Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)

NLP was initially created by linguist Dr John Grinder and computer scientist and Gestalt therapist Dr Richard Bandler. Together they produced a linguistic model that identified the language patterns of a few gifted individuals such as hypnotherapist Milton Erickson MD. Fritz Perls of Gestalt therapy, anthropologist Gregory Bateson and Virgina Satir of Family Systems Therapy. The synthesis of their findings, a blend of cognitive and behavioural science, resulted in the technology known as Neuro Linguistic Programming. In the 20+ years since it was first developed, NLP has grown, changed and expanded and it continues to do so today.

NLP has three main elements: The ‘Neuro’ refers to neurology, ie how mind and body are linked through the nervous system. The ‘Linguistics’ is about language, ie how we influence each other and ourselves by the use of language. The ‘Programming’ is about repeated sequences of thought and behaviour, ie how we act to gain our goals and the consequences of our actions.

Nearly 2500 years ago, Hippocrates taught that being healthy was evidence that an individual had achieved a state of harmony both mentally and physically and that what affects the mind affects the body.

NLP therefore, is a psychotherapeutic technique which teaches us to change our responses to environment, behaviour, beliefs and values in ourselves and others.

It has hence been used very successfully to treat many physical and psychological conditions including stress, phobias, depression, anxiety, pain, grief, sleep disorders, obesity, anorexia, bulimia, insecurity, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and many more.

NLP is an effective, proven vehicle for accelerated human change, radically altering the “old way” of lengthy psychotherapy.