What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), was developed in the early '70's by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. It is a methodology based on the premise that all behaviour has a structure, and that this structure can be identified, learned and changed. Grinder defined it as “the study of the structure of human experience – excellence and how to replicate it”.

Using a range of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques it is possible to make significant changes to any area of your life that needs the change and this can often be achieved quickly. NLP techniques can be used in isolation, but are especially effective when combined with hypnosis – as this helps the unconscious mind to be more accepting of the solutions.

Mental Models

Each person's memories, beliefs, values, and decisions develop over time into their unique 'model of the world'. Each of us uses our internal model to make sense of the world around us – a bit like reading a map. This internal model has a profound effect on our thoughts, behaviour, and our relationships with others, because we tend to think that everyone else’s model is the same as ours.

Dr Leonard Orr suggests we have a dual mental mechanism, called 'the Thinker' and 'the Prover'. Once the 'Thinker' has developed a belief about any aspect of existence, the 'Prover' will adjust the input from our senses to validate that belief. The maxim is 'What the Thinker thinks, the Prover proves". In essence, we delete, distort and generalize our experience of the world to fit our model, then end up thinking our model is the real world – which is a bit like reading a menu and thinking you have eaten the meal itself.

It is because of these differences in mental models that people can witness the same event but react and describe it in completely different ways.

Where has your attention been?

We often focus on the things we don’t want, instead of the things we do, sometimes to the point where we can’t even remember what it is we do want. And the model of Thinker and Prover demonstrates how we get more of what we think about. Even if we don’t want it.

How many golfers have looked at the bunker, telling themselves they don’t want to hit it, only to land right in the middle of it? And how many dieters constantly tell themselves they don’t want to be fat as they struggle to reach their target weight?

NLP provides tools to understand our model of the world and the structure of our behaviour. With it, you can identify negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs and processes that are inhibiting you and change them. It is often used to improve performance in sport; academic performance; sales; therapy, and self-development; and has the potential to improve any situation where communication is a factor, whether between you and someone else, or just with yourself.