You might have heard the terms 'NLP' or 'Neuro Linguistic Programming'. Often used as a therapy, it's about the language of the brain. Or, in a manner of speaking, how to talk to yourself!
The Foundation of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Richard Bandler and John Grinder developed NLP in the 1970's. They created it as a way to do two things: Model (copy) people, and improve.
For example, using NLP, you can copy the way a successful golfer swings his club, and you can even improve on it.
NLP as Therapy
Bandler and Grinder decided to use NLP to model therapists. (Bandler explains his motivation, saying that he had a problem with the way psychiatry was done in those days.) They modelled successful therapists from all over the world, including world-class family therapists, psychiatrists (despite Bandler's reservations), and cognitive behavioural therapists.
Still using NLP, they refined the results, improving and simplifying the skills that they discovered.
As a result, Bandler and Grinder created a "toolbox" of therapies for various types of problems. For example, tools to handle most phobias, some allergies, certain types of depression, issues with self-confidence or self-esteem, and so on. It also includes hypnosis as a tool.
NLP does not stand still. Bandler and Grinder, among others, continue to model excellence in therapy, which means that NLP continues to be refined and improved.
NLP in Sport
Therapy is not the only valid use of NLP. It has been used in sports improvement, too. It can address two sides: The physical side, such as copying the way a successful batter holds his bat; and the mental side, such as the process that a batter takes to prepare his mind for the oncoming ball.
NLP in Business
Naturally, with profits always a concern, it didn't take long for businesses to cotton on to the fact that NLP could help with business processes and, especially, staff productivity – morale, teamwork, accuracy, and so on.
NLP and Other Therapies
NLP makes an excellent fit with many other therapies. Thus, not only has NLP gathered its tools and skills from other therapists, but also other therapies have copied some of NLP's discoveries. For example, modern hypnotherapy has taken a lot from NLP. It's not uncommon to find a therapist who is also qualified in NLP.
NLP and…
The same is true for other areas. Life Coaching, for example, which is not a therapy, has taken on board some NLP to improve its effectiveness. The same is true for Business Coaching (a form of Life Coaching).
