About NLP

Many have called NLP the User Manual to the Brain. How to use your brain on purpose to get better results and get life the way that we want it. The name “Neuro – Linguistic Programming” indicates the integration of three different scientific fields – the neurological, linguistic and cognitive sciences –  according to “Encyclopedia of Systemic Neuro – Linguistic Programming and NLP New Coding” of Robert Dilts and Judith DeLozier. The letter N in NLP is about the neuro component of Neuro – Linguistics, it is about the nervous system, a large part of NLP which has to do with understanding and using how we use our brain and body to produce our life results.

NLP also draws from the field of linguistics, where the second letter L stands for, In the NLP view, language is in some ways a product of our nervous system, but language also stimulates and shapes the activity within our nervous system. Thus, effective communication and interaction has to do how we code information from the world around us and internal thoughts so that we can make sense of them. How we communicate our thoughts to others.

The programming aspect of NLP, the letter P in NLP, is based upon the idea that the processes of human learning, memory, and creativity, are a function of programs – neurolinguistic programs that function more or less effectively to accomplish particular objectives or outcomes. It believes that we interact with our world through our inner programming, based on how our brain and body reacts to various internal thoughts and external information to produce repetitive behaviour, habits and thinking.

Perhaps the most important aspect of NLP is its emphasis on practicality. NLP concepts and training programs emphasize interactive, experiential learning contexts so that the principles and procedures may be readily perceived and understood. Since NLP processes are modelled from effective people, their value and underlying structures are often intuitively recognized by people with little or no previous experience.

The founders of NLP are John Grinder, whose background was in linguistics, and Richard Bandler, whose background was in mathematics and gestalt therapy. They developed NLP in the 1970s by modeling successful therapists, like Fritz Perls, the creator of Gestalt Therapy, and Virginia Satir, internationally renowned family therapist, as well as communication experts, aiming to understand and replicate their techniques. They published influential books like “The Structure of Magic” and “Patterns of Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D.” that outlined their findings. 

Key contributions of Bandler and Grinder to NLP:

Modelling:

They developed the concept of “modelling,” which involves identifying and replicating the patterns and strategies of highly effective individuals in their field. 

Meta-Model:

They introduced the “Meta-Model,” a set of linguistic patterns that can reveal and help eliminate limiting beliefs and assumptions. 

Milton Model:

They also identified and detailed the “Milton Model,” which includes language patterns used by Milton Erickson in his hypnotic techniques. 

Techniques for Change:

They developed techniques like state anchoring and others, which aim to help individuals change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Their relationship and later separation:

While they collaborated extensively, Bandler and Grinder later had a professional and personal falling out, leading to separate NLP pathways. Bandler continued to develop and teach his own brand of NLP, while Grinder focused on a more theoretical and academic approach. 

Impact on NLP:

Despite the separation, the original work of Bandler and Grinder remains a foundation for many NLP practitioners and trainers. Their research and publications continue to be widely studied and is widely used in various fields, including business, coaching, therapy and education, psychotherapy, communication, and business. NLP is a set of models, skills and techniques one can use to achieve specific and desired outcomes. With the use of the language of the mind we increase our choices and enhances the quality of our lives.