What is NLP?

NLP or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a relatively new field developed in the US, in the 1970's by Dr John Grinder, a well known professor of linguistics, together with Richard Bandler. They produced a linguistic model that identified language patterns of a few gifted individuals:

• Family Therapist - Virginia Satir
• Gestalt Therapist - Fritz Perls
• Hypnotherapist - Milton Erickson
• Anthropologist - Gregory Bateson

NLP is based on a set of very precise ways to identify how someone who is successful achieves results. NLP determines which internal strategies they use, and these strategies are then distilled into handy tools for others to use and create similar successes.

NLP is essentially a very skilled use of language. Our use of language can take many forms – the verbal or spoken word as well as our own internal thoughts and beliefs. The NLP language patterns and techniques can be used not only for personal growth and development; but also for positive strategies in the business community as well as in many other areas of life.

A basic NLP definition:

• 'Neuro' acknowledges the fact that we use the brain, the nervous system and the body's five senses to process information. We use sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell to learn, think and remember.

• 'Linguistic' refers to the verbal language that we use to communicate with each other, as well as our internal thoughts and our external body language.

• 'Programming' is the ‘programs or patterns of behaviour’ we all demonstrate and the way we organise our thoughts and our behaviours in order to produce results. Knowing about these things and the way they are learnt helps us to unlearn out-of-date programs. We can learn new ways to perceive, to listen and to go about things more positively.

NLP is often used as a vehicle for 'fast' or accelerated change. One of its underlying assumptions is that even without NLP people can change and that over time these changes can be profound. By applying NLP to these situations, changes can happen - very quickly indeed, sometimes in minutes!

NLP offers easily learnt techniques to:

• identify and transform limiting beliefs or behaviours
• take up different points of view to see, feel and hear new information
• positively change how you communicate with others and yourself
• choose and maintain the most useful emotional state for any task or situation
• clarify life goals, make them more compelling and achievable

NLP acheives this by "reprograming" your mind & body away from negative behaviours or beliefs so that you gain a greater effectiveness in your life. By changing yourself, naturally you can transform relationships, your teams and even organisations. The tools of NLP can help you to achieve personal changes quickly & easily.

Where Can NLP Be Used?
Neurolinguistic Programming is now being used in many areas:

• Education and learning
• Personal development, coaching
• Sports excellence
• Counselling and therapy
• Conflict resolution
• Business negotiations
• Analysing and planning
• Chronic Diseases