Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP, is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in California, United States, in the 1970s. NLP is a powerful tool for change that explores the relationship between how we think (neuro), how we communicate (linguistics), and our patterns of behavior and emotion (programs).
NLP was first defined as the study of the structure of subjective experience. However, this definition does not convey the richness, depth and usefulness of this remarkable approach to communication and change. A more pragmatic definition is that NLP is the process of modeling that involves figuring out how the brain ('neuro') is operating, analyzing the patterns of language ('linguistics') and other types of communication, and then putting those patterns together. ('programming') for practical use.
NLP has its roots in the work of Fritz Perls, the creator of Gestalt therapy, and Virginia Satir, the noted family therapist. Bandler and Grinder began by studying Perls and Satir's exceptional communication patterns and found that despite their very different approaches, there were patterns underlying their work that could be used to replicate and teach their communication skills.
The goal of NLP is to provide tools and skills for developing states of individual excellence, but it also establishes a system of empowering beliefs and assumptions about what it is to be human. NLP provides a pragmatic and realistic perspective of how the human mind works. At the same time, it offers a flexible and effective approach to change.
Bandler and Grinder's early work focused on modeling - the task of duplicating exceptional behavior. They believed that if they could do what exceptional people do, they could get similar results. This led to the creation of language and behavior models that could be used to identify exceptional thinking and behavior patterns.
NLP is often associated with psychology, but it is actually an independent discipline that transcends any individual field. It has been used in therapy, business, education, health, art, sports and many other fields. NLP is a pragmatic, results-oriented approach that focuses on "how" to do things rather than "why" things are done a certain way.
In short, NLP is a powerful tool for change that allows people to better understand their own minds and those of others. She provides practical strategies and techniques for personal change, individual excellence, and improved communication. NLP is an approach that allows people to achieve more than they ever thought possible, both in their personal and professional lives.
