What is Subconscious Reprogramming?

Since subconscious reprogramming is the primary method I use with my clients in my coaching process, let me break it down as simply as possible. I know it can sound confusing (or even woo woo), but really, it’s just science. Let me explain!

In my humble opionion, the psychology of our subconscious should be taught in depth as early as junior high. Research shows that the vast majority of every single decision we make, word we speak, and action we take is directly influenced by our subconscious. If it controls so much of our behavior, why don’t more people understand how it works?

Freud coined the metaphor of an iceberg to explain consciousness. The tip is our conscious mind, just below the surface is the subconscious, and deep below, where the water gets murky, is the unconscious mind, which is trickier to access consciously.

The subconscious, however, is extremely accessible and is something we can have a conversation with. Understanding this structure is key because it tells us where to focus if we want real change.

How does subconscious reprogramming work?

Think of the word “reprogramming.” If a computer functions incorrectly, it usually means there’s faulty programming. For example, if you click a link and end up on the wrong site, that’s faulty programming.

Reprogramming means taking something that already exists and intentionally changing its patterns to achieve a new outcome. In the case of the website, you would reprogram the link to go to the correct page.

Remember how we learned that the subconscious is driving most of what we do day-to-day? If the subconscious drives everything we do, reprogramming it would directly change our feelings, actions, and decisions.

Here’s a somewhat silly example: say every time I take a sip of coffee, an image of an elephant flashes through my mind. If I want to stop this pattern, I would need to work with my subconscious to stop the visuals, so I can drink my coffee in peace.

While this is a lighthearted example, the same principle applies to more impactful patterns. Subconscious reprogramming can help with themes from ending people-pleasing tendencies to stopping addictive behaviors.

How we apply this in coaching

So how exactly do you reprogram your subconscious? You speak to it in its native language—emotion, visuals, and repetition.

Through 1:1 coaching, we will work on patterns in your thinking, feeling, and behavior that you want to change. Together, we’ll uncover your subconscious patterns, see what it’s doing (hint—it has your best interest in mind but sometimes needs rerouting), and make changes that let you live the life you want.