The Emergent Discovery Process
by Jules Collingwood

In the original Classic Code NLP, Bandler and Grinder specifically excluded content models, required unconscious participation in creating change and mostly referenced the past for resource generation (Bostic & Grinder: 2001, p.232). In contrast, recent classic code practice routinely allows the inclusion of content models and uses tightly circumscribed, scripted formats. It accords the conscious mind the right to determine time frames, resources and information despite the fact that most clients have tried that way already without results. Conscious process is permitted in contexts where unconscious processes would do a much better job and would draw on previously unconsidered resources.

The New Code of NLP has a set of conditions for membership (Bostic & Grinder: 2001, p.236), which extend some of the original NLP criteria (Bostic & Grinder: 2001, p.232) such as the function of unconscious processes and change others including finding resources in the present, not the past. In the New Code, the function of the conscious mind is specifically to nominate the present state and to set a frame for the unconscious processes to develop appropriate outcomes, with intentions and consequences. When the unconscious is given clear framing in the form of process instructions with a topic chosen by the client, it is capable of delivering very high quality results.

Our intention for recoding classic NLP formats is apply the principles of the New Code to the patterns behind each format.  We intend to remove any content that may have been present or assumed and to reveal the patterns on which the format was based. Then we create a process, which is usable in different worlds, contexts and applications without exerting influence other than “how”. Yet each high level change process only requires students to learn one intensive definition and then express it in many ways.

When we engage the apparent intention of a classic format, we uncover the patterns; these guide our linguistic process instructions. Now we can set frames for the unconscious, reduce non-functional use of conscious process and create freedom for clients to set/discover their own parameters.

The following process recodes one by Robert Dilts called the SCORE model. In the SCORE model, Dilts proposed that anything in the present that someone wanted to explore should be limited to matters called “Symptoms” – hence the “S”. The factor from the past was called a “Cause”. This is an unfortunate error of thinking as linear cause-effect relationships belong to the world of physics. In the world of ideas, concepts and unconscious processes, relationships tend to non-linear, hence the contributing factor from the past instead of a direct cause.

We have widened the scope of the present state to allow people to explore anything and to develop new, currently unknown outcomes from the present or even the future. Dilts includes a “Resource” in the SCORE model, but when unconscious processes are engaged fully, there is no need to nominate a special resource. The process becomes one of reorganisation at an unconscious level, in which resources are engaged to facilitate the whole process. If a specific resource is introduced, this is an opportunity for inappropriate conscious intervention and is not recommended.

The recoded process, called the “Emergent Discovery Process”, uses conscious framing to enable the client’s unconscious processes to find and reorganise material that is related to the client’s question or situation. This allows relationships within the material to form and reform in different time frames and spheres of influence according to unconscious criteria. By the end of the process, provided the coach has been rigorous in pre-empting conscious interference by the client, the client has everything they need to progress. This could be a clear path to their outcome, a changed outcome, a clear request for additional assistance or a different choice altogether. Whatever the result, it will be ecological because the unconscious mind has had access to all relevant material and has processed it.

As its name suggests, the Emergent Discovery Process is an exercise for discovering resources to bring possibility to change, activity or decision-making. It is predicated on the idea that if someone has given conscious attention to achieving an outcome and it has not worked, then we do something different and engage unconscious processes. To do this, we shall create frames for additional p0ssibilities and introduce different states, which contain different classes of information.

The process is designed to provide access to relevant information that has not been included in conscious deliberation about an outcome or present situation. It is not an intervention; more an exploration, but thorough and precise application usually precludes any need for specific change processes.

The exercise works best when the instructions are followed accurately, as it requires certain conditions to be met to enable effective processing to take place outside conscious awareness. Many people using the Emergent Discovery Process for the first time, try their hardest to engage consciously as this is the way of daily life and may be all they know. If they are allowed to stop and think during the process, they will probably learn nothing new, so an important part of the coach’s function is to observe closely and insist that the subject follows the process exactly.

Framing the Process

The Emergent Discovery Process uses the principles of spatial anchoring to create four states, which are placed in chronological order on the floor from past to present to future to extended future. They are arranged a long footstep apart from each other and separated cleanly by the space between each.

