Matched versus unmatched primary representational systems and their relationship to perceived trustworthiness in a counseling analogue.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine experimentally the Bandler & Grinder (1976) statement that trust will be enhanced in a relationship if the counselor uses predicates that match the primary representational system (PRS) of the client. The PRS concept is based on the assumption that people organize their experiences of the world in internal maps which are in turn organized via visual, auditory, or kinesthetic sensory modes. A further assumption is that people tend to favor one sensory mode over the others and that that system will become the PRS. The concept also assumes that people become clients when their maps are limited or impoverished in some fashion. Counseling is then viewed as a process of understanding the PRS and opening other sensory modes as organizers of experience in order to facilitate flexibility and growth. Bandler & Grinder (1976) stated that a counselor can enhance the process of counseling and build trust by using predicates that match the client's PRS.