Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970s. The premise of NLP is that there is a connection between neurological processes, language, and behavioral patterns that have been learned through experience. NLP posits that these can be changed to achieve specific goals in life.
Key Concepts
- Modeling: One of the foundational ideas in NLP is that skills and behaviors can be ‘modeled’ or copied from successful individuals to accelerate learning.
- Representational Systems: NLP suggests that we experience the world through sensory systems like sight, hearing, and touch, and that we form internal representations of the world based on these experiences.
- Submodalities: These are the finer distinctions of our sensory experiences, like the volume or pitch of a sound, or the brightness or color of a visual image.
- Anchoring: This is the process of associating an internal response with some external or internal trigger, so that the response can be quickly and sometimes covertly re-accessed.
- Meta Model: A framework that identifies ambiguous or missing information in communication. It seeks to clarify language to improve understanding.
- Milton Model: Named after Milton Erickson, a pioneer in modern hypnotherapy, this model uses vague and ambiguous language to help induce a trance or problem-solving state.
Techniques and Applications
NLP offers a variety of techniques that proponents claim can be used to improve self-awareness, communication skills, influence, and problem-solving. Some common techniques include:
- Rapport Building: Learning how to create instant ‘rapport’ with others, often through matching or mirroring their body language, tone of voice, and words.
- Reframing: Changing the way you perceive an event and therefore changing its meaning and its emotional impact on you.
- Swish Patterns: A technique aimed at replacing an undesirable emotional response with a more useful one.
- Visual/Kinesthetic Dissociation (VKD): Also known as the ‘Fast Phobia Cure,’ intended to help people with traumatic memories by separating the emotional charge from the visual memory of the event.
Criticisms and Controversy
Despite its popularity, NLP has faced significant criticism:
- Lack of Empirical Support: Many scientific reviews of NLP have highlighted the lack of empirical evidence to support its efficacy.
- Pseudoscientific: Critics argue that NLP uses scientific-sounding terminology but lacks the rigorous methodological and theoretical foundation to be considered a valid science.
- Ethical Concerns: Some techniques aim at subtle manipulation, raising ethical questions, especially when applied in contexts like sales or politics.
While many individuals claim personal benefits from using NLP techniques, it’s important to approach it critically and be aware of the limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. As always, for psychological issues, it’s recommended to consult qualified healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment options suitable for you.
