Born from behavioral observation, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) designates a whole set of techniques (dissociation, reframing, etc.) and methods aimed at promoting the personal development of the individual. In this article, you will discover what NLP is in detail, its principles, its history, its benefits, the course of a session, how to become an NLP specialist as well as the contraindications.

Neuro-linguistic programming is concerned with how humans function in a given environment, based on their behavioral patterns. Through a set of techniques and methods, NLP helps to change the way an individual perceives his environment. Indeed, each individual has a map of the world which is specific to him, and which is modulated by his beliefs and his conditioning. The purpose of NLP is to modify this map in order to enable the individual to achieve their goals more effectively. NLP therefore provides the necessary tools to make personal and structural changes, in order to create new potential for success in all areas of life.

In other words, it leads us to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. There are no failures, there are only experiences that teach us and allow us to evolve.

The main principles

Neuro-linguistic programming is primarily concerned with “How to make it work well?” Rather than “Why is this not working?” “. It suggests recognizing the behaviors we adopt when communicating, and then making changes if desired.

• “Programming” refers to the fact that we are conditioned by our environment which encompasses a system of beliefs and behaviors. During our lifetime, each individual unconsciously sets up programs that orchestrate their reactions and emotions, whether positively or negatively.

• “Neuro” means that these programs are encoded in our neural circuits.

• “Linguistics” refers to language. Whether verbal or non-verbal, it reflects how we represent reality to ourselves.

Following a review of the publications relating to neurolinguistic programming, we can only note that there are very few studies on the subject. However, some studies attest to its effectiveness in certain areas that we will develop below.

Improved mother-child relationship

A study showed that neurolinguistic programming sessions led to an improvement in the home environment (children’s walks, toys available, family routine and discipline). On the other hand, these had not made it possible to improve the mental development of the children as well as the mental health of the mother.

Improved performance and decreased anxiety in claustrophobia

A prospective study of 50 patients who failed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam due to claustrophobia showed that NLP sessions improved performance in 76% of patients (who after the sessions were successful in complete the exam). In addition, a significant decrease in the level of anxiety was observed.

Treatment of phobias

In a 2008 study on phobic individuals, NLP sessions helped reduce participants’ phobic symptoms. This could be explained by the fact that NLP makes it possible to modify cognitive and behavioral patterns, and thus, to interrupt limiting patterns and generate more adapted responses.

Reduction of anxiety

A 1992 study found that learning certain NLP techniques resulted in reduced anxiety among participants, as well as an increase in their sense of control.

Improvement of psychological difficulties and quality of life

A 2010 study investigated the effect of NLP sessions on participants with psychological problems. The participants were divided into 2 groups: a control group and a group that followed NLP sessions. The results revealed a significant decrease in clinical symptoms and an improvement in the quality of life of participants in the NLP group, compared to the control group. In addition, the therapeutic improvements were still present five months after the end of therapy.For years, NLP has been used to teach individuals to communicate better, to better manage conflicts, to unblock certain situations by intervening in them. logical levels (environment, behaviors, capacities, beliefs, identity), to improve the management of their emotions and their resources as well as their self-confidence. However, there are still no scientific studies that can confirm without a doubt the effectiveness of NLP in these fields.

The specialist

The fields of application of NLP are very diverse: therapies, personal development approach, hypnotherapy, coaching… This is why various professionals in the helping relationship include neurolinguistic programming in their intervention tools. They can be psychologists, hypnotherapists, coaches …

It is important to specify that the title of teacher in neurolinguistic programming is not a reserved title. However, there are national and international associations that have strict certification standards. However, these organizations do not always get along with each other.

Course of a session

In conversational form, the practitioner identifies the issue and determines the objective with the client by asking a set of questions (What exactly do you want? Why is it important to you? How will you know when you have achieved your objective? What will you need to achieve your goal?). He directs his questions towards solutions rather than the story that generated the situation.

Then according to his practice, the practitioner uses the tools at his disposal in order to remove the unconscious blockages of his client and to promote behavioral change. In hypnosis for example the client can be plunged into a state of hypnotic trance by inductions which saturate the conscious part and allow the unconscious to receive all the suggestions which are addressed to it to replace the behaviors which pose a problem.

Become a therapist

The basic training, allowing to discover the main tools of neurolinguistic programming generally lasts 4 days. Additional training, which lasts 15 to 20 days spread over a few months, makes it possible to obtain the title of “practitioner”. The training of “master practitioner” allows to acquire new techniques and lasts 15 to 20 days more. There are also post-graduate training courses specializing in various fields: psychotherapy, business, sales, conflict management, etc.

Contraindications of? Neurolinguistic programming

There are no specific contraindications to NLP.

Neuro-linguistic programming was created in the 1970s by Americans John Grinder and Richard Bandler. By observing people considered to be role models in their field, they identified the behaviors that enabled these people to achieve that excellence. Tools have thus been designed to accurately describe these types of behaviors. The instigators of neurolinguistic programming have developed simple and rapid techniques to enable other people to appropriate these patterns of behavior. The goal is to achieve lasting changes in the way he acts on a daily basis.

“I am a certified practitioner in NLP, Ericksonian Hypnosis and Humanist, I integrate the tools of NLP in all my hypnotherapy sessions. NLP is above all very interesting for identifying unconscious patterns and breaking free from them. Using NLP tools builds self-confidence. Better communication means living better in your environment and being able to move forward. These tools are very effective and fairly easy to use. The results are long-lasting since it teaches us to manage our potential and our inner resources in order to be autonomous. The number of sessions is variable according to each person and each problematic but everyone is receptive if the will to free oneself is genuine and forte.»