NLP

NLP Neuro Linguistic Programming in Edinburgh

NLP is not a therapy. NLP is a modelling tool and was developed by Dilts, Grinder, Bandler and DeLozier as a study of excellence.

What does NLP consist of?

During their modelling study, the authors studied a range of therapies and also linguistics. Leading therapists including Milton Erickson, the renowned hypnotherapist were modeled to see why they achieved such excellent results.

NLP is a flexible area of models and communication tools, from sales, to performance, hypnotherapy to psychotherapy.

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a sometimes controversial approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy. It was created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who claimed that NLP could be used to achieve specific goals in life by changing one’s thoughts and behaviors.

NLP is based on the idea that there is a connection between neurological processes (“neuro”), language (“linguistic”), and behavioral patterns learned through experience (“programming”).  By understanding and changing these connections, NLP practitioners believe that people can improve their communication skills, overcome fears and phobias, and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.  

Key Concepts in NLP:

  • Subjectivity: NLP emphasizes that everyone experiences the world differently and that these subjective experiences are shaped by our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
  • Consciousness: NLP posits that our conscious and unconscious minds play a role in our behavior, and that by accessing the unconscious, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and make changes.
  • Modeling: NLP uses a technique called “modeling” to replicate the skills and behaviors of successful individuals. By studying how experts think and act, NLP practitioners believe that anyone can learn to achieve similar results.

Techniques Used in NLP:

NLP encompasses a variety of techniques, including:

  • Anchoring: Creating an association between a particular touch, word, or other stimulus and a desired emotional state.
  • Rapport: Building a connection with others by mirroring their body language and communication style.
  • Reframing: Changing the way a situation is perceived to create a more positive or empowering perspective.
  • Visualization: Using mental imagery to achieve goals and overcome challenges.
  • Swish Pattern: A technique used to change unwanted behaviors by replacing them with more desirable ones.

Applications of NLP:

NLP has been applied to a wide range of areas, including:

  • Therapy: Treating phobias, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
  • Personal development: Improving communication skills, building confidence, and achieving goals.
  • Business: Enhancing leadership skills, sales techniques, and negotiation strategies.
  • Education: Improving learning and memory.
  • Sports: Enhancing performance and motivation.

Criticisms and Controversies:

NLP has been the subject of much criticism and controversy. Some of the main criticisms include:

  • Lack of scientific evidence: Many of the claims made by NLP practitioners have not been supported by scientific research. It is therefore best used only as a tool within a properly proven context.
  • Pseudoscience: Some critics have labeled NLP as a pseudoscience due to its lack of empirical support and its reliance on anecdotal evidence. This is partly because it takes from other sources and invents new explanations. It is best therefore to seek a practitioner trained in the source material which includes psychotherapy, linguistics and hypnosis.
  • Oversimplification: NLP has been accused of oversimplifying complex psychological processes. Again it is therefore best to consult a practitioner with a sound background in psychology and therapy.
  • Manipulative techniques: Some of the techniques used in NLP, such as anchoring and rapport, have been criticized as being manipulative. This is largely due to their use in sales and politics, but it is wise to ensure any therapy practitioner is properly regulated and registered and properly qualified if they also use NLP.

Conclusion:

NLP is a complex and controversial field. While it has helped some people achieve their goals and improve their lives, it is important to be aware of the criticisms and controversies surrounding NLP before deciding whether or not to use it. It is also important to seek out qualified and ethical NLP practitioners if you do decide to explore this approach. It should be noted that there are many very ethical NLP practitioners worldwide, as well as many thousands of therapists who use NLP methods ethically within their existing psychotherapy, counselling or hypnosis practices.

What can NLP help with?

NLP models can help with sales, performance, sports, communication, handling phobias and fears.

Key areas include improving communication through more precise use of linguistics and body language. Also better performance by deliberately triggering positive and chosen emotions and feelings when they are needed. According to Karunaratne (2010) NLP is effective with phobias, although the original Ericksonian hypnotic methods are arguably more effective (Stuart is trained in these too!

Mahishika Karunaratne (2010)Neuro-linguistic programming and application in treatment of phobias  St Georges University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom

What are the limitations of NLP?

By definition, NLP is a selection of models from a range of areas. This is nowhere near the same as deep knowledge of each of those areas. For example having models from hypnotherapy, does not mean the practitioner has the same depth or breadth of knowledge as a fully trained hypnotherapist. The same applies to the other areas of psychotherapy, psychology and linguistics. Stuart et al (2012) concluded that NLP alone is not effective as a stand alone psychological treatment, which emphasises that clients should seek a psychotherapist trained in NLP, not just an NLP trained practitioner.

Jackie Stuart, Saima Ali, Wendy Robertson, David Metcalfe, Amy Grove, Claire Bourne and Chris Bridle (2012) Neurolinguistic programming: a systematic review of the effects on health outcomes

Limits of psychological work in NLP

NLP encourages the person to “design a state” of emotion. This is fine for specific occasions such as performance or public speaking.  When used in extreme however this makes for an inauthentic presentation and may cause deliberate suppression of real emotions and feelings.

Combining NLP with other therapies

NLP is best combined with deeper and broader knowledge in the therapies and topics NLP comes from. Stuart is a clinical hypnotherapist and psychoanalyst trained in a range of psychotherapies (diploma in clinical hypnotherapy and psychoanalysis). He has studied linguistics and psychology at Masters Degree level (as part of a MSc Psychology), and modelling and systems studies (as part of a BSc Hons IIT). He has further psychology, social psychology and related study (as part of BA Hons Open degree). he has also completed level 3 & 5 NLP and Coaching awards. He is the course author of externally accredited level 4 NLP and Level 4 and 5 Coaching awards.

Stuart uses NLP as part of an overall integrative psychotherapy practice in Edinburgh. He studied modelling in his first degree (BSc IIT) and has completed both assessment in NLP as part of his initial portfolio for accreditation and in additional CPD professionally accredited awards. he has also studied specialist application of NLP including self regulation with anxiety and trauma and Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (similar but more advanced version of EMDR). He has completed externally accredited Level 3 and Level 5 NLP Diploma awards. Stuart has also studied specific NLP models for therapeutic use including:

  • Resource anchoring
  • Timeline
  • Rewind
  • SWISH
  • Rapid Phobia Cure
  • MEMI

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Key words
NLP, Neuro linguistic programming, life coaching, NLP for performance, NLP for phobias, NLP for public speaking, Hypnosis and NLP, Life coaching and NLP, NLP and communication models, NLP and interpersonal communications, NLP and behaviour modelling, Edinburgh

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