“ The strategies, tools and techniques of NLP represent an opportunity unlike any other for the exploration of human functioning, or more precisely, that rare and valuable subset of human functioning known as genius.” John Grinder (co-creator of NLP)
Introduction
As a therapist and now a practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), my goal has always been to assist clients in accessing their inner strengths and unlocking their potential. Since completing the NLP Practitioner & Master Training with the Irish Institute of NLP, under the guidance of Brian Colbert, a respected authority in this field. This transformative experience deepened my understanding of the subconscious mind, human behaviour, and personal growth, enabling me to incorporate even more effective techniques into my therapeutic practice.
NLP is not just a set of tools for better communication; it is a comprehensive model for comprehending how individuals think, feel, and behave. Through this training, I have witnessed how powerful these strategies can be in helping individuals overcome limiting beliefs, reduce stress, and achieve profound, long-lasting change.
What exactly is NLP, and what makes it so effective?
Created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970s, NLP proposes that there is a connection between our neurological processes (neuro), language (linguistic), and learned behavioural patterns from our experiences (programming). By altering the way we use language and interact with our thoughts, we can modify our behaviour and emotional state, leading to new outcomes.
In Bandler’s words, “NLP is an attitude and methodology that leaves behind a trail of techniques.” It isn’t solely about following steps but rather adopting a mindset that encourages continuous progress and transformation. Embracing this mindset through my training has allowed me to develop a more dynamic and adaptable approach to my therapy sessions
Milton Erickson, a renowned psychiatrist and hypnotherapist, has greatly influenced the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. With his belief in the power of the subconscious mind and his indirect approach to therapy, he has become an integral part of many therapeutic models. Erickson’s methods involve bypassing conscious resistance, using storytelling and metaphors, and respecting the wisdom of the unconscious mind. His groundbreaking techniques have deeply shaped modern psychotherapy and continue to be a cornerstone in NLP. Co-founders Bandler and Grinder incorporated many of Erickson’s principles, such as language patterns and hypnosis, into the NLP model for personal change. I have found that, integrating these techniques has allowed clients to overcome barriers and achieve rapid and lasting transformations.
Bandler and Grinder, two pioneers in the field of personal development, joined forces in the 1970s to create a revolutionary psychological model known as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Bandler, originally a mathematics and computer science student, had a profound interest in psychotherapy and understanding human behaviour. His partner, Grinder, was a linguist with a specialisation in the structure of language and communication. Together, they embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets of highly successful therapists and communicators such as Milton Erickson, Virginia Satir, and Fritz Perls.
Through their studies and observations, Bandler and Grinder developed NLP – a methodology focused on replicating excellence by understanding the underlying structure of subjective experience how people think, communicate, and behave. This groundbreaking work transformed the field of personal development by providing practical tools for individuals to take control of their mental processes and achieve personal and professional growth. As Bandler once exclaimed, “The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat can influence your life by 30 to 50 years.” This core belief is at the heart of NLP’s empowering approach that empowers individuals to transform their thinking patterns, emotional responses, and behaviours.
The Role of NLP in Personal Empowerment
Having completed training with Brian Colbert, I have seen firsthand the practical applications of NLP in my therapy practice. The experience was not only informative but also deeply transformative. Brian’s passionate and engaging teaching style emphasized the focus on results that echoes Bandler’s philosophy – “NLP is not about why we have a problem; it’s about how we can change the problem into a solution.”
NLP has been proven effective through studies and anecdotal evidence. Techniques like anchoring and reframing have shown success in managing stress and trauma. NLP interventions can be as effective as CBT for treating emotional issues in a shorter amount of time. Brian emphasizes the practical, results-oriented nature of NLP and its ability to create rapid change. In my own practice, I have seen clients experience transformations after just a few NLP sessions, such as overcoming public speaking anxiety through anchoring and reframing techniques.
What makes NLP truly unique is its focus on empowerment. It puts clients in the driver’s seat of their own lives, teaching them how to take control of their mental and emotional states. As Bandler famously said, “you can’t change the past, but you can change how you feel about it.” This has become a cornerstone of my work with clients who struggle with past traumas or limiting beliefs.
Through NLP, I guide clients to recognize that their emotional responses and behaviours are not fixed they are patterns that can be changed. By giving them the tools to change these patterns, NLP fosters a deep sense of personal empowerment.
Transforming Therapy with NLP
The completion of my NLP Practitioner & Master Training has brought about profound changes in both the results I see in my clients and the way I approach therapy. This comprehensive program has provided me with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between thoughts, language, and behaviours, allowing me to incorporate more precise techniques into my work. One of the most impactful transformations has been my newfound ability to guide clients in accessing their subconscious minds with greater efficacy. Through this process, we are able to uncover and transform limiting beliefs, fears, and emotional blocks that often operate beneath conscious awareness.
The powerful tools and techniques learned in NLP have greatly enhanced my ability to facilitate rapid and long-lasting breakthroughs for my clients. These methods allow for the rewiring of emotional responses and shifting deeply ingrained patterns in just a matter of sessions instead of months.
Moreover, NLP has beautifully complemented my background in trauma-informed care. As trauma often resides in the subconscious mind, NLP techniques gently access these underlying patterns and offer new, empowering perspectives. By integrating this approach with holistic healing practices, I am now able to offer clients an authentic and well-rounded experience that addresses their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.
It has also equipped me with a fresh set of tools to work with clients in real-time, helping them gain control over their internal states, build resilience, and tap into the immense power of their minds to manifest their desired outcomes. In this way, NLP has revolutionized not only how I work but also the positive impact I can have on the lives of those I serve. Finally I am deeply grateful to Brian and Theresa for their support and encouragement. If you want to know more you can contact them https://nlp.ie/
Reference:
Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The structure of magic. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL5191726M/The_structure_of_magic
Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The Structure of Magic: A Book about Language and Therapy.
Einspruch, E. L., & Forman, B. D. (1985). Observations concerning research literature on neuro-linguistic programming. Journal of Counselling Psychology, 32(4), 589–596. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.32.4.589
Taler, I. (1991). Neurolinguistic Programming: A selective bibliography. Reference Services Review, 19(4), 49–62. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb049138
The Irish Institute of Neuro-Linguistic Programming – NLP Ireland. (2024, August 8). NLP Ireland. https://nlp.ie/
Weakland, J. H. (1976). Bandler & Grinder. Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D.Volume I. Cupertino, Ca.: Meta Publications, 1975. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 19(2), 129–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.1976.10403856
Rosen, S. (2010). My Voice Will Go with You: The Teaching Tales of Milton H. Erickson. W. W. Norton & Company.
