What Is Neuro Linguistic Programming 101?
One of the popular hypnosis techniques is called neuro linguistic programming (NLP). At first, the concept seems almost like science fiction; that we can re-program the brain to think more efficiently and inevitably change our behavioral patterns by doing so, yet if you really think about it, NLP hypnosis makes perfect sense. We have all had times where we are cognizant that our depressive or angry thoughts are detrimental to our mood and our health, but it seems like we just can’t stop ourselves. The goal of neuro linguistics is to help individuals regain that control and learn how to stop themselves from thinking and acting against their own best interests.
NLP was developed in the early seventies at the University of California at Santa Cruz. Scientists Richard Bandler and John Grinder were hoping to answer the question: “What makes people effective and successful?” One aspect of the study focused on language and how happy, successful individuals communicated. By analyzing how communication affected behavior, researchers were able to find some patterns. They found that certain words connected directly with people’s senses, emotions and memories. Often in NLP hypnosis, a patient will be put into a state of trance and told a story. In that story, vivid imagery will be used; for example a beautiful blue lake, white puffy clouds or a clear flowing stream. It is believed that these images will aid in their relaxation, imagination and transformation.
There are a number of techniques used in neuro linguistic programming to treat patients but no progress will take place until the mind is properly conditioned. Linguists say that positive pre-suppositions can help us get ahead. We must tell ourselves the following; if someone can do something, then anyone can learn it; communication goes beyond words and includes body language; behind every behavior is a positive intention; every behavior is useful in some way; no one is wrong or broken; choice is better than no choice; there is only feedback, not failure. By understanding and believing in these ideas, a person can begin to view the world as a learning experience and will be able to focus on communication as an acquirable skill. This may sound more like common sense than hypnosis training, but it often takes a lot of repetition and firm resolve to change how a person thinks, thus opening the door to recovery.
Neuro linguistic programming is most commonly found on a deep sleep hypnosis CD or in a power of positive thinking audio book. Unlike traditional hypnosis, this is a more subliminal hypnosis that relaxes the subject into a state of trance. Even though modern science disputes that language can alter someone’s state of mind, the fact that people can slip into a more suggestible state simply by listening to the therapist’s vague language offers some credence to this pseudo-science. The only way to truly know is to try it.
Tags: Hypnosis NLP
