Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is described as “the study of excellence” and “the objective study of subjective behaviour” is both qualitative and quantitative in its methodology producing highly effective results in those delegates that master its strategies and techniques. This research is the embodiment of over 35 years of collective study of why people behave and speak the way they do, comparing the results of high achievers and modelling their behaviour and communication. NLP is concerned with making the human mind conscious of any unconscious experience in order to manage attitude and behaviour more appropriately. NLP is one of the fastest growing facets of applied psychology.

THE HISTORY OF NLP

NLP began its journey in 1972 when John Grinder, Professor of Linguistics at the University of California and Richard Bandler, a psychology student at the same University collaborated on a project that would change history. Their project involved modelling the strategies of three prominent therapists: Fritz Perls, founder of Gestalt Therapy, Virginia Satir, the leading family therapist at the time and Milton Erickson, the world-famous hypnotherapist and Medical Doctor. Bandler and Grinder documented their studies between 1975-77 in their books The Structure of Magic 1 and 2 and Patterns 1 and 2, which have inspired a multitude of further books, significant contributors being Robert Dilts, Dr Wyatt Woodsmall, Judith DeLozier and L. Michael Hall to mention but a few. The aim of their study was twofold: to develop a system by which behavioural excellence could be modelled and to make their discoveries readily available for usage by the layperson. NLP became very popular in a short space of time gaining international recognition.

THE NAME

NEURO: Neurology is the science concerned with nerves and the nervous system and so acknowledges the fact that the five human senses make up a person’s unique experience of the world.

LINGUISTIC: Linguistics is the science of language. Our attitude and behaviour stems from how we make sense of unique experience and the vehicle by which we do this is communication, both internally and externally.

PROGRAMMING: in the context of NLP is concerned with the understanding that all human behaviour has a specific code – a strategy – that enables the person to achieve an outcome.