A Good Mind

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy, developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the United States. The creators modelled successful people in various fields, including psychotherapists, and distilled the strategies, tactics and thought processes they used into a set of principles and techniques. The title comes from the focus on the neurological processes ("neuro"), language ("linguistic") and behavioural patterns learned through experience ("programming") that drive human behaviour.

NLP operates on the foundational premise that people experience the world subjectively, and this affects our actions and interactions. It concerns itself with the relationship between the mind (neuro) and language (linguistic), and how their interplay affects our body and behaviour (programming).

Advocates of NLP suggest that people form mental representations of the world around them based on their sensory experiences. These mental maps, or 'internal representations', of the world are not the same as the actual world but a filtered and personalised version of it. This filtering process involves deleting, distorting and generalising sensory information as it comes in.

One of the main concepts in NLP is the idea of 'modelling'. It is a method of learning that involves understanding and reproducing the behaviour, skills and strategies of others to achieve a specific outcome. Modelling can involve mimicking specific behaviours or adopting underlying patterns of thought or belief that drive those behaviours.

Another important concept in NLP is the idea of 'strategies'. In the context of NLP, a strategy refers to a sequence of mental and behavioural steps that lead to a particular outcome. NLP proposes that these strategies can be learned, modified, or installed in other people to improve their performance or change their behaviours.

NLP also places great emphasis on the power of language. According to NLP, the words we use reflect our inner, subconscious perception of our problems. If these words and phrases are changed, the belief will also change.

In the practice of NLP, a variety of techniques are utilised. One such technique is known as 'anchoring', which involves associating a physical touch or sound with a particular emotional state. Once this anchor is set up, the practitioner can evoke the desired emotional state at will. Another technique is 'reframing', which involves changing the way one perceives an event and thus changing the way one reacts to it.

Critics of NLP argue that the principles and techniques lack empirical support. While some individuals report positive changes following NLP interventions, critics note that these reports are mostly anecdotal and lack rigorous scientific evidence. Some critics argue that the theoretical concepts underpinning NLP are not consistent with established knowledge in neurology, linguistics, and programming.

Despite these criticisms, NLP continues to be used in a variety of fields including business, education, coaching, sport, and personal development. Its techniques and principles have been incorporated into numerous self-help and personal development programmes.

Practitioners of NLP need to undergo training and certification. Training organisations offer a range of courses, from introductory seminars to advanced certification programmes. NLP practitioners and master practitioners require comprehensive training, typically involving a series of in-person workshops and supervised practice.

In conclusion, NLP is a set of concepts and techniques intended to understand and change human behaviour. It focuses on the relationships between the mind, language, and behaviour, and how these relationships can be manipulated to achieve specific goals. Despite some criticisms regarding its scientific validity, NLP continues to be applied in various fields and forms an integral part of many personal development programmes.