NLP FAQs

NLP is an attitude and a methodology that leaves behind a trail of techniques. Richard Bandler

Questions

  1. What is NLP?
  2. NLP – That Name!
  3. Some principles of NLP
  4. What can it do?
  5. Has it been scientifically validated?
  6. Why is NLP so effective and speedy?
  7. What is NLP Coaching?
  8. Specific Treatments
  9. What happens when you hire a NLP Coach?
  10. NLP Coaching can help with?
  11. What they've said about it
  12. Appointments

Answers:

1. What is NLP?

There are many definitions of NLP, I like the following three:

NLP is often described as a set of tools that shows you how to run your mind. This is certainly one of its benefits. We live in a world of amazing technological innovations, yet many of us know very little about how we, as human beings work.

NLP is a branch of the Cognitive Sciences and Cognitive Behavioral Psychology. It grew out of General Semantics (Korzybski), Transformational Grammar (Noam Chomsky), Anthropology and Cybernetics (Bateson), Reframing (Watzalawick, et al.), Family Systems (Virginia Satir), Gestalt Therapy (Perls), Medical hypnosis (Milton Erickson), and several related studies. This is most of the respectable body of knowledge from which NLP arose.

2. NLP – That Name!

The name is a bit of a mouthful and is certainly not NLP's strongest asset. By trying to be too comprehensive it has ended up being somewhat off-putting and most people feel a little uncomfortable about the 'programming' part of the name when they first encounter NLP.

But the name Neuro-Linguistic Programming has been around for nearly 30 years so it looks like we are stuck with it. Which is why it is generally abbreviated to the initials NLP.

3. Some principles of NLP:

4. What can it do?

Neuro-Linguistic Programming works from the principle that people aren't broken - they don't need fixing, and they already have all the resources they need. In fact they are excellent at getting the results they are currently getting - you have probably become expert at having say, relationship problems or panic attacks over the years, and have streamlined the process right down until you can do it really well!

So find out how you do it by asking yourself: what are the triggers? or, what happens immediately before you start 'doing' the panic attack? And what goes through your mind next? The chances are that you are having to run through the same sequence of thoughts, images, feelings and telling yourself things each time in order for the attack to happen. This is your 'strategy' for having the attack. (You may be doing parts of the strategy unconsciously, or it may happen so fast that you have not been aware of the sequence - until now.) If you change any step in the strategy, you will probably get a different result. Change what you tell yourself to something positive! Make positive mental pictures instead of scary ones!

5. Has it been scientifically validated?

No, nor does NLP make any claims to be scientific or to be based on studies that compare the average behaviour of one group with the average behaviour of another.

NLP is a model of what works in individual performance. It is based on the principle that if one person can do something then, given similar physical characteristics, anyone else can learn to do the same by modelling and integrating into their own repertoire the skills and attitude of the successful person.

While this principle may or may not be literally true it leads to some quite remarkable improvements in personal performance.

6. Why is NLP so effective and speedy?

It's because NLP works on the 'mental mechanics' of how we operate our programmes.

It does not examine how the area you wish to change developed, nor how long you have had it, nor how strong it is, nor how badly it affects your life, or other such intellectual issues. The methods used trains your brain to replace one set of responses with another. That's all. It is quick. It is easy. It can be fun (depending on the coach). And it is very effective.

7. What is NLP Coaching?

NLP is well known for its many change techniques. An NLP Coach has access to the most advanced tools and strategies and by using these your coach will assist you to change and overcome any fears and obstacles that may be standing in your way, both in your personal and home life and within your work and career.

An NLP Coach will work with you to:

8. Specific Treatments

There are many techniques used in NLP for use with Anxiety Disorders, Phobias and Depressions.

Some of the best techniques are – “The Fast Phobia Cure” (V/K dissociation), Swish Technique, Anchors, and Reframing although there are many more. Some of the Time Line Therapy and TFT methods are especially good for “one off” occasions, like “extra stressors” (Christmas, dental visits, shopping outings etc).

9. What happens when you hire a NLP Coach?

Many things, but the most important are:

A NLP Coach creates a space where you can become clear about what you want in your life or business and then assists you in exploring ways of reaching those goals, giving you support and encouragement as you manifest your dreams and put your plans into action.

10. NLP Coaching can help with:

11. What they've said about it

Science Digest said that NLP could be the most important synthesis of knowledge about human communications to emerge since the sixties.

Time Magazine announced that NLP has untapped potentials for treating individual problems.

Training & Development Journal reported that NLP offers the potential for making changes without the usual agony that accompanies these phenomena and that it allows for increasing options, flexibility, creativity and therefore greater freedom of action than most of us know.

Best-selling author and motivational speaker Anthony Robbins said that NLP is an incredibly effective and enjoyable way to access more of the true potential of your brain.

12. Appointments

Single coaching sessions for specific issues e.g. confidence, stress, life changing events etc. are two to three hours in duration, face to face at a location convenient to us both.

Cost includes one half-hour assessment phone call prior to us meeting. During the assessment phone call I will ask you questions which will help me (and you) decide on the best course of action for you. For some clients this has resulted in hour sessions once a week so that they can put into practice new techniques and for others longer sessions are more appropriate.

I offer highly personalised programs as it is unlikely that one size will fit all.

Prices for one-off sessions:

And of course I am always happy to chat through how NLP coaching and / or life coaching may benefit you - on a no obligation, informal basis.

I offer an obligation-free Exploratory Conversation for anyone interested in NLP sessions, NLP coaching and curious about how it might support your intentions, needs and desires.

Includes extract from:

Ask Claire

Do you have a question about coaching or training? Send your questions to me and I will get back to you within two working days.

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We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts, we make our world. The Buddha