! NLP FAQ!

NLP FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Neuro-Linguistic Programming

1.What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

NLP explores the relationship between how we think (neuro), how we communicate both verbally and non-verbally (linguistic) and our patterns of behaviour and emotion (programmes).

It is both an epistemology, in that it studies how we know what we know and a methodology for creating practical descriptions of how we function as human beings. The purpose of NLP is to study, describe and transfer models of human excellence. (NLP Modelling).

There are a number of descriptions of what is NLP. The founders of NLP Dr. John Grinder and Richard Bandler defined NLP as the study of the structure of subjective experience (Dilts et al; 1980). Judith DeLozier and John Grinder (1987) define NLP as "an accelerated learning strategy for the detection and utilization of patterns in the world". We think of NLP as a field that explores the patterns of organisation of effective human intuition (Collingwood & Collingwood; 2001). Through modelling an expert's intuitive application of their skill, we can as Neuro-Linguistic Programmers, have those patterns of organisation for ourselves and / or make them available to others. Modelling is the core function of NLP, learning to model (self and others) the core activity of NLP practitioner and NLP master practitioner certification trainings.

2. How is NLP useful for me?

As NLP offers a window (through modelling) into the way we function (our neuro-linguistic programmes), it offers (as an application of NLP methodology) a technology for creating change. If you want to have more choices about your behaviour and emotions, to enhance your communication and relationships and develop new abilities in your thinking, then NLP can provide you with the technology for accomplishing that. It generates lasting life skills (one of the consequences of quality NLP training).

There are now multiple applications of NLP for psychology and counseling, education, business modelling, corporate cultural change, management development, sport performance, personal development and coaching.

3. In what ways can I explore NLP for my benefit?

Through reading books and articles, through coaching with an NLP trained coach or through a quality NLP seminar or training course. Note that you can only learn about NLP through reading. To learn to use NLP fluently in real time interactions there is no substitute for live experience. Reading is an excellent means of researching to help you decide when or whether you want to learn NLP. Then reading offers additional descriptions and background to enrich your live exposure.

Reading:

There are over 100 books now written on NLP. The books range from support material for studying NLP through to applications of NLP to business communication, relationship counselling, education, psychotherapy and general personal development. We have specific recommendations for Practitioner of NLP level reading and Master Practitioner of NLP level reading.

Coaching:

Have a consultation or coaching session with an NLP Practitioner, Master Practitioner or NLP Trainer and experience using NLP to make a change and achieve an outcome. If you live in Australia consider visiting NLPTRB Partner websites.

Application Seminars in NLP:

Many NLPTRB trainers offer short NLP application seminars ranging from 1 day introductions through to 3 to 5 day seminars. Visit the sites of Registered NLPTRB trainers for specific NLP application seminars.

Training in NLP:

You could do a professional training course in NLP. Certification trainings can be completed at the levels of Practitioner of NLP, Master Practitioner of NLP and Trainer of NLP.

4. What standards should I expect for a Practitioner of NLP training?

Time:

A minimum of 20 days and 130 hours is the generally recognised and accepted time standard for Practitioner of NLP training for most NLP Associations. Practitioner of NLP courses offered by NLPTRB trainers require a minimum of 160 hours, excluding breaks over a minimum of 18 days.

Process not Content:

The field of NLP makes the distinction between process and content. NLP is a process (not content) model. Content models are not NLP! I have seen books marketed as NLP texts that contain content rituals under the guise of NLP techniques. Skilled NLP trainers make the distinction when teaching between process and pattern and content examples. NLP does not include mysticism or personality type labelling and training programmes that include these classes of material are not teaching pure NLP! NLP does not include content beliefs!

5. What is the relationship between NLP and Timelines?

Timelines: and timeline techniques are a part of Neuro-Lingusitic Programming.

Timelines as models in NLP originated in two forms. Mental timelines where modelled and described by Steve and Connirae Andreas, physical timelines by John Grinder and Robert Dilts. Most reputable NLP organisations teach one or more timeline models as part of their NLP Practitioner trainings.

6. What is the relationship between NLP and accelerated learning?

As NLP explores and builds models (modelling) of how we do what we do (through providing a methodology that studies the relationship between how we think, communicate and behave), NLP provides a technology for accelerating learning. NLP deals in patterns of effective thinking and communication, so accelerated learning occurs as a byproduct of NLP methodology (multi-sensory teaching, multiple descriptions, pattern detection). NLP provides accelerated learning in and of itself without using the 'accepted' rituals of 'Accelerated Learning' (background music, coloured pens, scripted lessons, short activities). These were designed by Lozanov specifically for learning languages. They are part of a content description of a teaching method designed to engage the learners' attention fully, in all senses and in different mind states. The engagement of these criteria is found in NLP without the content ritual of formal 'accelerated learning'.

References:

Bostic St. Clair, Carmen., Grinder, John. (2001). Whispering in the Wind. Scotts Valley, CA: J & C Enterprises.

Collingwood, Julia., Collingwood, Chris. (2001). The NLP Field Guide; Part 1. A reference manual of Practitioner level patterns.

DeLozier, Judith., Grinder, John. (1987). Turtles all the Way Down; Prerequisites to Personal Genius. Bonny Doon CA: Grinder, DeLozier and Associates.

Dilts, Robert., Grinder, John., Bandler, Richard., Cameron-Bandler, Leslie., DeLozier, Judith. (1980). Neuro-Linguistic Programming Volume 1; The study of the structure of subjective experience. Cupertino, CA: Meta Publications.