NLP (NeuroLinguistic Programming) is a constantly evolving set of models, presuppositions, patterns, techniques, and observation-based theories resulting from the study of the structure of subjective experience, behavior and communication. Beyond understanding, NLP seeks to enable remedial and generative change quickly and ecologically.

What are the roots of NLP?

NLP was originally started by a computer whiz and Gestalt therapist - Richard Bandler - and a Linguist named John Grinder. Their goal was to design a meta-model: a way of building models of how people do things and transferring that knowledge to other people. It started around 1976 and their original forays involved “modeling” successful therapists like Milton Erickson (The Father of Modern Hypnotherapy), Virginia Satir (The Mother of Family System Therapy) and Fritz Perls {a son-of-a-bitch and a leader in the Gestalt Therapy movement}.

Since much of the early modeling was done with therapists it has a psychological bent to it though many people are now branching out into a lot of other fields with it: Health, Sales, Business, Organizational Development, Comedy, and Screenwriting to name a few. You may have seen the Reader’s Digest Condensed Version of NLP through Tony Robbins. His is an excellent introductory book by the way, “Unlimited Power” if you want to know more. Also, you may want to read “Frogs Into Princes” by Bandler and Grinder, the creators of this “technology”. It is edited transcripts from some of their earlier seminars.

Does NLP really work? Has it been scientifically validated?

It’s difficult to prove that something doesn’t work or doesn’t exist. (e.g. Smoking has not yet been “scientifically proved” to cause cancer.) There is massive anecdotal evidence that NLP works. Few studies have been done on particular aspects of NLP with mixed results.

Isn’t NLP really just hypnosis?

No. NLP is not just hypnosis. Milton Erickson was a strong influence on NLP’s founders, but NLP includes aspects of many other disciplines as well.

Can NLP be used on oneself?

Yes. Many people use NLP as a form of self development.

What are the presuppositions of NLP?

Here are some of them.

1. No one is wrong or broken. People work perfectly to accomplish what they are currently accomplishing.
2. People already have all the resources they need.
3. Behind every behavior is a positive intention.
4. Every behavior is useful in some context.
5. The meaning of a communication is the response you get.
6. If you aren’t getting the response you want, do something different
7. There is no such thing as failure. There is only feedback.
8. In any system, the element with the most flexibility exerts the most influence.
9. The map is not the territory.
10. If someone can do something, anyone can learn it. You cannot fail to communicate.
    
    
    

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