NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) like hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy. However, unlike hypnosis, NLP is a comparatively new treatment and it is still considered controversial by some (probably many in the world of psychological therapy). This is mainly because it offers what are, by comparison with traditional counselling approaches, very quick treatments for some complex emotional and behavioural issues.

NLP can be used to treat a diverse range of psychological disorders ranging from phobias to anger management and over eating.

What is NLP

NLP was originated in the 1970's and combines neurology, language and programming to produce a discipline that can retrain thought patterns to produce a better or more positive outcome. It is based on replacing one set of thought processes with another “better” set. E.g. changing a fear of spiders into a more positive feeling about spiders, thus removing any phobia or fear.

Today NLP is used extensively in self development and in some business training environments, however NLP has been widely used to treat phobias, mental and emotional problems and to change negative or destructive behavioural patterns.

NLP works by having a therapist make the patient aware of various techniques that can be used to make a change in a thought process, or a collection of actions that would benefit from change. Often this method uses a mental awareness of the senses to heighten the patient's recognition of what they were doing (wrong) and how they can create a new more positive set of images. These new thought patterns are then used to replace the old ones and the problem, phobia or mental anguish is removed.

NLP versus more conventional psychological therapy

When dealing with psychological disorders, one of the main areas of contention between conventional psychologists and NLP practitioners is the fact that NLP sees no need to bring out, discuss and resolve hidden issues.

This long process is seen as necessary by a psychologist, but NLP assumes that overcoming the problem does not necessarily mean that some deep rooted issue needs to be unearthed. NLP assumes that, if a new and better mode of thought can replace an old and negative one, then understanding why the negative one arose in the first place is unnecessary.

NLP is used extensively in complementary private practice and practitioners can be found at many complementary therapy clinics. Many are also hypnotherapists.

Finding an NLP practitioner

Because, like so many other complementary therapies, there is no formal training or registration for NLP, this therapy is largely self regulating. There are a number of associations for which practitioner membership can be gained, however each of these bodies is self governing and does not need to comply with a national standard or legal accreditation. For this reason, the best way to find an NLP practitioner is through a recognised clinic or by recommendation.