using a tool like reframing is an extremely worthy endeavor, one that will pay huge dividends and allow you to lead a more peaceful existence. Our words really do create our reality, so it’s best to use positive, loving and constructive words.
Reframing is one of the many tools offered by the practitioners at Above & Beyond Acupuncture, and it is commonly utilized when treatments include Lifestyle Coaching.