There should be enough space in the room to stand and move a short distance away from the line in a cleanly separated present time observer/director position with reference to the states on the line. The present time observer is an observant, engaged state for being interested, taking instruction and interacting with the coach.

The subject places the past to their left or right as they choose and the future vice versa, so the line in front of them fits their natural preference for considering time frames.

The state spaces to be anchored in chronological order are:

• Contributing Factor from the Past – This state is usually created last in the sequence but is placed before the present in line. This is a contributing factor from the subject’s personal history. When they have created the present, outcome and consequences states, their attention is directed sufficiently for them to discover a relevant past contributing factor. They stand in the present, facing forward and raise the question of a contributing factor from the past. Then they take a step backwards and find a memory, usually an unexpected one. This memory may be considered a resource or a limitation. Either way, it is not changed, simply included in the process as a contributing factor. The subject will not know what the factor is, nor when in their history it came from until they step into it for the first time.
• Present state or situation – What the subject is experiencing now as they consider the material they want to explore, change, leave behind or develop. This includes naturally occurring physiological responses, internal representations, beliefs, values and motivation (or lack of it). When standing in the present state, natural, real time experience of attending to the subject matter is used for this exercise. This is normally the first state to be experienced and anchored.
• Outcome – The expected (or desired) state or situation, placed in the foreseeable future. When standing in the outcome state, this is experienced as if it is happening now, in real time. This may be a desired outcome or the naturally occurring outcome derived from the present. It is normally placed and anchored after the present by stepping forward (one large step) from the present. The content may be chosen deliberately or left to the subject’s unconscious resources. (The subject may discover something of interest or novelty if the outcome is left to the unconscious).
• Consequences of outcome – The costs, benefits and concomitant situations that have to ensue from living with the achieved outcome in the longer term. When standing in the consequence state, this is experienced as if it is happening now, in real time. The consequence state is placed and anchored by considering the idea of consequences of the outcome over time, to provide a frame for the unconscious resources to identify possibilities. The subject takes one large step forward from the outcome into the consequence space to discover and anchor the state. Some consequences can be unexpected and others will be more familiar. Associated real-time experience of all consequences can provide very high grade information.

Setting up the Process

Find a suitable area where there is room to place four spaces on the floor in line. There should be room to step in and out of each space without touching any other and to stand between any two spaces if required. The subject takes a position back from where the line will pass in front of them. The subject nominates the direction of past to future from left to right or right to left according to his or her preference.

Creating and Anchoring State Spaces on the Floor

For working with any kind of outcome that is yet to be achieved, create the present state first. The present state is the known situation. That is how things are now. Imagine a circle or mark a spot on the floor, one third from the past end of where the line will be. The circle should be big enough to stand in. (You will need a similar sized space for each state you create).

The present state:

From outside the circle, attend to your subject matter as it is now. Review the situation. Think about the present likelihood of achieving or discovering your outcome. See, hear and feel your present state. When your present state is clearly discernible, take it into the circle and stand there with it for a few seconds. Then shake off the state and step out of the circle, cleanly, leaving the state in the circle. Attend to something completely different briefly. Then step into the circle with no expectations. If your present state returns in full, you have created and anchored a present state space on your line. If the state does not return fully when you step into the space, repeat the anchoring process until complete.

The outcome state:

Now that you have a robust present state, stand in it for a moment. Consider your outcome with a sense of curiosity and as something real and done. As you consider your outcome, take a large step forward into the outcome space. Your intention is to discover what having and living your outcome is like in real time. Experience your recently achieved outcome as if you were living it now. This is your outcome state. Shake it off cleanly and leave it in the outcome space while you step out. Test as before.

The consequences state:

Standing in your outcome space, facing forward, consider living with the outcome when it has become familiar and is embedded in daily life. You may be aware of some of the natural consequences while in the outcome, but not all.  The amount of time that elapses will depend on the nature of the outcome and is best revealed as you take a large step forward into the consequences space. Here, in the consequence space, you have the experience of being in the present, living the consequences and discovering what has ensued from your outcome. You also discover how much time has passed since you first achieved the outcome. When complete, shake off the state cleanly and step out. Test as before.

The past contributing factor state:

When you created the present, outcome and consequences states, you started from known information and discovered additional elements. You used known elements as frames to direct your unconscious processes towards relevant material to flesh out the different time frames. Now that you want to discover a contributing factor from your own history, everything is in place to assist your unconscious to give you a memory. Even if you think consciously that you know what that memory will be, put that to one side and suspend your ideas.

