What is NLP?

Its aim is to identify the patterns and structures used by people who excel in any field - the ways they think, feel and behave – and to share this learning with others.  It is increasingly used as a tool in business and education to aid more effective communication, personal and organisational development as well as to provide a means by which learning can be accelerated.

• Neuro - relates to the nervous system and what happens in the brain/mind. Neurological processes influence thinking, emotions, physiology and behaviour.
• Linguistic – refers to language and other non-verbal communication processes through which experience is recorded and coded and through which we communicate with others.
• Programming – focuses on the ability to discover and use the patterns of behaviour that are effective.

The roots of NLP lie in the work of Bandler (a psychologist), Grindler (a linguist) and Bateson (an anthropologist, who had a particular interest in communication and systems theory) in the early 1970s. They undertook research into styles of language, brain patterns and the internal mental representations that link words and actions in successful people. Since that time it has been further developed and has parallels with some of the more recent studies in the fields of neuroscience and psychology.

Through the study of thought processes, language patterns and human behaviour NLP offers an insight into what makes an individual, or an organisation, outstanding. By sharing these building blocks with others, through modelling and the use of a variety of tools, it provides a means by which an individual is able to tap into inner resources, access their potential and achieve their personal goals. At an organisational level, it supports an understanding of how to tap into the vast reservoir of talent present in its people so opening the door to new learning, greater motivation and increased results.

At a very practical level NLP can aid more positive thinking by helping individuals understand what they can do to make a difference through, for example, being more effective communicators, problem solvers, motivators and learners.

Sue Spencer-Harrison

Can't find the answer to your question?

See all FAQS or ask us