NLP: Neuro-Linguistic Programming

So, what is NLP? The abbreviation is for the therapy of ‘Neuro-Linguistic Programming' which can be described as a technique of empowerment to provide a toolbox for clients to use to achieve their goals in life.

A definition I particularly like is one taken from O’Connor, 2002; ‘There are many explanations of NLP... Like a beam of light shining from a different angle, picking out the whole shape and shadow of the subject'.

For those of you who like a more concrete approach, this term can be broken down into it's three parts:

Neuro: The senses, neuronal pathways, and how thinking takes place.

Linguistic: The use of communication, language and non-verbal communication in particular and how we allow it to affect us.

Programming: How we use what we learn to adapt our behaviour to achieve excellent results in whichever goals we choose.

For a client presenting for this therapy, there has to be a willingness on behalf of the recipient to want to achieve a goal and to approach it in a positive frame of mind. If the client has been forced to attend sessions and has no ‘buy in’ to the process, then the success may be limited.

For example, many individuals enjoy smoking cigarettes. The reason they have not yet managed to kick the habit is because they enjoy the sensation, the social relationship and the bonding with other smokers (besides the highly addictive nature of nicotine). Only when they become consciously aware that they would prefer not to smoke is a smoking cessation programme going to work. NLP is all about the client sitting at control, the Practitioner just provides the tools to help find the best solution for the most successful outcome

On occasions, we all find we ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’. It is no admission of failure asking for assistance, infact it is the first step to enlightenment when one can admit their personal mechanisms are just not working. Presenting at an NLP session is a step to knowing one’s self truly. All NLP practitioners have had to experience the process themselves and the analogy is similar to using the oxygen masks when on a flight and the cabin pressure drops. The advice is always to fit your own mask yourself before tending to others!

So, you will be given a warm welcome, an opportunity to really alter your path in life or to tidy up the route a little! Whatever the challenge, you really do have the inner capability to achieve your dreams with NLP.

Reference: O’Connor, J. (2002) ‘NLP Workbook; a practical guide to achieving the results you want’, Chapter 1. Pg 1. Element.