Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) is a technique aimed at modifying how your mind works, especially your ability to influence other people. This method is criticized in medical circles, and at the same time NLP is used in business or in the advertising world. What is neurolinguistic programming and is it worth getting interested in this method, or should the sense of its existence really be rejected at all?

Neuro-linguistic programming( NLP ) is one of many techniques for modifying behavior and experience. Neurolinguistic programming focuses on the relationship between the functioning of the human neural network (hence the word "neuro" in the NLP name), linguistic (linguistic) aspects, and the resulting behavioral, but also influencing the behavior of other people (collectively understood as programming ). Although it probably sounds quite complicated, in reality neurolinguistic programming is not that difficult to understand, and what's more - basically anyone willing to do so can get acquainted with this technique.

Neurolinguistic programming (NLP): history

NLP had its origins in the 1970s. Basically, this method is derived from the therapeutic method recognized in psychiatry, because of psychotherapy. In the aforementioned period, Richard Bandler analyzed materials presenting, inter alia, Gest alt therapy conducted by its creator, Frederick Perls. Bandler noticed that how patients react to this therapy is closely dependent on the behaviors presented by the therapist, the manner of expression and words used by the therapist. The man himself came to some conclusions, but he needed help, so he invited the linguist John Grinder to cooperate with him.

The authors of the theory of neurolinguistic programming analyzed not only Persl's works - they were also interested in the activities of the psychotherapist Virginia Satir and the psychiatrist Milton Erickson. Bandler and Grinder worked on NLP for several years, published various method publications, and conducted workshops on neurolinguistic programming.

What is Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

The assumptions of neurolinguistic programming are the modifications of one's ownbehaviors and feelings, but also influencing the behavior of other people. Overall, NLP is about creating conscious connections between thoughts and behaviors, as well as using the right words in interpersonal interactions.

One of the most popular NLP techniques is anchoring. It resembles the phenomena of conditioning that have already been discussed in secondary schools. Anchoring is about connecting desired thoughts, emotions and feelings with specific stimuli, e.g. touch, image or sounds. This enigmatic description can be explained as follows: the assumption of neurolinguistic programming is to make, for example, that the patient is able to feel (at his own request) pleasant emotions after touching his body in a certain way or in some specific place. The existence of such a possibility would allow, for example, to reduce the level of stress before an event that may be accompanied by stress (examples of such events include a job interview or taking an important exam).

Other methods of neurolinguistic programming are:

  • modeling
  • trans
  • metaphors
  • timeline
  • re-framing
  • swish pattern
  • double dissociation

The self-awareness of the person who learns NLP techniques is to improve along the path of neurolinguistic programming, and it is also possible to influence the behavior of other people. According to the authors of the concept of neurolinguistic programming, words can have enormous power, and by using them appropriately, it is possible to persuade others to act according to our will, while at the same time feeling that their decisions belong entirely to themselves.

Examples of using NLP in conversations with other people include the skillful use of, for example, words such as:

  • ale: "I got a math 1 today, but I managed to score five goals in PE". The use of the word "but" causes the first part of the sentence to be omitted, even if it concerns negative aspects. After a statement containing this word, the interlocutor focuses mainly on the second part of the sentence after the "but".
  • imagine: "baby, imagine how nice it would be to drive a newer car." When you use this NLP technique, you can manipulate the thoughts of the person you are talking to quite freely. By starting the sentence with "imagine" we lead to the fact that usually in the mind of our interlocutor, even completely independently of his will, the activities or objects mentioned in the sentence appear.

Aboveonly examples of NLP methods for modifying the feelings of interlocutors are mentioned. However, there are many, many more.

Neurolinguistic programming: pros and cons

Neurolinguistic programming can certainly be treated as quite an interesting issue, but there is some controversy associated with it. They concern, for example, the fact that the scientific and medical communities often criticize NLP. One of the sources of criticism of this method is the fact that, according to some specialists, the effectiveness of participation in neurolinguistic programming courses is questionable. It is also controversial that in fact NLP leads to some distortions of reality. According to other people, through neurolinguistic programming you can manipulate other people - and such manipulations do not always have to serve good goals.

On the other hand, there is quite the opposite camp, that is the followers of neurolinguistic programming. The method enjoys the interest of people involved in business, for example, it is used by traders or advertising specialists. Specialized neurolinguistic programming courses are provided as part of training courses aimed at increasing patients' self-motivation and self-awareness. NLP is also used in the course of coaching.

Interestingly, in the case of neurolinguistic programming, the conflict arises between supporters and opponents of this method, but it also occurred between … the creators of NLP themselves. Bandler and Grinder ended their cooperation in the 1980s, but they continued to develop NLP techniques independently of each other. Meanwhile, in 1996, Bandler filed a lawsuit against Grinder, demanding exclusive rights to NLP. Ultimately, however, an agreement was reached in 2001 under which both men are still co-authors of neurolinguistic programming techniques.

About the authorBow. Tomasz NęckiA graduate of medicine at the Medical University of Poznań. An admirer of the Polish sea (most willingly strolling along its shores with headphones in his ears), cats and books. In working with patients, he focuses on always listening to them and spending as much time as they need.

Category:

Psychology