Neuro Linguistic Programming is a technology that utilizes the language of the brain. Most NLP processes are relatively simple and yet are able to create profound change in the way the brain processes information. NLP is also a great way to make changes in the way we motivate ourselves, create desirable outcomes, and release the past. A form of NLP that I use in my therapy practice is called TimeLine Therapy. The subconscious mind likes to organize the past and future onto a time line, in a way that allows us to locate past events that are causing problems. The past problems can then be released and reframed to create a strong and resourceful memory.  The mind can then place future events along the Time Line that the subconscious can then move towards.
This future time line can be used to project better health, problem solving, stronger leaner body, financial abundance and anything you would like to experience.

What is NLP?

Several phrases accurately describe NLP...

"NLP is about communication."

One of the principles of NLP is that we are always communicating, and most of our communication is other than words. The question becomes: "What are we communicating?" Is what we intend to convey the same as what the listener understands? If not, how do we recognize the cues and adjust? NLP de-mystifies the communication loops at home and work and gives us practical tools for becoming highly skilled communicators.

"NLP is about how language affects us."

Language affects how we think and respond. The very process of converting experience into language requires that we condense, distort, and summarize how we perceive the world. NLP also provides questions and patterns to make communication more as we intend. NLP teaches us to understand how language affects us through implicit and embedded assumptions. Since advertisers, the media, and politicians use language to convey their messages, learning about language through NLP can also add awareness and consumer protection for your mind!

"NLP is about modeling excellence."

NLP processes are a result of discovering how experts or excellent leaders do what they do so well and teaching those skills to others. Modeling skills are at the heart of NLP. Learning the specific components of how others do something well will provide you with new options. One example the NLP spelling strategy, is modeled from naturally good spellers and is easily taught to children and adults. Other examples about in education, business, health, sports and personal life as well.

"NLP is how we use our brain."

NLP describes, in very precise terms, the images, sounds, and feelings that make up our inner and outer world. How do we know what we know? How do we do what we do? For example, how do you know that a pleasant memory is pleasant? How do you know when to feel scared or happy at certain times? How do you like or dislike something? How do you learn a subject easily, or not? Sometimes people describe NLP as "software for our brains"

NLP is about how we "code" our experiences. When we understand the specific ways that our brains make distinctions, then it is easier to make changes, to learn, and to communicate effectively.

"NLP is the study of internal experience."

NLP is a tool to understand how an individual makes sense of the world. NLP studies individuals' experiences: how they perceive the world around them and how their brain makes specific distinctions for them. It does NOT assume that we all do this the same way. In NLP we know that each person has a unique style of learning, perceiving and responding to the world. NLP is inherently respectful of differences.

The Beginnings of NLP

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) began in the early 1970's when John Grinder, a linguistics professor at the University of California, and Richard Bandler, a student of psychology and mathematics, asked themselves the simple yet fascinating question:

"What is it that makes the difference between somebody who is merely competent and someone who excels at the same skill?"

This question and the answers they found have evolved into a vast body of NLP knowledge that is renowned for its effectiveness in achieving results.

The first people modeled were therapists: Virginia Satir, Milton Erickson, and Fritz Perls. Bandler and Grinder specifically modeled their language, physiology, and mental processes, then identified patterns (rather than theories) which could be precisely defined and explicitly taught. In the years since, many valuable contributions have been added to the field. Rapid Practical and effective NLP applications quickly found a home in business, helping professions, education, health, and personal development.

The World of NLP

Today there are training centers and universities around the world teaching NLP skills. The comprehensive set of skills is taught as NLP Training, and is usually offered as 21 or more full days of training. Early in the program participants learn the important skills of:

·         clarifying goals and objectives

·         establishing rapport

·         developing states of excellence

·         changing self-defeating patterns of behavior

·         checking to insure any desired changes are appropriate for all parts of life

·         clear and effective use of language

Some larger training centers offer an advanced training and certification called "Master Practitioner," as well as specialized classes, such as NLP negotiating and conflict resolution skills, NLP presentation skills, and NLP personal growth processes.

The world of NLP is international in scope, especially in the fields of business, creativity, therapy, education, and health. Several journals chronicle new discoveries in NLP. There are hundreds of books with an NLP focus and many new books are published each year.

In addition, there are therapists, counselors and consultants around the world trained in NLP and offering private sessions for personal change.

NLP Principles

The principles which form the foundation of NLP have been modeled from key people who consistently produced superb results, as well as from systems theory and natural laws.As well as a set of powerful skills, NLP is a philosophy and an attitude that is useful when your goal is excellence in whatever you do.

A few of the principles are listed below:

1. If what you are doing is not working, do something else.

If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always gotten.

2. Choice is better than no choice.

The system (person/institution/country) with the most choices or flexibility has the best chance of success, survival, and/or influence.

3. The meaning of your communication is the response you get.

While your intention may be clear to you, it is the other person's interpretation and response that reflects your effectiveness. NLP teaches you the skills and flexibility to ensure that the message you send equals the message they receive.

4. There is no failure, only feedback.

What seemed like failure is usually success that just stopped too soon. With this understanding, we can stop blaming ourselves and others, find solutions, and improve the quality of what we do.

5. Anything can be accomplished if the task is broken down into small enough steps.

Though a major project can seem overwhelming at first, defining and sequencing the steps can make it more easily achievable.

6. We are always communicating.

Words are only a small part of our total communication. Facial expressions gestures, posture, and voice quality are key components of nonverbal communication. Even when we remain silent, we are communicating. An effective communicator pays attention and responds to what happens both verbally and nonverbally in their interactions. When we learn to notice and respond at that level, the quality of our interactions increases dramatically.

7. Behind every behavior is a positive intention.

By understanding that people have some positive intention for themselves in what they say and do, it's easier to stop getting angry and stuck, start to move forward, and enjoy more flexibility and grace.

An NLP Sampler

1. Changing feelings and behavior by changing how you think:

In order to gain the most benefit form this exercise, take a couple of minutes to fully participate in this small example of how the structure of your thoughts influences your emotions and behaviors.

First, think of a specific pleasant experience you've had. Focus on the part of the experience that was really pleasant for you. It might be something simple that you do regularly, or it might be a special time or event.

Some people will have a clear image of the experience and some people will have a sense of the experience. Either way is fine. Just enjoy it now.

Next, notice what happens if you bring the experience closer to you. Now make it a bit bigger. Now make the colors even brighter. How do those changes affect your feelings about that memory?

Now, move the images far away. Make the image dim and gray and small. How does that affect the feelings associated with the experience?

In closing, now put the brightness, distance, and color back the way you like it so that you leave that memory as pleasant as you'd like.

People report that their feelings change when they change the color, brightness, distance, and size of the images. You can neutralize unpleasant memories just that easily. Most people do not know that they can immediately affect their feelings and behavior just by adjusting the components of how they think.

2. An example of how language affects us:

Let's move on to a little bit of the "linguistic" part of NLP.

"Do NOT think of a blue striped elephant."

What did you do in your brain? Most people think of a blue striped elephant, then try (in vain!) to think of something else. In order to make sense of the words, our brains have to recall an experience of the very thing that is being asked NOT to do. This simple understanding has many implications.

For example, telling a child what NOT to do may actually increase the likelihood of the action., "DON'T spill" may result in more spills! In business, "DON'T be late" may increase the likelihood of being late. "Be here five minutes before nine" is clear and easy to understand. Telling someone "DON'T worry" can start them worrying! Instead, let them know what to do, such as: "Enjoy your afternoon!"

Email  for additional information