SOMP can be used to reframe a persons belief system when the belief that they hold no longer serves them well. There are 14 SOMP patterns which can be used in conversation to help give you a choice of new and more helpful perspectives. SOMP doesn’t always resolve the problem but helps soften up the problem to make changes easier. Some SOMP patterns can seem harsh or callous, so always get into rapport and consider which patterns are approriate and what you think will be most helpful.
Beliefs
Beliefs define the relationship between values and their causes, indicators and consequences. Beliefs are typically expressed in the form of a
Complex equivalence (A “equals”, “is, “is equivalent to” or “means” B)
Cause-effect (A “causes (because)”, “makes”, “leads to”, “produces”, “results in” B).
Slight of Mouth patterns work well for belief change, when a client uses a complex equivalent or cause-effect to express their belief.
Ask a client for a belief
Example: I can’t lose weight.
Cartesian Questions – for your client to word their belief as a cause and effect or complex equivalence
- What would happen if you did?
- · What would happen if you didn’t?
- · What wouldn’t happen if you did?
- · What wouldn’t happen if you didn’t?
Client: I can’t lose weight because I don’t have willpower (cause and effect)
SOMP
Redefine; change the representation of the belief
1. What other meaning could the equation have?
Example: you can eat healthier
Consequence; consequences that can change beliefs
What will happen to them if they continue to think this way?
Example: the longer you leave it the less willpower you will have
Intention; what is the positive intention?
1. Why are they saying this?
2. What is the secondary gain?
3. What are they trying to get?
Example: it can be scary stopping a habit you have had for a while and we both agree you want to look great at your wedding
Chunk Down; specific elements
1. What specifically?
2. What are examples of this?
3. What are parts of this?
Example: what will give you the will power
Chunk Up; generalisations
1. For what purpose?
2. What's important about this?
3. Exaggerate.
Example: are you saying that you want to stay overweight?
Counter Example; exceptions that challenge generalization
1. Invert the belief.
2. Make into a universal statement or question
3. A causes B, not B causes not A.
Example: we have all met people who say they can’t lose weight and then do
Another Outcome; propose a different outcome
What is another outcome you could shift to?
Example: the issue isn’t that willpower can win, it’s about you giving dieting a chance
Metaphor/Analogy; Use an analogy or metaphor that challenges the generalization defined by the belief
What story will relate to their belief?
Tell a metaphor or story about the solution.
Example: I had adopted an overweight dog once that I believed would never lose weight, we started by taking small steps going for 5 minute walks until we will worked up to 1 hour walks
Apply to Self; use key aspects of the belief to change the belief
Don't think about it; just use the word back on itself.
Example: you can’t lose weight until you believe you have the willpower to lose weight
Hierarchy of Criteria (Values) Re-assess the belief based on a more important criterion.
1. What are higher criteria (values)?
2. Apply current criterion (value) to current sentence.
Example: isn’t it more important to think about your health then your weight
Change Frame Size; Re-evaluate the implication of the belief in the context of a longer (or shorter) time frame, a larger number of people (or from an individual point of view) or a bigger or smaller perspective.
1. Something (larger or smaller) they haven't noticed.
2. Different frame, same behavior.
3. Chunk up to Universal Quantifier.
Example: losing weight will give you a longer life..to spend with your grandchildren
Meta Frame; change the basis of the belief
How is it possible they could believe that?
Example: you can’t lose weight but can’t you eat less food each day?
Model of the World; look at the belief from a different perspective
1. Switch Referential Index.
2. Is this true in everyone's Model of the World?
Example: beating will power is telling yourself you can do it
Reality Strategy; Re-assess the belief based on the fact that beliefs are based on specific perceptions
1. How do they represent that belief?
2. How do they/you know if it's not true?
3. Apply current criterion (value) to current sentence.
Example: how do you know will power not laziness is stopping you from losing weight?
