Imagine if a single 10-minute imagery exercise could result in a client reaching a personal health goal they have struggled with for years. It happened to one of our members, and he gained additional skills he hadn’t anticipated. Here is his story.

Steve is a senior physician/surgeon and an excellent student. He has read our book and completed six private coaching sessions and two online courses with IC. As a result, he lost over 20lbs. It wasn’t just about his weight. He told us that our program changed how he listened and responded to personal and professional conversations. He recently shared one such conversation. 

Just over a month ago, a patient expressed her struggle with weight. Steve did not ask typical physician questions like “What have you tried?” or “Do you want to try a new pill?” He did not make suggestions or direct her. He asked, “What matters most to you in life?” She said that she valued her family. Steve then asked if she’d like to try something new. “Yes,” she responded. 

Steve had her imagine a holiday with her family. In this case, it was Christmas, and she had not lost the weight she desired. Using all her senses to be in that moment, he asked her to imagine herself at Christmas being the same weight as she is now, “What do you smell, taste, see, hear? Who is with you? How do you feel?” He then had her imagine the same scene, having lost the weight she desired, using the same senses as if she were already in the future.

What Steve used in this brief intervention is known as mental contrasting. It is simple and powerful. Many students initially struggle with it since it feels counterintuitive to ask someone to imagine a future where they don’t reach their goal. It is essential, however, since it creates a contrast, and the mind gravitates to black-and-white, where it is easier for us to make clear choices. 

A little over a month passed when Steve saw the patient again. She told him she had lost ten pounds. He then asked her if she’d like to learn about cues and how they can further support her in reaching her goals. He spent a few minutes teaching her how to use cues. After, he said, “I have used this too, and it also helped me to lose weight,” before smiling and leaving the room. 

Working with this patient has intrigued Steve enough to want to try it again. We are keen to support him and learn more about how we can assist other caring, yet time-pressed, professionals who want to make a difference in health care.