So what is this mysterious NLP? I have a friend who is totally convinced it is a way to make people feel bad and manipulate them. I am not sure where this came from, well that’s not true I do – one not so nice experience with a sales person who was using language in an endeavour to make someone feel bad, for not doing something that they wanted them to do, eg make a purchase. I would like to think that this type of sales tactic went out with the Wang 5 (for those who don’t remember a really really old computer system).
As with every methodology there are those who will be for and those against. I happen to be someone who has not only studied the subject, but seen some amazing results, not just with myself at courses, but with clients.
NLP was actually developed from a study of excellence. Often when new techniques/systems/programs etc are developed, they are done so after something has gone wrong. There were however two very inspired gentlemen by the names of Richard Bandler, a computer scientist and Gestalt therapist, and Dr John Grinder, a linguist and therapist who in the 1970’s decided to do a study of excellence. They looked at when things went well. They studied the mindset, behaviours and language patterns to understand what these high achievers had, that the rest of us did not? Hence NLP was born.
So to keep it simple, NLP is a study of the mind, language and behaviours. It is about finding out what works, and then formalising that knowledge into a process that a trained NLP Practitioner can do with their clients. These patterns are formally known as ‘change patterns’ and can assist people to change behaviours, amend limiting beliefs and eliminate fears and phobias.
So in my book, NLP rocks as it unlocks the potential already within you. There are new change patterns being developed all the time, hence it is important for any practitioner using NLP to be continually studying and updating their skills.
Now next week we may look at a component of NLP called Pre Suppositions. Until then, have a great week.
Deb