NLP is Neuro Linguistic Programming.
Neuro refers to our neurological system. Every waking moment, we take in information from the world around us. We receive that information through all of our senses (our neurological system). That information is then converted by our minds into our thoughts which generate our emotions and our behaviour. Our minds filter the information, removing anything that is irrelevant and generalising so that we’re not overwhelmed by the detail. Our minds also distort what is going on around us as the information becomes subject to memories of our past experiences. What we are left with is our mind’s eye view of the world. Our own internal representation.
Linguistic refers to our language. We use language in order to communicate and make sense of that world. Our language reveals how our minds work - whether we think in pictures or relate more to the feel about something for example.
Programming refers to the patterns of behaviour that we generate for ourselves. In order to operate day to day, these strategies and instinctive responses to events shape our experiences and responses. A lot of the time, the programmes are helpful and ensure that we achieve what we want. Sometimes there are programmes which we create which are unhelpful and hold us back. For example, a person may develop a fear of flying which stops them visiting places they would like to see or prevents them taking a job involving travel. In extreme cases, these fears become phobias.
The application of NLP helps us to become aware of our own ways of operating. We recognise what is helping us and what is hindering us. Then, we can choose what to address and re-programme those responses that are unhelpful so that we become more successful at what we want to achieve.
As an NLP Practitioner, I work with clients to enable them to become aware of their own maps of the world, to identify the changes that would be helpful and to develop new programmes for themselves.
For example, how often are you called upon to speak in front of a group of people? Perhaps to give a presentation, address an important meeting or network:
I help professionals who are in just that position, experiencing the uncomfortable feelings that nerves and anxiety bring, fearing that they’ll forget what to say or not be taken seriously by their audience. By working with the client to help them see what their response patterns are, I then help them to create a new pattern so that instead of the fear and anxiety, they have all the butterflies flying in formation, they are relaxed, looking forward to speaking and when they deliver their talk, are calm, confident and engaging.
