What is NLP? A Complete Overview

Imagine if you could reprogram your mind like a computer to achieve your deepest desires, overcome obstacles, and communicate with others more effectively. That's where Neuro-Linguistic Programming comes into play, but what is NLP? It is a fascinating field that merges psychology, communication, and personal development. 

Whether you're looking to boost your career, improve your relationships, or simply gain a deeper understanding of yourself, NLP offers powerful techniques to unlock your potential. In this blog, we'll dive into the question "What is NLP?" and how it works. Ready to explore the possibilities? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents  

1) Understanding NLP in detail 

2) How does NLP work? 

3) NLP techniques 

4) Examples of NLP 

5) Does NLP really work? 

6) Conclusion 

Understanding NLP in detail 

NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a psychological approach that delves into the strategies and mental frameworks employed by successful individuals. By understanding and replicating these tactics, NLP seeks to help others achieve their personal and professional goals. 

It operates on the premise that our thoughts, language, and behaviours are interconnected, influencing how we interpret the world and react to different situations. By consciously altering these patterns, NLP Practitioners believe that anyone can reshape their experiences and outcomes.

A key principle of NLP is the belief that all human behaviour has a purpose and is ultimately beneficial in some way. Even in situations that might seem like failures or setbacks, NLP suggests that these experiences are neither inherently positive nor negative. 

Instead, they are seen as opportunities for learning and growth, offering valuable insights that can inform future decisions and actions. This mindset encourages resilience and adaptability, empowering individuals to view challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles.

Origins 

The term NLP was coined by John Grinder, a Linguist and Richard Bandler, a Mathematician, in 1975 in their book “The Structure of Magic 1”. The book stated the connection between three key elements responsible for a person’s behavioural pattern and the results they produce. These key elements were as follows:


 

a) Neuro: 

Every person has developed a distinct mental filter to manage the vast amount of information received through the senses. A person’s initial mental representation of the world is made up of internal visuals, sounds, touch, sensations, flavours, and scents, which are created through neurological filtering. The initial cognitive chart is called 'Neuro' in NLP.  

b) Linguistic: 

Then, the person gives significance to the data coming from beyond his own selves. The second mental map is constructed by labelling the internal images, sounds, feelings, tastes, and smells with language, leading to the development of everyday conscious awareness. The second cognitive map is referred to as the Linguistic Map (also called Linguistic Representation).

c) Programming: 

People's behaviour is influenced by how their brains process information and create language patterns. In NLP, the term "programming" signifies the habits and behaviours individuals develop through experience. The theory suggested that by imitating these patterns in others, people could achieve the same level of success.

Evolution   

NLP has evolved and grown as a concept and applied method over time. Its evolution and development took place over different periods as follows: 

1970: NLP’s development occurred during different periods, beginning in 1970 when Neuro-Linguistic Programming was first inspired. Grinder and Bandler discovered its foundational principles, drawing inspiration from therapists such as Milton Erickson and Virginia Satir and utilising the Milton Model in the early stages of NLP's development. 

1980: Grinder and Bandler released books that raised the popularity of NLP among people. One such book was “Frogs into Princes”, which introduced the concepts of NLP practices for personal development and therapy. As a result, many other practitioners developed their interpretation of NLP, creating new branches in the practice.    

Some new branches in Neuro-Linguistic Programming included Systematic NLP and Sleight of Mouth Patterns created by Robert Dilts. Some other branches included New Code NLP, NLP Modelling and Advanced Submodalities Work by Grinder and Bandler. 

1990: NLP found new uses and applications beyond therapy, and some such uses included sports, education and businesses. Using NLP techniques allowed many people to succeed personally and professionally and improve their communication skills.    

2000: Different psychological approaches for personal and professional development were integrated with NLP. Some popular approaches like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology got integrated with NLP.  

2010: Researchers and Neuroscientists gained interest in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, trying to validate its claim and benefits. The rise in technology in this era only boosted the popularity of this practice further. The increased internet use led to NLP becoming more well-known due to higher global visibility, thus gaining a wider range of audience.   

Present: As NLP became more popular, it was subjected to criticism, as its critics demanded validation of its claims and practices. As a result, over the years, the focus has shifted to delivering evidential results from Neuro-Linguistic Programming. This has allowed the practice to evolve further, growing and getting refined even as you read this blog. 
 

How does NLP work? 

Modelling, action, and effective communication are essential components of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It is believed that by understanding how another person achieves a task, one can replicate and share the process with others to help them succeed.

