Finding Lost Motivation

Here is an example of how coaching helped Ann, a woman who refused rehab after a hip replacement The strategies used with Ann are called Strategic Intervention and rely on the work of many different modalities, along with what is termed Neuro-Linguistic Programming. NLP, although a strange name, is rooted in finding and repeating positive memories and using a physiological change to cement a new and more positive belief. In Ann’s case, she knew she was stuck but couldn’t change her mindset.
 
The background is a hip replacement for an otherwise, physically healthy 75 year old woman which resulted in a lack of motivation to do the rehab. Her doctors and physical therapists tried to help, encouraging her to take small steps toward her recovery to show how there would be important improvements each time. Clearly, something else was going on but she was not sharing what that was. The healthcare professionals turned to a coach trained in Strategic Intervention as a last resort. The coach set out to look for resources within Ann to find the motivation to recover her health.

The coach's first step was to “break the pattern” of Ann's negative thinking. This served to show Ann the power of re-thinking a problem. In Ann’s case, a “Five Minute Miracle” of sixty second breathing breaks, one every three hours was implemented. She was also reminded that she was the head of her family and the matriarch, an important role she acknowledged and one she wanted to maintain. Ann was asked to talk about positive memories that occurred as the head of the family, for example, family reunions and weddings. Another positive thought Ann brought to mind was a memory of her dancing for her mother’s approval as a small girl. That gave her a “joy in motion” memory to come back to and was the “physiological” change needed to regain physical health and motion. The memory also served to remind her of her mom's love when she was a young child. This further reinforced the importance of loving her grandchildren to give them that same feeling of love and connection.

Next, Ann was asked to write a short letter to herself from the  little girl that used to dance. This created a connection to the little girl with her adult self. SI also believes that if you experienced joy at one time in your life, you can again. You have proven to yourself that you can do it and bringing it to the surface reminds you of that possibility.

Ann also shared the wonderful memory of Ginger, a horse she loved, and how she would ride up into the mountains. Ann loved Ginger deeply and Ginger loved Ann and she was able to relive and “feel” those times riding. The kick was that Ginger was not beautiful and getting older but could still carry her through the mountains. This became the main image of a body no longer young and beautiful but still capable of carrying her through the “mountains and valleys” of life. Repeatedly, Ann was asked to feel the wind and the sun on her face, feel Ginger’s motion in her hips, each step rippling through her body as she rode. Continuing through the repetitions was the deep breathing, every three hours a day.

During her rehab sessions, Ann was asked to breathe deeply and think about Ginger with every halting step. Each day, Ann was asked to repeat these steps. Slowly but surely and with a new sense of confidence, Ann healed and was able to resume playing with her grandchildren.

For a free consultation, please go to www.christinecaldwellcoaching.com or email me directly at chris@christinecaldwellcoaching.com.

Christine Caldwell Coaching
Christine Caldwell is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Life Coach, and has completed both the Robbins-Madanes Core 100 and Core 200 coaching programs. Additionally, Christine has 30 years’ experience as a sales and marketing executive, business owner and career counselor. For more information go to:  www.christinecaldwellcoaching.com.

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