« Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better “. This sentence probably means something to you. She seems simple, almost naive. However, it is based on an essential idea: our thoughts can influence our morale… And sometimes even our health.
This is the principle of the Coué method. But is it really effective? And what can we expect from it in practice? We take stock with Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuil, speaker specializing in the Coué method, and Liane Schmidt, researcher at the Brain Institute and co-leader of the “Belief and Decision Making” team (BEND team).
Definition: what does the Coué method consist of?
The Coué method bears the name of its inventor, Émile Couéa French pharmacist from the beginning of the 20th century. It is based on a simple principle: autosuggestion, that is to say the implantation of an idea in oneself, by oneself.
- you choose a sentence,
- you repeat it several times a day,
- then you let your mind integrate it.
The goal: to influence your thoughts, to influence your behavior.
Émile Coué’s best-known mantra: “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better. »
At the origins of the Coué method
Contrary to what one might believe, the Coué method was not born in a psychologist’s office… But in a pharmacy! As indicated above, Émile Coué was a pharmacist. At a very young age, he noticed that people convinced of the effectiveness of their treatment often recover better.
“One day, he went further and gave distilled water to a patient in distress, presenting it as an effective treatment, with precise instructions. The patient reportedly felt rapid improvement. This is the beginning of his reflection on what we call today the placebo effect », Indicates Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuil.
How does autosuggestion work?
The mechanism is based on a key point: the brain is sensitive to repetition. By hearing or repeating an idea, your brain ends up integrating it as a form of reality. And little by little, this idea influences the way you feel… Then you act, explains Liane Schmidt.
In other words, our thoughts are not neutral :
- A repeated idea influences your emotions,
- And your emotions influence your behavior,
- Over time, this can strengthen certain neural circuits, reduce negative thoughts and improve feelings of control.
A simple example: if you repeat to yourself that you are capable of succeeding, you will be more motivated to try… And therefore more likely to succeed, assures Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuil.
Is there scientific evidence of its effectiveness?
Autosuggestion is not just a belief. As Liane Schmmidt confirms, it’s a real psychological leverwith measurable effects.
What we know today
Autosuggestion is a key ingredient of the placebo effect. What you think or expect can influence how you feel:
- Pain can be reduced with positive or calming thoughts.
- Motivation can increase if we repeat encouraging ideas to ourselves.
- Certain behaviors may changein particular: food choices, perseverance in a goal, or stress management.
The brain not only reacts to reality, but also to how you perceive it!
What to keep in mind
Even if the results are encouraging, we must remain clear-minded:
- Autosuggestion does not cure diseases.
- Elle never replaces medical treatment.
- Its effects vary depending on the person, context and regularity.
As Liane Schmidt summarizes: it’s not a miracle solutionbut a useful tool in certain cases.
Coué method: what are the benefits of positive auto-suggestion?
Practiced regularly, positive self-talk can bring several benefits:
- calm intrusive thoughts or anxious.
- boost motivationespecially during periods of fatigue.
- better manage certain emotions (doubt, fear, discouragement).
- build self-confidence thanks to encouraging messages.
It helps to regain a feeling of control and a more positive attitude.
Does autosuggestion work on everyone? Who is it useful for?
No, autosuggestion doesn’t work for everyone. Like many tools, its effectiveness depends on your involvement… And your state of mind.
It generally gives better results if you are:
- open to the process,
- regular in your practice,
- ready to get involved as little as possible.
Conversely, it is less effective if you are:
- Very septic,
- not diligent in your practice,
- expecting immediate results.
If you don’t see an effect, there’s no point feeling guilty. This is not a personal failure. Some people are more receptive to it than others, and that’s completely normal, underlines Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuil.
Who is autosuggestion useful for?
The Coué method is aimed in particular at:
- to people stressed or anxious,
- to those who lack self-confidence,
- to those who wish change a habit,
- or to those who are simply looking to find some inner calm.
It can also be interesting in addition to therapyrelaxation or meditation exercises, or medical monitoring. However, it does not replace professional support in the event of physical or psychiatric illness!
Instructions for use: how to practice the Coué method easily on a daily basis?
As Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuil explains to us, there are three ways to use the Coué method.
Autosuggestion through words: the basis of the method
This is the best known form. Repeat a short, positive and realistic sentence :
- “I am progressing every day”
- “I am gradually regaining my calm”
- “I do my best, and that’s enough”
- I am capable of dealing with this situation”
Choose a sentence realistic and adapted to your situationadvises Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuil. This allows you to stay honest with yourself, without getting discouraged.
Autosuggestion through visualization: imagine something positive
Close your eyes for a few moments and imagine yourself in a pleasant situation. You can imagine:
- a calming place,
- a happy memory,
- your success, in a future action.
This technique directly influences your emotions. Your brain reacts as if you were actually experiencing the situation.
Autosuggestion by the body: adopt the right signals
Your posture plays a key role:
- Straighten up,
- Smile, even slightly,
- Breathe slowly and deeply
These physical signals send a positive message to the brain.
How often do you practice the Coué method?
The answer is simple: as regularly as possiblesince it is repetition that allows your brain to integrate positive messages.
To reap the benefits, try following this pace:
- Every daysans exception,
- The morningto start the day off right,
- And in the eveningto soothe you before sleeping.
- As many times as possible (ideally around twenty times).
Can we do more?
Yes, and it is even recommended. You can repeat your phrase while walking, in transport, before a stressful meeting, or whenever a negative thought appears. The idea is not to isolate yourself, but to use all the little time available. The more you practice, the more automaticity sets in!
Our tips for staying regular
- Start small, but keep up.
- Associate the practice with a habit (make-up, shaving, washing, going to bed, etc.).
- Write down your sentence somewhere, on a post-it, a mirror or a phone, for example.
- Don’t feel guilty if you forget : Simply resume at a less demanding pace.
What are the limits of the Coué method?
As you will have understood, the Coué method is not a magic solution. We sometimes hear:
- « Just think positive and everything will be fine. “. This is false. are negative emotions (stress, fear, sadness) are normal. They even have a use: they alert you, protect you. The goal is not to eliminate them, but to get through them better.
- « If it doesn’t work, it’s your fault ». Again, this is false. Each person reacts differently, and the context of life plays a big role (fatigue, stress, health, etc.). Some periods are more difficult than others. If you have difficulty following the method, this does not call into question your value or your efforts.
- « Everything can be healed with thought “. This idea is dangerous, warns Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuil. The Coué method does not cure an illness. It does not replace either a doctor or treatment. In the event of a health problem (physical or psychological), appropriate follow-up is essential!
The right reflex: use autosuggestion in complement to a healthy lifestyle (sleep, sport, diet, stress management, care if necessary), not as a single solution.
Sources
Interview with Luc Teyssier d’Orfeuilcoach, trainer and speaker specializing in the Coué method
Interview with Liane Schmidtresearcher at the Brain Institute and co-leader of the “Belief and Decision Making” team (BEND team).