From outside your line, stand in the present state, looking forward and seeing your outcome and consequences in front of you. As you review your state spaces, consider what, from your history, might be influencing you in the present, with reference to your choices. As you do this, take one large step backwards and allow a memory to present itself to you. The memory could be of any incident at any time in your past. Whatever it is, just allow it to be there in the past space without trying to change it. Step out and test as before.

Using Your Emergent Discovery Process

Now you have a line in front of you with something in the past, present and each of two future times and places. For the next 15 minutes, you will step into and out of each space, in no particular order, as drawn by your unconscious inclination. Your coach’s job is to keep you moving, especially if you stay in one place long enough to think consciously.

Step into one state space. Allow the state/information to return. Shake it off and step out. IF YOU START TALKING TO YOURSELF OR THINKING YOU HAVE STAYED TOO LONG. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Step into another state space. Repeat the process for 15 minutes without discussing anything with yourself or your coach.

Always step into a space and out of it, leaving the state behind. You can observe the relationships between spaces from any one space or from outside all of them. As you continue stepping in and out, you may lose track from time to time. That is part of the process. Rest assured that your unconscious processes are fully functional.

At the end of 10 minutes, you may feel overloaded. This is useful. After 15 minutes, you will have a sense of being finished. This can be clear and conscious or intuitive and content free or somewhere in between. Now you can test.

Here are some possible things to consider:

• How is your attitude to the spaces and states now, compared with before you started?
• Is the situation the same as it was, or has it changed?
• Is the path forward clearer than before?
• Do you have more idea of what you want than you did?
• If you have an outcome, has the time required to get there changed?
• If there are consequences, are they clearer, different, etc?

Depending on a client’s preference, this process can be used to explore possible outcomes, possible consequences, what stops them from progressing, the influence of a limiting belief, unfamiliar situations, creating generative change, identifying whether offers are really opportunities and anything else that raises questions for the client about their life.

Tips for the Coach

If you are the coach, your job is very important. The quality of the client’s experience depends on the coach. Your biggest challenge will be to prevent conscious processing at inopportune moments. These are:

Ensure your client maintains a resourceful, balanced physiology (posture, movement, balance) at all times. The client’s physiology will be different in each state space and will change during the 15 minute stepping in and out phase. Their physiology at the end of the whole process will also be different from the way it was at the beginning.

Setting up the state spaces – Only the first state space is conscious initially. The information in the first state provides the frame for the unconscious to create the next. So the present state has some ideas about the outcome. These are just enough to allow the unconscious to develop a better quality of outcome if permitted. Think “outcome” with a sense of curiosity and step forward from the present into the outcome space.

When the outcome has become known, this is a sufficient frame for the unconscious to generate the consequences. Again, this only works if conscious expectation is suspended. As a coach, you are recommended to stop the client if there are signs of conscious processing at any time when developing the next state space. Return to the last known state and start to create the next state again.

When the client starts their 15 minutes stepping in and out of state spaces, keep a close eye on them. Most clients try to stay in one place for too long, so they can think consciously. KEEP THEM MOVING. Clients may complain when you insist on moving them on. Keep rapport but keep them moving. They should only stay in one place long enough to bring the state back. After a few minutes, they will get the idea.

Stepping in and out of states should be as close to random as possible. Specifically, do not let clients follow a linear sequence (past, present, outcome or future 1, consequences or future 2) more than once every few minutes.

If you have a client who is particularly consciously oriented, stop the process, take the client aside and frame your instructions again. Make sure the client knows they will not be consciously aware of everything in each state. Tell them clearly that you are not going to give them time to think until after the process. Frame for exploration and discovery only if they follow your instructions and then prompt them to step out every time they stay in one place too long.

Some people are used to working with their unconscious processes and will do what you ask, naturally. Some fall in between extremes. The ecology of this pr0cess is predicated on full commitment to unconscious processing inside a conscious frame and the process supports this. It is still important to ensure that all clients get the most we know they can from the experience by providing appropriate guidance. Sometimes the best convincer for the conscious mind is retrospective. This paper is no substitute for experiencing the Emergent Discovery Process in real time with an impeccable coach.