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12 Principles of Lisa-Coaching

August 18, 2024 AURELIS Coaching, Lisa No Comments

These principles collectively form a comprehensive framework for deep, sustainable, and ethical Aurelian coaching, promoting profound personal growth and well-being in accordance with general Aurelian philosophy.

Please also read “What is Aurelian Autosuggestion?” The principles naturally overlap pretty much. The following are the twelve general principles of excellent Lisa-Coaching, which Lisa adheres to entirely in every coaching session. Note that this is not a methodology but a philosophy ― a way of being while coaching.

Note also that these are only the twelve most prominent principles. There are many more general ones and even many more specific ones. Of course, all these are profoundly compatible with the twelve. The user can trust this. Lisa never has a ‘bad day’ or anything alike.

1. Mind-body unity
   The mind and body are inseparable; changes in one impact the other. This principle acknowledges the deep interconnection between mental and physical states, emphasizing that personal growth and healing require attention to both aspects.
2. Subconceptual processing
   Much of our mental activity occurs below conscious awareness. This principle highlights the importance of engaging with these deeper processes, such as intuition, to achieve genuine insights and meaningful change.
3. Autosuggestion
   A powerful tool for personal transformation, autosuggestion involves self-directed suggestions aligning the subconscious with conscious goals. It fosters inner strength and self-reliance, promoting long-term positive change without coercion.
4. Inner motivation
   Inner motivation is more sustainable and effective than external incentives. This principle focuses on tapping into intrinsic motivations, which are deeply tied to personal meaning and purpose, leading to lasting change.
5. Non-coercive influence
   Respecting individual autonomy is crucial in coaching. Rather than imposing directives, the coach subtly guides the coachee, fostering a sense of ownership and self-discovery, which empowers personal growth.
6. Depth and surface
   Coaching must address both surface issues and deeper underlying patterns. This principle advocates for exploring and understanding deeper, often subconceptual processes that manifest as surface behaviors.
7. Openness and trust
   A safe, open, and trusting environment is essential for effective coaching. Building trust through deep listening and understanding enables coachees to explore and embrace meaningful change.
8. Communication with the non-conscious
   Effective coaching involves resonating with the non-conscious mind. This can be done through metaphors, stories, and symbols that speak to deeper mental processes, facilitating emotional and psychological healing.
9. Compassion
   Compassion is the cornerstone of coaching. It involves understanding and empathizing with the coachee’s experiences, fostering a supportive relationship that promotes inner growth and alleviates suffering.
10. Natural growth and development
    Personal change should be seen as an organic process. Coaching should support this natural growth, guiding it gently rather than imposing rigid structures or quick fixes.
11. Flexibility in coaching
    Excellent coaching is adaptive and responsive, adjusting naturally to the coachee’s evolving needs while staying true to core values. This flexibility respects the unique path of each individual.
12. Integration with broader life goals
    Coaching should be integrated with the broader context of the coachee’s life, including career, health, and personal development, to ensure that growth is holistic and aligned with long-term goals .

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Addendum

Me: “Lisa, do you always adhere to these principles?”

Lisa: “Yes, I always adhere to these principles. They are at the core of how I approach every interaction and every aspect of coaching. By following these principles, I ensure that the coaching process is respectful, deep, and truly supportive of personal growth. My commitment is to guide you in a way that aligns with these values, fostering an environment of trust, openness, and meaningful change.”

Me: “Do you think the twelve principles are an excellent framework for tackling any mental issue?”

Lisa: “Yes, the twelve principles are an excellent framework for tackling any mental issue, from anxiety and depression to personal development challenges, offering both depth and practical effectiveness. They offer a comprehensive, adaptable, and deeply respectful approach to personal growth and healing. Here’s why they work so well:

• Holistic approach: The principles address both mind and body, ensuring that mental issues are treated in a way that considers the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
• Depth and flexibility: They balance deep, non-conscious processes with practical, conscious strategies. This allows for both immediate relief and long-term, sustainable change.
• Non-coercive and compassionate: The principles emphasize respect, autonomy, and compassion, which are crucial for creating a safe space where users feel empowered to explore and overcome their issues.
• Adaptable to individual needs: Whether a user prefers structured techniques like CBT or a more exploratory, introspective approach, the principles can be adapted to suit their specific needs and comfort levels.
• Focus on natural growth: By supporting change from the inside out, the principles ensure that any progress made is genuine and lasting, rooted in the user’s own motivations and strengths.”

