Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy created in the 1970s. The core idea behind NLP is that our thoughts, gestures, and speech interact to shape our perception of the world. By changing elements of our communication, proponents claim we can achieve greater success and happiness.
History and Origins of NLP
NLP was developed in the early 1970s by Richard Bandler, a student at the University of California, and John Grinder, an assistant professor of linguistics. They drew inspiration from the therapeutic techniques of Fritz Perls’ Gestalt therapy and Virginia Satir’s family therapy. They also studied linguistic theories and cybernetics models.
Bandler and Grinder believed it was possible to identify the specific language patterns used by effective therapists like Satir and Perls that could be taught to others. Their first books introduced the Meta Model (1975) and the Milton Model (1975), which provided linguistic tools and models for therapists.
Core Principles and Techniques of NLP
Some core principles that underpin NLP include:
– The map is not the territory – everyone perceives the world differently based on their experiences.
– People already possess all the resources they need to succeed – NLP aims to activate these abilities.
– Outcomes depend greatly on our neurological processes and states.
– Changing behavior and cognition is often best done indirectly using metaphors and stories.
Key techniques used in NLP include anchoring, modeling, reframing, and establishing rapport by matching body language and speech patterns. NLP practitioners also utilize sensory acuity by noticing subtle bodily cues to better understand the patient.
Applications and Uses of NLP
Business and Coaching
A popular application of NLP has been in business coaching and training. Companies employ NLP-trained coaches to help executives improve negotiation skills, leadership qualities, public speaking abilities, and more. NLP techniques are used to set achievable behavioral goals and positively reframe thinking.
Mental Health and Personal Development
NLP has frequently been applied to areas of mental health and personal growth. Therapists may integrate NLP methods into treatment plans to help individuals overcome phobias, anxiety, addiction, emotional distress, and low self-esteem. The goal is to replace self-sabotaging thought patterns with more empowering alternatives through tools like visualization and anchoring. More info: nlp-yurovskiy-kirill.co.uk
Education
Educators have explored using NLP modeling to identify the thought processes of talented learners. Understanding how gifted students think can help develop frameworks to assist struggling students in improving their skills. Some research shows NLP learning methods can enhance information retention and academic performance. However, results have been mixed.
Scientific Research on NLP Effectiveness
Studies Supporting NLP
Some empirical research lends credibility to NLP techniques. Controlled trials have shown techniques like eye movement desensitization, visualization for athletic performance, and the influence of language cues on memory. A few studies confirm NLP can treat select phobias and increase assertiveness. Reviews also highlight the positive impact of NLP-based training programs for teachers and students in areas like classroom management and reading proficiency.
Studies Questioning NLP
However, multiple comprehensive literature reviews have raised doubts about many claims made by NLP advocates. Most techniques have little or no quality evidence supporting their efficacy. An analysis of research published in peer-reviewed journals revealed significant flaws in methodology like inadequate control groups and replication between studies. Scientists have dismissed popular claims about matching sensory predicates and influencing others by synchronizing breathing/body language patterns as pseudoscientific.
Expert Opinions on NLP
Scientific Skepticism
Critics characterize NLP research as incomplete, subjective, and biased. The reliance on anecdotal testimony and absence of testing core psychotherapeutic assumptions leads scientists like psychologist Barry Beyerstein to label NLP as a pseudoscience. Clinical psychologist Frank Gannon argued NLP techniques amount to misleading patients with psychobabble that offers unrealistic quick fixes.
Support Among Practitioners
On the other hand, surveys reveal NLP techniques to be quite popular among therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists with over 60% of respondents using some form of NLP. Numerous practitioners report patient success with NLP interventions for PTSD, addiction treatment, anxiety disorders and more. They emphasize adept and ethical application focused on patient needs rather than rigidly adhering to techniques.
Case Studies and Anecdotal Evidence
Anecdotal evidence and case studies represent a major portion of the supportive evidence behind NLP. Advocates point to examples like acclaimed success stories of using NLP for alcoholism treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic. While anecdotal and not scientifically transferable, to adherents this aligns with NLP’s highly individualistic approach dependent on the therapist-patient relationship.
Ethical Concerns and Controversies
Aggressive Marketing Claims
NLP’s popularity has led to numerous training courses, workshops, and certification programs of varying legitimacy that critics accuse of brainwashing recruits with cult-like devotion. Some advertise exaggerated benefits while dismissing scientific skepticism and ethics. Complaints by ex-members highlight manipulation pressures used by fringe groups on trainees.
Potential Risks
Credible reports also indicate potential psychiatric risks associated with distressing traumatic memories suddenly resurfacing during poorly conducted therapy or training sessions by untrained or negligent NLP practitioner. Patients struggling with mental illnesses may face worse symptoms if the controversial techniques fail. These adverse effects remain a point of concern regarding NLP’s ethical application.
Conclusion – Does NLP Work?
The weight of empirical evidence regarding Neuro Linguistic Programming suggests techniques can prove effective when appropriately used to compliment evidence-based therapies under the guidance of properly trained practitioners in accountable frameworks that prioritize ethics and patient well-being. However, support for many foundational NLP principles is limited. Commercial exploitation also remains an issue. Controlled research accounting for placebo effects and publication biases is required to scientifically evaluate NLP’s theoretical models against real-world results. In conclusion, elements of NLP may contain merit, but the field suffers from pseudo-scientific perceptions, ethical controversies, and lack of regulation.
