What is NLP? What are the origins? What are the benefits?

NLP is the abbreviation for Neuro Linguistic Programming with neuro being related to the brain or nervous system, linguistic is language and programming is programming as in computer science. However this definition does not really define and explain what it is! NLP explores the relationship between how you think (neuro), how you communicate both verbally and non-verbally (linguistic) and your patterns of behaviour (programming). NLP is beneficial as it enables you to communicate more effectively with others, understand your internal representations of events and situations, anchor positive and empowering states which ultimately affect how you respond and behave to given situations or events. NLP is useful in eliminating limiting beliefs or negative emotions.

NLP was conceived in the early 1970’s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. Richard Bandler was a student at Santa Cruz University and into computers and Gestalt Therapy and John Grinder was a Linguistics Professor. The major influences which have played a part in NLP are: general semantics (Alfred Korzybski), logical levels (Gregory Bateson), stimulus and response (Ivan Pavlov), family therapy/meta model (Virginia Satir), hypnosis (Milton Erickson), gestalt therapy (Fritz Perls), systems theory (Galanter, Miller and Pribram), and psychology (William James).

Benefits of understanding and applying NLP

• You understand how you communicate and make internal representations of an external event and how a lot of information is deleted, generalised and distorted in some way which affects the way you interpret or make meaning of the event
• NLP can assist you to regain the deleted information
• How you can produce the best possible behaviour by following the five principles for success, the keys to an achievable outcome and ensure your goals or outcomes are well formed
• How to build rapport with others through understanding of representational systems, predicates, eye patterns and changes in physiology
• How to change your submodalities to change your behaviour for improved results
• How to create anchors for more positive and empowering behaviours
• How to improve your strategies for learning, spelling and motivation
• How to conduct more effective and outcome based meetings using NLP
• How to achieve higher sales through the 5 step sales process
• How to negotiate more effectively with others so that it is a win, win situation

The benefits of NLP are extensive and there is insufficient space to be able to list them. However, all you need to know is that NLP is an effective tool or coaching technique that will take your life and/or business to a new level of excellence. NLP can be used with individuals, groups, teams and organisations.