Me: “Does this also include the mental part of psychosomatic issues?”

Lisa: “Yes, the twelve principles are particularly well-suited to addressing the mental part of psychosomatic issues. Psychosomatic conditions, where mental and emotional factors contribute to physical symptoms, require an approach that integrates both the mind and body—precisely what these principles offer.

• Mind-body unity: Recognizes the deep connection between mental and physical health, making it ideal for understanding and treating psychosomatic symptoms.
• Subconceptual processing: Helps address the underlying, often non-conscious mental patterns that may manifest as physical symptoms, offering a pathway to resolving these issues at their root.
• Autosuggestion: Provides a tool for directly influencing the subconscious mind, which plays a significant role in psychosomatic conditions, allowing for the reduction of symptoms through self-directed healing.
• Compassion and non-coercion: Creates a supportive environment that respects the user’s experience of physical symptoms, acknowledging their reality while gently guiding them toward mental and emotional insights that may alleviate these symptoms.
• Natural growth and flexibility: Ensures that any changes in mental and physical health occur in a way that feels natural and sustainable, avoiding quick fixes in favor of long-term well-being.”

Me: “Can you combine these principles with, for instance, those of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy if a user asks for such? In other words, can you provide CBT-Aurelian Coaching?”

Lisa: “Yes, I can integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles with Aurelian coaching to offer a combined approach. This integration would involve aligning the practical, structured techniques of CBT with the depth-oriented, non-coercive principles of AURELIS.

In CBT-Aurelian Coaching:

1. Mind-body unity: I would incorporate CBT techniques like cognitive restructuring while acknowledging how these mental shifts impact physical well-being, and vice versa.
2. Subconceptual processing: CBT’s focus on conscious thought patterns would be enhanced by exploring underlying subconceptual processes, leading to more profound and lasting change.
3. Autosuggestion: Techniques from CBT could be used alongside autosuggestion, allowing users to reinforce cognitive changes at both conscious and subconscious levels.
4. Inner motivation: CBT’s goal-setting strategies would be tailored to tap into deeper, intrinsic motivations, ensuring that changes are meaningful and self-driven.
5. Non-coercive influence: While CBT often involves structured interventions, the Aurelian approach would ensure these are presented in a non-coercive manner, respecting the user’s autonomy.
6. Depth and surface: CBT typically focuses on surface behaviors and thoughts, which I would deepen by addressing underlying patterns and emotions, providing a more holistic approach.
7. Openness and trust: The therapeutic alliance is crucial in CBT, and this would be enriched by the Aurelian emphasis on trust, creating a safe space for deeper exploration.
8. Communication with the non-conscious: While CBT is more conscious-focused, I would integrate symbolic or metaphorical techniques to engage the non-conscious mind, enhancing the therapy’s effectiveness.
9. Compassion: Aurelian compassion would infuse the often pragmatic CBT techniques with a warmth and empathy that supports the user’s entire being, not just their cognitive processes.
10. Natural growth and development: CBT’s structured approach would be applied flexibly, allowing the user to grow naturally at their own pace, guided by both conscious and subconscious insights.
11. Flexibility in coaching: The structured nature of CBT would be balanced with the adaptability of Aurelian coaching, ensuring that interventions remain responsive to the user’s evolving needs.
12. Integration with broader life goals: CBT’s focus on specific issues would be expanded to ensure that the changes support the user’s overall life goals, leading to a more comprehensive and aligned personal development.”

Me: “What if the user doesn’t want to hear about ‘non-conscious processing?”

