Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) was developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler, a mathematician, and John Grinder, a linguist.
NLP was intended to represent a whole mind-body system, with connections between neurological processes ("neuro"), language ("linguistic") and learned behavioural strategies ("programming"). It was originally developed as a means of understanding how people process information, construct meaning and schemas, and perform skills to achieve results. NLP modelling helps to understand the patterns of one’s own behaviours in order to model the more successful parts of oneself.
- NLP aims to represent a whole mind-body system
The basic assumption of NLP is that internal mental processes, such as problem solving, memory, and language consist of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory and auditory digital (self-talk) (VAK or VAKOG) representations that are engaged when people think about problems, tasks or activities, or engage in them.
Bandler and Grinder believe that the practitioner is able to ascertain the current sensory mode of thinking of a client from external cues such as eye accessing cues, and sensory predicates (verbal cues). Our "internal representations" have an impact on our performance. NLP techniques generally aim to change behaviour through:
- altering the internal representations
- examining the way a person represents a problem
- building desirable representations of alternative outcomes or goals.
NLP’s action-orientated approach is well-suited to career practice. Goal setting and career planning, for instance, incorporate techniques such as anchoring and reframing, where clients develop self-managing skills that help them transition successfully into new careers or lifestyles.
Sources
- Diltz, R, Grinder, J, Bandler, R, and DeLozier, J, 'Neuro-linguistic Programming: The Study of the Structure of Subjective Experience', California: Meta Publications, 1980.
- Mulhauser, G, ‘An Introduction to Person-Centred Counselling’, accessed February 2009, (www.counsellingresource.com).
- Tosey, Dr P, and Mathison, Dr J, 'Introducing Neuro-Linguistic Programming', accessed February 2009, (www.nlpresearch.org).
Further reading
- Bandler, R, and Grinder, J, 'Frogs into Princes – Neuro Linguistic Programming', Utah: Real People Press, 1979.
- O’Connor, J, Seymour, J, and Dilts, R, 'Introducing Neuro-linguistic Programming: The New Psychology of Personal Excellence', Toronto: Aquarian Press, 1995.
