What is NLP?

The technique was developed in 1972 by John Grinder and Richard Bandler. Fascinated with human excellence, they decided to look at the work of Fritz Perls, the psychotherapist behind gestalt therapy, Virginia Satir, the “mother of family therapy” and Milton Erickson, the first therapist to use hypnosis for medical purposes.

The theory behind NLP coaching is that it is down to the person to push the boundaries of our maps by ‘reprogramming our internal control systems’. Language gives us the ability to formulate, express and communicate our thoughts. It structures our world and the meaning and associations of words not only to describe but also to shape the world around us.

By altering their use of language, a person can expand the limits of their maps and take the first steps to start the changes they want to make. For example, think of the word ‘failure’ – what does this mean to you?

To some, the word may represent disappointment or sadness and trigger a sinking sensation in the stomach. These associations may alter how they will react to a failure - or risk of failure - in the future. However, others may associate the word with new beginnings, a fresh start and another life experience.

By altering the way different words and associations shape a person’s network of vocabularies, they can begin to change the way they think and their perception of the world.

What does an NLP practitioner do?

People communicate feelings in different ways. Most of these feelings are actually communicated unconsciously, be it through tone, volume, pace, facial expressions, body language and words.

NLP practitioners are trained to recognise these subtle, unconscious clues so that they can understand how their client is feeling. A practitioner can identify the self-imposed restrictions the clients have put on themselves by unveiling the client’s mental map and working with them to move forward.

The three most common types of limiting beliefs include:

• hopelessness
• worthlessness
• helplessness

It’s easy for people to set themselves up for failure if they are constantly thinking negative thoughts. Beliefs such as, “I’m not good enough” or “other people are better than me” can limit experience and the chance of accomplishment.

In NLP, beliefs are treated as what we call pre-suppositions – not as facts or truths. Essentially, you have a conscious choice about what you believe, and if you don’t like the outcomes you get from a belief, you have the flexibility to change it.

What happens in an NLP session?

While the methods used by professionals will differ, a standard NLP coaching session will follow the same, basic pattern. Initially, the practitioner will ask what you want to change and the problems you want to overcome. They will pay close attention to what you’re saying and how you say it, tailoring the session to your responses.

The NLP practitioner will then work through a range of exercises with you in order to piece together your “life map”. They will begin to introduce new thought processes in order to help you widen your boundaries.

Anxiety and stress

NLP coaching can be an effective method for fighting feelings of stress and anxiety because it identifies the thought patterns that may be causing the pressure. As soon as these unconscious thought patterns are recognised, they can challenge health and well-being

One of the most important ideas underpinning NLP is that the mind and body are closely connected. When exercising, for example, people will experience positive mental and physical energy. By improving the way we approach and think about the world, we can improve the health and well-being of our bodies.

Fears and phobias

NLP is well-known for its effectiveness in helping people cope with fears and phobias. Like with anxiety and stress, NLP can reveal the thought process behind the often ‘irrational’ fear. NLP can help to change how a person thinks and feels about what was causing them fear so that they are no longer afraid.

Relationships

Relationships are based on communication, and problems often arise when people are not communicating or expressing how they really feel. NLP can help a person become more aware of how they communicate. Understanding this can help people accept that others may have different views: one opinion is not wrong or right. With NLP coaching, practitioners hope that by developing empathy skills, a person will find it easier to build strong and long-lasting relationships.

Confidence

It is common for people to see an NLP practitioner for relief from their own self-doubt and limitations. The techniques used can help the person break old habits and beliefs and gain new opportunities. NLP is effective in boosting an individual’s confidence by teaching them how to make decisions based on their dreams, rather than fears.

Business

NLP is an excellent tool for understanding people and their ways of communication. In terms of business, learning these tips from an NLP coach will help a person improve how they communicate, enhancing their ability to empathise and negotiate with colleagues, employees and managers.