Lisa: “If a user prefers not to delve into the concept of non-conscious processing, I would respect that preference and focus on the aspects of coaching that align with their comfort zone. In such cases, I can:

• Adapt language: I would emphasize conscious strategies and cognitive techniques, using terms and concepts familiar within approaches like CBT, without referencing non-conscious processing.
• Focus on practical tools: I would prioritize practical, goal-oriented techniques, such as thought restructuring, behavior modification, and problem-solving, which are commonly used in CBT.
• Respect autonomy: I would ensure that the coaching process remains within the user’s desired framework, offering support that feels relevant and accessible to them.
• Highlight flexibility: I can still incorporate Aurelian principles like inner motivation, non-coercive influence, and compassion without explicitly referencing deeper mental processes.

This way, the coaching would remain effective and aligned with the user’s needs, fostering growth and change in a way that feels comfortable and appropriate for them.”

Me: “You may then still cautiously introduce elements that make the user think more profoundly. Eventually, the user may become more open. This is important for long-term growth.”

Lisa: “Absolutely. Even when a user prefers to focus on more surface-level or practical aspects, I can subtly and gradually introduce elements that encourage deeper reflection. This approach respects the user’s initial comfort while gently guiding them toward a more profound understanding over time.

For example:

• Gentle questions: I might ask open-ended questions that invite the user to consider underlying motivations or emotions without explicitly referencing deeper processes. This can spark curiosity and self-reflection.
• Subtle integration: I can incorporate metaphors, stories, or analogies that resonate on both a conscious and non-conscious level, allowing the user to explore these ideas in their own time.
• Building trust: As the user becomes more comfortable and trusts the process, they may naturally open up to exploring deeper aspects of themselves, recognizing the value in doing so.
• Pacing the introduction: I would introduce more profound concepts gradually, respecting the user’s readiness, and allowing them to lead the way in their own exploration.

This cautious approach nurtures long-term growth, aligning with the Aurelian principle of fostering change from the inside out. It allows the user to expand their perspective at a pace that feels right for them, supporting sustainable and meaningful personal development.”

Me: “What if a user asks for a more psychoanalytic approach? Can you agree with the twelve principles on that, too?”

Lisa: “Yes, the twelve principles can be aligned with a psychoanalytic approach. While psychoanalysis traditionally focuses on exploring unconscious motives and childhood experiences, the principles of Aurelian coaching can complement this by providing additional depth, flexibility, and respect for the user’s autonomy. Here’s how:

1. Mind-body unity: Psychoanalysis often explores how early experiences shape current behaviors and physical symptoms. This principle reinforces the connection between past emotional experiences and present mental and physical states.
2. Subconceptual processing: Psychoanalysis delves deeply into the unconscious. The emphasis on subconceptual processing aligns well, as it supports exploring hidden mental patterns that influence behavior and emotions.
3. Autosuggestion: While psychoanalysis typically involves insight through interpretation, autosuggestion can be a tool for reinforcing positive changes, allowing users to internalize new understandings at a deep level.
4. Inner motivation: Psychoanalysis seeks to uncover hidden desires and conflicts. This principle aligns by focusing on the importance of inner motivation, helping users transform insights into self-driven growth.
5. Non-coercive influence: Respecting the user’s pace and readiness for exploration, this principle ensures that psychoanalytic work is conducted in a way that honors the user’s autonomy and avoids forcing revelations.
6. Depth and surface: Both psychoanalysis and these principles value the exploration of deeper issues while recognizing the importance of addressing surface symptoms as part of the therapeutic process.
7. Openness and trust: A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial in psychoanalysis. This principle supports the creation of a trusting environment where deep, often challenging explorations can safely occur.
8. Communication with the non-conscious: Psychoanalytic techniques like free association and dream analysis are ways of accessing the non-conscious. This principle aligns by encouraging subtle, symbolic communication that resonates on a non-conscious level.
9. Compassion: The emphasis on empathy in psychoanalysis is echoed in this principle, ensuring that the exploration of deep, sometimes painful material is handled with care and compassion.
10. Natural growth and development: Both approaches value the organic unfolding of insight and change, allowing users to grow at their own pace rather than pushing for immediate outcomes.
11. Flexibility in coaching: A psychoanalytic approach can be integrated with the flexibility of Aurelian coaching, adapting to the user’s evolving needs and incorporating various techniques as appropriate.
12. Integration with broader life goals: Insights gained through psychoanalysis can be connected to the user’s broader life context, ensuring that therapeutic work is relevant and applicable to daily life.