Advocates of Neuro-Linguistic Programming suggest that everyone possesses their representation of reality. Individuals who engage in NLP evaluate different viewpoints, including their own, to develop a structured understanding of a particular scenario. By comprehending various viewpoints, the NLP user acquires knowledge. 

Supporters of this perspective argue that the senses play a crucial role in processing information and that there is a mutual influence between the body and mind. Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a method based on experience. Hence, someone must carry out a specific action to grasp its nature and glean insights from experience.

Those who work in NLP think there are inherent learning, communication, and transformation levels. The six levels of change that are logical include:

a) Purpose and Spirituality: It refers to engagement in a higher entity, such as faith, morals, or another ideology. This represents the pinnacle of transformation.

b) Identity: It is how you see yourself, including your duties and the parts you fulfil.

c) Beliefs and Values: It refers to your individual set of beliefs and the topics that hold significance to you.

d) Capabilities and Skills: It refers to your capabilities and the things you can accomplish.

e) Actions: Actions are the behaviours you carry out.

f) Context: Your context refers to your environment or surroundings, which can also include the presence of others nearby. This is the most minimal level of alteration.

Each logical level aims to structure and guide the data it encompasses. Therefore, altering something at a lower tier could lead to adjustments at a higher tier. Nevertheless, changing something at a higher level will cause adjustments at lower levels, as per NLP theory.

Discover the three main learning styles of NLP with our Neuro Linguistic Programming Course - Register today!

NLP techniques 

NLP is a vast area of practice, and it involves various techniques that help understand human behaviour and achieve personal or professional development. Some of the popular are discussed below.

Rapport 

In NLP, rapport is the process of establishing a connection and mutual trust between individuals. It involves mirroring body language, tone, and language patterns to create a sense of understanding and comfort, enhancing communication and influence.

Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic (VAK) Systems 

The VAK model in NLP categorises how people perceive and process information through three primary systems: Visual (seeing), Auditory (hearing), and Kinesthetic (feeling). Understanding an individual's preferred red system helps tailor communication to more effective interactions. 

Swish Pattern 

This technique replaces the negative behaviour or thoughts of a person with positive ones. It completely changes the way one thinks, feels and acts. It is a visualisation technique that helps a person to respond better to certain trigger points.  

Anchoring 

In NLP, anchoring refers to the process of associating a specific stimulus, such as a gesture, word, or sound, with a particular emotional state. By creating these anchors, individuals can trigger desired feelings or responses, helping to manage emotions and behaviours in various situations.

Timeline Therapy 

Timeline Therapy helps to let go of any negative emotions such as fear, agony, anxiety etc., by removing these emotions from the memory of a person. It helps them act freely without worrying about the emotional trauma of the past.  

Examples of NLP 

NLP has been used extensively in various fields for various purposes. Discussed below are three of the most popular areas where NLP is implemented: 

a) NLP is used to develop an individual's personality by improving their confidence, self-reflection, and communication skills.   

b) In the domain of business, it has been used to carry out work-related tasks, like increasing a person’s productivity or helping a person advance in a career. 

c) NLP is also being used as a form of therapy for various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.  

Learn the details of the human thought process with our NLP Training - join now!

Does NLP really work? 

It is extremely difficult to determine the effectiveness of NLP as a practice due to its lack of formal regulations. Scientific research on Neuro-Linguistic Programming often has mixed results, making it extremely tough to gauge its effectiveness. 

Ethical criticism of NLP 

As NLP grew in popularity over many decades, it also received its fair share of criticism. One of its many ethical criticisms was the lack of a governing body. This raised the potential of people misusing the techniques or even using them with incomplete knowledge, leading to great harm. Like most psychological techniques, NLP has the potential to be abused for personal gains and the emotional manipulations.

Scientific Criticisms of NLP  

NLP was also criticised strongly due to insufficient scientific evidence, especially in its earlier development stages. It gathered the interest of counseling research during the early 80s and was considered a vital advancement in psychotherapy and counselling. However, the interest in Neuro-Linguistic Programming started fading over time due to the extensive scientific research on the subject.   

Thanks to the internet, NLP gained its newfound popularity, and it also gathered the interest of researchers. This provided the practice with a second chance at gathering scientific evidence of its validity. While the results for Neuro-Linguistic Programming had mixed results, they were not negative; thus, the individual claims of people benefitting from it remain undisputed.

Conclusion 

As we conclude this blog, we hope you understood the principles and application of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. This blog covered subjects like What is NLP, its principles and how valid the practice is in the modern era. There is no doubt that the practice is surrounded by criticism due to a lack of scientific evidence; however, the benefits it has brought to people over time cannot be denied. Thank you for reading! 

Try our NLP Foundation and Practitioner Training course to persuade others with your words!