Neuro-linguistic Programming
What is NLP?
NLP stands for Neuro-linguistic Programming. It has been described as:
- An instruction manual for the mind.
- The art and science of human excellence.
- A group of skills and techniques which when learned and applied greatly enhances the human experience.
Neuro refers to our Neurology or the biological makeup of our brains and nervous systems. We take information in using our five senses: Sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. Our neurology takes this input and presents it to us internally in ways that are unique to us. This is the realm of subjective experience. Your experience will be created by a combination of these internal representations which then creates your behaviour. These will of course continue in the same way unless you interrupt them or redirect them.
Linguistic refers to the language we use, both verbal and none verbal, and how this mirrors our internal mental processes.
Programming suggests that we can re-program our brain. Improving or installing new behaviour.
How does it work?
It offers a flexible approach by using techniques which can bring about fast change and long-lasting results for positive change. It works by focusing on your perception of reality and then changing that perception to what you feel comfortable with.
What can it help with?
You can use NLP alongside hypnotherapy and coaching or on its own. It can be helpful for:
- Overcoming phobias and fears
- Dealing with difficult people
- Assertiveness
- Stopping unwanted habits
- Putting yourself into a positive state
- Discovering your true potential and become the person you truly want to be
- Controling your emotions, not letting your emotions control you
- Generating instant motivation
- Creating empowering beliefs
- Improving communication and relationships with others
- Creating unlimited confidence
- Improving your skills and expertise in your professional or personal life
- Improving your ability in your hobbies and interests
- Removing obstacles to learning in all areas of your life
- Using language with greater precision to achieve your goals
- Modelling the excellence of inspiring people
- Setting goals.
Who is NLP suitable for?
I can’t think of anyone whom it is not suitable for. People not wishing to use hypnotherapy can benefit from using NLP. Anyone from any walk of life who wants a personal change or to develop in any way can benefit from using NLP techniques.
The History of NLP
NLP was created in the 1970’s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who discovered that you can model human behaviour and then, using this model, duplicate the results in someone else. They began by modelling a few top communicators and therapists. Some of the first people to be studied included Gestalt therapist Fritz Perls, family therapist Virginia Satir and Hypnotherapist Milton Erickson who is the father of modern hypnotherapy. He achieved excellent results and developed many of the techniques used today.
From their studies they developed a model of communication. This was a theoretical understanding of how humans became ‘programmed’ by sensory and linguistically based language to develop regular and systematic behaviours and responses.
Additionally the model specified ways for creating change and improvement. Using what they learned they then went on to improve other peoples skills and abilities.