Nominalizations occur when we take an action (a verb) and turn it into a noun, creating the illusion that it is a fixed, unchanging thing. This shift in language can be misleading because it tricks our minds into seeing processes as static concepts. For example, a decision is the act…

Mind reading is when we assume we know what someone else is thinking or feeling without any real confirmation. This habit often leads to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict, making it an important area to address in effective communication and problem-solving strategies. The Tendency to Assume Intent At some point, we’ve…

Cause-and-effect statements reflect how we believe things work, often assuming that one action directly leads to a specific outcome. However, just because we accept a cause-and-effect relationship as true doesn’t mean it actually is. Examining these assumptions can help us uncover new perspectives and alternative solutions. Common Cause-and-Effect Patterns A…

Lost performatives occur when a personal belief is presented as an absolute truth. When statements are framed this way, we often accept them without questioning their validity, unlike when they are expressed as personal opinions. This is common with clichés and widely accepted sayings—ideas that seem universally true but whose…

Wouldn’t it be helpful if people simply accepted what you said without questioning it? Linguistic presuppositions, a key component of both the Meta Model and Milton Model language patterns, make this possible. A classic example used by parents is: “Do you want to go to bed now or in 30…