What is NLP? How does it work?
NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It is a psychological approach that involves analyzing strategies used by successful individuals and applying them to reach a personal goal. It relates thoughts, language, and patterns of behavior learned through experience to specific outcomes. Proponents of NLP assume all human action is positive. Therefore, if a plan fails or the unexpected happens, the experience is neither good nor bad—it simply provides more useful information.
NLP is used for personal development and for business success. It aims to help people improve their communication skills, manage their emotions, and achieve personal and professional goals. Here are some of the core concepts:
- Modeling: Copying the successful behaviors and beliefs of others to achieve specific outcomes.
- Subjective Experience: Understanding that perception is unique to each individual and influences interactions with the world.
- Conscious and Unconscious Mind: Recognizing that our conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings affect all our behaviors.
NLP techniques often involve strategies for mental and emotional self-improvement, including visualizations, affirmations, and examining the language used to describe experiences. It’s a method for refining the thought processes that influence behavior, to improve outcomes in various aspects of life.
What are NLP practices?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practices encompass a variety of techniques and strategies aimed at improving communication, personal development, and achieving personal and professional goals. Here are some of the key practices commonly used in NLP:
-
Rapport Building: Learning to mirror and match another person’s posture, breathing, speech patterns, and gestures to create a sense of trust and alignment quickly.
-
Anchoring: Establishing a connection between emotional states and specific physical triggers. For example, touching a knuckle at the height of feeling confident so that touching the same knuckle later can trigger the confidence again.
-
Swish Pattern: A technique used to change patterns of behavior or thought by visually and mentally replacing undesirable outcomes with more desirable ones in a swiping motion.
-
Reframing: Changing the perception of events or behaviors to see them from a more positive or empowering viewpoint. For example, viewing a mistake not as a failure but as a learning opportunity.
-
Meta Model: A method of asking specific, detailed questions to challenge and expand the limits of a person’s model of the world. This helps clarify vague language and can uncover underlying beliefs and assumptions.
-
Milton Model: Using artfully vague and metaphorical language to induce trance or allow individuals to explore personal issues more deeply.
-
Visual/Kinesthetic Dissociation (VKD): Often referred to as the “Phobia Cure,” this technique involves mentally watching oneself from a detached perspective (as if on a movie screen) experiencing a problematic situation without emotional distress, then reintegrating into the situation with new, more positive responses.
-
Timeline Therapy: Techniques that involve visualizing one’s life as a timeline and traveling back to past events to resolve emotional baggage or to future events to pre-experience achieving goals.
-
Submodalities: Changing the submodalities (qualities) of how people represent experiences to themselves (e.g., making a mental image bigger, brighter, closer, etc.) to change the emotional or behavioral impact of these experiences.
-
Modeling: Identifying and replicating the successful behaviors and strategies of others to achieve similar results in oneself.
These practices are tools that NLP practitioners use to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors to achieve specific outcomes. They are based on the premise that changing how one thinks can change one’s reality.
Where can I learn NLP?
There are several avenues you can explore to learn Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), ranging from online courses to in-person training programs. Here are some options to consider:
-
Online Courses: Many platforms offer NLP courses that you can take at your own pace. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning provide a variety of NLP courses for beginners and advanced learners.
-
NLP Training Institutes: There are dedicated NLP training centers around the world that offer comprehensive courses, workshops, and certification programs. These often include hands-on training and are led by experienced NLP practitioners. Some well-known institutes include the NLP Academy, the NLP Institute of California, and the International NLP Association.
-
Books and Audiobooks: If you prefer self-study, there are numerous books and audiobooks on NLP. Some classic titles include “Frogs into Princes” by Richard Bandler and John Grinder (the co-founders of NLP), “The Structure of Magic” also by Bandler and Grinder, and “Introducing NLP” by Joseph O’Connor and John Seymour.
-
Workshops and Seminars: Attending workshops and seminars can provide a more interactive and immersive learning experience. These are often available through adult education centers, professional development groups, or directly from NLP training providers.
-
University Courses: Some universities offer courses in psychology or communication that include elements of NLP. These can provide a more academic perspective on the subject.
-
YouTube and Free Resources: For an initial foray into NLP without financial commitment, YouTube and other free online resources can be useful. They offer a variety of introductory videos and lectures to help you understand the basics.
When choosing a learning path, consider your learning style, budget, and the credibility of the provider. It’s important to ensure that the instructors are well-qualified and that former students have well-reviewed the course or program.
