information generated by ChatGPT & CoachStijn
Can anyone learn flipthinking and coach flipthinking?
Yes, anyone can learn flip thinking ("Omdenken")
as it's a trainable skill, and people can also learn to coach it by practicing its core principles. The technique involves accepting unchangeable reality, then transforming problems into opportunities by using the problem's energy to create new possibilities, shifting from a "yes, but" mindset to an inventive "yes, and" approach.
The need for a shift in perspective.
Ask the client to write down or describe in one clear sentence what’s bothering them.
Example: “I always get nervous before giving a presentation.”
Have them express what they assume about the problem.
Example: “Being nervous means I’m not confident enough.”
Invite them to turn the assumption upside down.
Ask:
“What if this problem isn’t a problem but a hidden strength?”
“What’s good about this situation?”
“How could the opposite be true?”
Example: “Being nervous means I care about doing well and that I’m highly engaged.”
Brainstorm at least 3 ways the flipped perspective could lead to action.
Nervous energy → channel into enthusiastic delivery
Preparing better because I know I’ll feel nervous
Empathize with others who feel the same
Have the client pick one concrete action to test in the coming week.
Example: “Before my next presentation, I’ll reframe nerves as excitement and use breathing techniques to ground myself.”
In the next session, reflect:
Did the flip change how they experienced the situation?
What new meaning or opportunity emerged?
Encourage them to anchor the flip as a new resource for future situations.
✅ Pro-tip for coaching: Use playful language — sometimes exaggerating the flip
(“What if procrastination made you a genius at last-minute breakthroughs?”)
helps break rigid thinking.
