Truths & Misconceptions of NLP

A simple internet search for the term ‘NLP’ will quickly throw you into chasms of confusion! A great deal has been written and said about NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), some of it is accurate and helpful, conversely, there is also an element which is full of misconceptions, written by those who have no clear and developed understanding of what NLP actually represents. The three primary misconceptions which are often levelled at NLP are: It is a pseudoscience, it is used for manipulation, it has no academic grounding.

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I would love to begin today’s blog by righting the wrong and busting these popularly believed misconceptions about NLP.

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Pseudoscience – Do those who know NLP really well claim that it is a purely scientific approach? No. NLP is both an art and a science. NLP is grounded in Neuro-Science and Psychology and at the same time has origins in Transformational Grammar, Linguistics and General Semantics. This heady blend is the source of the undeniable power of NLP and provides a rounded and complete approach to personal development, problem solving and change.  

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NLP is manipulative – Let us begin with the dictionary definition of ‘manipulative’. ‘Influencing or attempting to influence the behaviour or emotions of others for one’s own purposes.’ There is a truth here, erroneously connected to a huge misconception. NLP is about positively influencing the behaviour and emotional content of people who are seeking assistance to change. NLP Practitioners who have been well trained and properly accredited by an established and respected NLP Board (like the ABNLP) have an indelible ethical code of practice and are entirely client focussed. NLP is a wholly client centred approach and is in no way self-serving in this context.

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No academic grounding – Anyone who has bothered to research the origins of NLP and read the many accounts of its genesis, penned by the creators, will know that the study harked from post-graduate University studies, initiated by Richard Bandler and Frank Pucelik and initially peer reviewed by Professor John Grinder. Research and testing were completed over the span of a whole decade, both within the confines of the University and externally with mental health clinics, working with patients with whom traditional methods of the day had produced minimal results, the so called ‘impossible’ patients. Many texts were produced and published prior to the discipline of NLP being opened up to others in the form of a structured training.  

The misconceptions addressed, what IS NLP?

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Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is the study of what successful people, from all walks of life, do in their minds when they create their success. It’s a model of human behaviour and contains techniques for changing behaviour easily and effortlessly, in a very natural way. For over 50 years, the art and science of NLP has evolved into the magnificent model of learning and change that we are so lucky to have in our lives today. Whilst other personal development ‘fads’ have been forgotten and lost after their 15 minutes of fame, NLP remains strong and is still growing in popularity. This fact tells you everything you need to know about the power of NLP when you embroider it into your life. Your personal tapestry suddenly lights up and the picture of your life is yours to paint, however you want it, right now.

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NLP is used to create your personal empowerment. When you attend our Enhanced NLP Coach Practitioner Certification Training, this is our primary goal, to totally empower you to create the life you want for yourself and the people that you hold closest to you. Yes, you will learn some very wonderful and powerful techniques for change and this isn’t the most important thing that you will learn, it is more important that you learn to change your thinking so that you can create success in your life for the rest of your life. NLP thinking is something that you install in your neurology. If you think learning NLP will mean getting a manual, learning some new stuff and then putting the manual on a shelf to gather dust, then please reconsider. Once you have this new, positive, empowered thinking, you have it for the rest of your life.

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Once you possess a new, more productive way of thinking, you will want to share it with others. Another valuable benefit of attending our Enhanced NLP Coach Practitioner Certification Training is that you will be fully accredited to work with others as an NLP Coach, Therapist or Consultant. Many of our graduates have gone on the build their own businesses in their specific areas of interest. Some have taken NLP into the business arena, some into personal coaching and therapy, others have taken NLP into education and many others into sport, for example equestrianism and personal training. The possibilities for you are endless and the return on investment is massive.

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So, as you think about beginning a new life era, what is it that you really want for yourself and what are you willing to do and to change to get it?

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