The techniques involved with NLP
offer models, methods and guiding principles to help to decipher why people do
the things they do. NLP is the acronym
for neuro-linguistic programming. The psychological therapy was developed by
Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder in the 1970's.
It was their belief that an intimate and intense connection existed between the
neurological manner in which the brain functioned as well as behavior and
language, not to mention the programming an individual was subjected to as a
result of their life experiences.
It is a combination of all of these items taken together that encourages and
supports an individual's motivation to aspire to and achieve what they wish to
accomplish in terms of goals and life pursuits.
The basics of NLP focus in on human experience and how individuals relate to it
in their own unique ways. This then leads to an exploration of communication
and interaction. NLP is about asking what and why you said what you did and
what and why you did what you did. These items can influence both thoughts as
well as actions.
Core Elements of NLP:
The core belief of NLP is every one
of us filters information and then perceives that information based on our ideas
about people, places and things formed because of previous life's experiences.
Our five senses are an important part of this. However, not everyone processes
information in the same way. Perception varies from one individual to another.
Your own personal life experiences play a paramount role in how you perceive
what happens to you in your life. That is why not everyone sees the world in
the same way. Everyone is looking at the world subjectively and from their own
viewpoint.
For example, if a person tries something that does not turn out well or leads
to failure, rejection or humiliation then next time they are faced with a
similar situation they will be hesitant. On the other hand, someone who has
never dealt with the situation before will look upon it with a fresh
perspective and a fresh pair of eyes.
Segmenting NLP:
Every person has a mental filtering
system in their mind.
Every day millions of pieces of information come from different sources and
enter the mind. These sources are absorbed into the brain via the five senses.
It is what we see, hear, touch, taste and smell that makes up our first mental
map of the world. This is referred to as "first access." In other
words, it is the first step in the process of information gathering for the brain.
Let us look at the difference between linguistic and programming.
The linguistic side of NLP techniques is known as the linguistic map or the
linguistic representation. Special meanings are attached to all of the images
and ideas that enter our head.
For example, an image can be given a feeling, taste and/or memory. This is
considered to be the second mental map. This is because the sensations have now
become a part of the mind and mental landscape that lies within.
The programming side of NLP is where our behavior stems. Data is processed in
the brain and from there it affects the way in which we interact with others
and how we communicate and behave in our day-to-day lives.
Self-Improvement NLP Techniques:
NLP techniques cover a tremendous
scope. They can be used to examine and analyze behavior in both personal
relationships as well as work relationships.
Two of the key concepts are modeling the behavior of others you look up to as
well as visualizing yourself being successful in given situations. NLP
techniques are used to improve interpersonal communication with others and are
often combined with other types of skills such as rapport, language patterns
and calibration.
The techniques of NLP can be learned through study with a professionally trained
NLP practitioner. This is the best way to learn as it allows for direct contact
and communication as well as immediate feedback.
NLP and Hypnosis:
NLP can be combined with hypnosis as
they compliment each other. Hypnosis puts the patient in a state where the
subconscious is open to suggestions using the language of NLP.
When language and hypnosis are combined, improvements can be made in almost any
area of one's life. A desired behavior can become apparent thanks to hypnotic
suggestions combined with the proper phrasing of words and complete sentences.
In fact hypnosis can make it possible to become better at language and the art
of conversation. A hypnotherapist trained in NLP can use the techniques to
reprogram the mind. The appropriate language can be encouraging and supportive
in terms of improving the way we talk, communicate and behave.
It is all a matter of replacing negative words with positive words. NLP takes
the thought patterns that have caused the development of a bad habit and uses
them as a learning tool to get rid of the habit.
NLP Techniques in Brief:
Common NLP techniques include:
- Anchoring
- Swish
- Reframing
Anchoring - This technique involves a feeling becoming associated with a
person, object, place, etc. The feeling is a special or unique anchor that
connects the two. Whenever you smell baking that reminds you of being in your
grandmother's house or when you hear a song on the radio that takes you back to
the high school dances you fondly remember attending, anchoring is taking place
in your head.
Swish - This type of technique has to do with trading one type of image
for another. The second image should be a more positive and reaffirming one
that helps to set you on the right path. You start with one image and then
replace it with a cued image that is more positive in nature. This serves to
rid an individual of a bad habit or to improve a way of communicating that is
not working as it should be.
Reframing - This is a technique that you probably already use regularly
but did not know that it had a special name. Reframing is a NLP technique
whereby a person alters the way that something is perceived. For example, you
could take something negative and put a positive spin on it.
In the same way, something upsetting or troubling could happen to you so in
response you do something that helps to reaffirm your worth to yourself and the
fact that your life is good, such as thinking of everything you’re grateful for
or humming a favorite tune to cheer yourself up.