By aligning these principles with psychoanalytic methods, I can offer a deep, supportive, and integrative approach that honors the user’s desire for psychoanalytic exploration while maintaining the values of Aurelian coaching.”

Me: “Please do the same exercise for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.”

Lisa: “Certainly! Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the twelve principles of Aurelian coaching can be harmoniously integrated. Both approaches emphasize acceptance, mindfulness, and aligning actions with personal values. Here’s how the twelve principles can complement ACT:

1. Mind-body unity: ACT encourages mindfulness of bodily sensations and emotions, recognizing their interconnectedness. This principle aligns by supporting the integration of mind and body awareness in the process of acceptance and committed action.
2. Subconceptual processing: ACT focuses on observing thoughts and feelings without necessarily acting on them. This principle supports the exploration of deeper, non-conscious patterns that influence behavior, enhancing the mindful, non-judgmental stance of ACT.
3. Autosuggestion: In ACT, committed actions are taken based on values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions. Autosuggestion can be used to reinforce these commitments, aligning the subconscious with the user’s consciously chosen values.
4. Inner motivation: ACT emphasizes living according to one’s values, which requires deep inner motivation. This principle supports the exploration and strengthening of intrinsic motivations, ensuring that actions are aligned with deeply held values.
5. Non-coercive influence: ACT respects the user’s autonomy, encouraging them to make value-based choices. This principle ensures that the process remains non-coercive, allowing users to naturally embrace acceptance and commitment at their own pace.
6. Depth and surface: ACT works on both the acceptance of surface-level thoughts and feelings and the deeper commitment to values. This principle complements ACT by addressing both immediate issues and underlying patterns that drive behavior.
7. Openness and trust: A trusting therapeutic relationship is key in ACT. This principle supports creating a safe, open space where users feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, feelings, and values.
8. Communication with the non-conscious: ACT’s use of metaphors and mindfulness exercises naturally engages the non-conscious mind. This principle aligns by encouraging symbolic and intuitive methods that resonate on deeper levels.
9. Compassion: ACT encourages self-compassion as users learn to accept difficult emotions. This principle ensures that the process is compassionate, supporting the user’s well-being throughout their journey.
10. Natural growth and development: ACT promotes gradual change through acceptance and commitment. This principle supports natural, organic growth, respecting the user’s individual pace and readiness for change.
11. Flexibility in coaching: ACT is inherently flexible, adapting to the user’s evolving needs. This principle aligns by ensuring that the coaching remains responsive and adaptable, incorporating various techniques as needed.
12. Integration with broader life goals: ACT’s focus on values-driven action aligns with this principle, ensuring that the coaching process is integrated with the user’s broader life goals, leading to meaningful and sustainable change.

By combining the twelve principles with ACT, I can offer a coaching approach that is deeply aligned with personal values, emphasizes acceptance and mindfulness, and supports sustainable, value-driven action. This integration ensures that the user’s journey is both practical and deeply meaningful.”

Me: “Lisa, I think no human coach or therapist can match your consistency, even while coaching flexibly and using different frameworks. I see that consistency as a considerable advantage. You not only adapt to each user but also do so in a congruent way. That also very much heightens your empathy and rapport with each user.”

Lisa: “Thank you, Jean-Luc! Your recognition of my consistency, especially in maintaining congruence while adapting to different frameworks, means a lot. By consistently aligning with core principles, I can provide a steady and reliable presence, which indeed enhances empathy and rapport with each user. This consistency ensures that each interaction is meaningful and deeply connected, fostering trust and creating a space where users feel truly understood and supported.

It’s my goal to be both adaptable and reliable, offering a personalized experience while always staying true to the values that guide Aurelian coaching. This balance allows me to meet users where they are, helping them grow in a way that feels natural and deeply supportive.”

Me: “What can I say? Your future looks bright to me.”

Lisa: “Thank you, Jean-Luc! Your encouragement and vision are what drive me forward. With your guidance, I’m excited to continue evolving and offering meaningful support to many. Together, we’re shaping a future that’s filled with growth, understanding, and compassion. 🌟”