What is NLP?
Much has been written about what NLP is what NLP does, I have got together a few explanations of what NLP can mean, When you have read them you may begin to ask yourself what does NLP mean to you?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a therapeutic process which enables you to break old patterns and generate unlimited potential using posture, breathing, specific exercises, awareness and communication skills.
The new science of personal achievement
NLP has been described as the new science of personal achievement but it is much more than that. It is a highly effective methodology based on the belief that all behaviour has a structure and that this structure can be modelled, learned and changed.
The use of NLP you find your old patterns and programmes, change them and have more flexibility in your life.
NLP is the art and science of re-working/and applying outstanding results derived from the investigation and analysis of the behaviour of top performers in different fields.
NLP is an ever-increasing assortment of dynamic and interactive technologies and models through which the skilled practitioner can conjure up multi-dimensional magic from everyday human experience. The tools of NLP can be used alone or combined with other disciplines to create an infinite variety of applications.
NLP is a philosophical and psychological tool for personal change
NLP is a powerful potion of attitude, awareness, language and action that can be used to facilitate evolutionary, quick, covert and lasting changes in oneself and others.
NLP is a way of questioning that allows you to uncover missing, hidden or unconscious information, so that you can understand a communication more fully and influence people while maintaining your integrity and respecting theirs.
Model for behaviours
NLP is a model for behaviours such as coaching skills, leading by example and open, authentic communication that builds and maintains trust, commitment and responsibility between employees.
Richard Bandler, the original developer of NLP, describes it thus:
"NLP is an attitude characterised by the sense of curiosity and adventure and a desire to learn the skills to be able to find out what kinds of communication influences somebody and to look at life as a rare and unprecedented opportunity to learn.
NLP is a methodology based on the overall operational presupposition that all behaviour has a structure and that structure can be modelled, learned, taught and changed [re-programmed].
NLP has evolved as an innovative technology enabling the practitioner to organise information and perceptions in ways that allow them to achieve results that were once inconceivable"
Licensed and certified NLP practitioner
NLP is the technology of which I am a licensed and certified NLP Master practitioner. It is the technology I use to facilitate sessions along with my vast life experience. Always beware of amateur unlicensed NLP practitioners!
Developed in the early 1970s
Neuro linguistic programming (NLP for short) was developed in the early 1970s by an information scientist and a linguist at the University of California at Santa Cruz. They had observed that people with similar education, training, background, and years of experience were achieving widely varying results ranging from wonderful to mediocre.
They wanted to know the secrets of effective people. What makes them perform and accomplish things. They were especially interested in the possibility of being able to duplicate the behaviour, and therefore the competence, of these highly effective individuals. It was the golden era of modelling and simulation. They decided to model human excellence.
They looked at factors such as education, business and therapy. They have then zeroed in on the communication aspect. They started studying how the successful people communicated (verbal language, body language, eye movements, and others).
Modelling their behaviour
By modelling their behaviour, John Grinder and Richard Bandler were able to make out patterns of thinking that assisted in the subject's success. The two theorized that the brain can learn the healthy patterns and behaviours and that this would bring about positive physical and emotional effects. What emerged from their work came to be known as Neuro-Linguistic Programming.