What is Neuro Linguistic Programming?

Defining Neuro-Linguistic Programming

What does Neuro-Linguistic Programming mean? Well, let’s break the three words into separate parts.

Neuro

The first part of NLP means our brain. NLP assumes that all behaviour comes from and is controlled by the brain.

Linguistic

These behaviour processes are represented by the ways that we communicate: our words, our non-verbal signals, and our body language.

Programming

Since we are in charge (consciously or unconsciously) of communicating these processes, we can choose to change how we represent the signals coming from our brain. This set of representations is called a strategy.

Neuro + Linguistic + Programming =

Putting it all together, neuro-linguistic programming means:

• Thinking about thinking
• Studying how we structure our experiences
• Determining what strategies work in a way that can be modelled, documented, and reproduced
• Creating a way to teach our subconscious – much like how we learn how to walk and talk

So What Does it All Mean?

In other words, NLP is about identifying the ingredients for success and documenting that system and applying those to improve how we interact with the world. By changing the core of our linguistic system (the unconscious), we can create real change and evolution and get where we want to go. We can also share these systems with others to help them achieve excellence.

Because NLP is so broad and generic, you can apply it in almost any situation. Some examples:

• Coaching and inspiring others by helping others look closely at their interactions with the world
• Identifying how you experience different relationships and how that compares with your ideal outcome for those relationships
• Sharing feedback in a positive, constructive manner that generates real change
• Accepting who you truly are and identifying areas that you would like to grow in
• Manage your thoughts and feelings so that you feel in control of your environment

Can you think of ways that you might use NLP in your life?

A Brief History

NLP originated in the 1970’s at the University of California. Drs. Richard Bandler and John Grinder began to study how certain therapists got the results that they did. What separated them from the others? What made them excellent?

Their research quickly took on a life of its own, and the first two volumes of the original NLP textbooks (Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, Volumes One and Two) were published in 1975 and 1977. (Milton Erickson was the founder of clinical hypnotherapy and is considered an industry leader.)

Throughout the 1970’s, NLP’s popularity increased. More works by Bandler and Grinder and their development group were published.

However, in 1980 Bandler and Grinder parted, resulting in two decades of legal controversy and copyright issues. During this time, NLP theories were distorted and fragmented, resulting in questions about its credibility and effectiveness.

Luckily, Grinder continued on with his work while the legal issues were in court. When the legal cases were finally resolved in 2000, Bandler and Grinder were able to agree on the ownership of NLP and how to present it. This has resulted in a resurgence of the theory in its true form, with improvements and modifications from the original developers. As well, regulatory and certification bodies have been formed to help resolve the credibility issues seen in the 1990’s.