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 Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that involves analyzing strategies used by

successful individuals and applying them to reach a personal goal. It relates thoughts, language, and

patterns of behavior  learned through experience to specific outcomes. 

Proponents of NLP assume all human action is positive. Therefore, if a plan fails or the unexpected

happens, the experience is neither good nor bad—it simply presents more useful information.

HISTORY OF NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING

Neuro-linguistic programming was developed in the 1970s at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Its

primary founders are John Grinder , a linguist, and Richard Bandler , an information scientist and

mathematician. Judith DeLozier and Leslie Cameron-Bandler also contributed significantly to the field, as

did David Gordon and Robert Dilts.

Grinder and Bandler's first book on NLP, Structure of Magic: A Book about Language of Therapy , was

released in 1975. In this publication, they attempted to highlight certain patterns of communication that set

communicators considered to be excellent apart from others. Much of the book was based on the work

of Virginia Satir , Fritz Perls , and Milton Erickson . It also integrated techniques and theories from other

renowned mental health professionals and researchers such as Noam Chomsky , Gregory Bateson , Carlos

Castaneda, and Alfred Korzybski. The result of Grinder and Bandler's work was the development of the

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NLP meta model, a technique they believed could identify language patterns that reflected basic cognitive

processes.

This page contains at least one affiliate link for the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which

means GF.org receives financial compensation if you make a purchase using an Amazon link.

Interest in NLP grew in the late 1970s, after Bandler and Grinder began marketing the approach as a tool

for people to learn how others achieve success. Today, NLP is used in a wide variety of fields, including

counseling, medicine, law, business, the performing arts, sports, the military, and education. 

HOW NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING WORKS

Modeling, action, and effective communication are key elements of neuro-linguistic programming. The

belief is that if an individual can understand how another person accomplishes a task, the process may be

copied and communicated to others so they too can accomplish the task. 

Proponents of neuro-linguistic programming propose that everyone has a personal map of reality. Those

who practice NLP analyze their own and other perspectives to create a systematic overview of one

situation. By understanding a range of perspectives, the NLP user gains information. Advocates of this

school of thought believe the senses are vital for processing available information and that the body and

mind influence each other. Neuro-linguistic programming is an experiential approach. Therefore, if a person

wants to understand an action, they must perform that same action to learn from the experience.

NLP practitioners believe there are natural hierarchies of learning, communication, and change. The six

logical levels of change are:

 Purpose and spirituality :  This can be involvement in something larger than oneself, such as

religion, ethics, or another system. This is the highest level of change.

 Identity: Identity is the person you perceive yourself to be and includes your responsibilities and

the roles  you play in life.

 Beliefs and values: These are your personal belief system and the issues that matter to you.

 Capabilities and skills: These are your abilities and what you can do.

 Behaviors: Behaviors are the specific actions you perform.

 Environment: Your environment is your context or setting, including any other people around you.

This is the lowest level of change.

The purpose of each logical level is to organize and direct the information below it. As a result, making a

change in a lower level may cause changes in a higher level. However, making a change in a higher level

will also result in changes in the lower levels, according to NLP theory.

NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING IN THERAPY

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A core concept of NLP can be summarized by the saying, “The map is not the territory,” because it

highlights the differences between belief and reality. It points out that each person operates within their own

perspective rather than from a place of objectivity. Proponents of NLP believe everyone’s perception of the

world is distorted, limited, and unique. A therapist who practices NLP must therefore understand how a

person in treatment perceives their “map” and the effect this perception may have on that person’s thoughts

and behavior. 

An individual’s map of the world is formed from data received through the senses. This information can be

auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, or kinesthetic. NLP practitioners believe this information differs

individually in terms of quality and importance, and that each person processes experiences using a

primary representational system (PRS). For an NLP therapist to work effectively with a person in treatment,

the therapist must attempt to match that individual’s PRS to use their personal map. NLP practitioners

believe it is possible to access representational systems using cues, such as eye movements. 

NLP therapists work with people to understand their thinking and behavioral patterns, emotional state , and

aspirations. By examining a person’s map, the therapist can help them find and strengthen the skills that

serve them best and assist them in developing new strategies to replace unproductive ones. This process

can help individuals in therapy reach treatment goals. 

Supporters of NLP claim the approach produces fast, lasting results and improves understanding of

cognitive and behavioral patterns. NLP also seeks to build effective communication

between conscious  and unconscious  mental processes to help people increase creativity  and problem-

solving skills. Some advocates of NLP compare the approach to cognitive behavioral therapy  (CBT) but

assert positive changes may be made with NLP in less time.

Since its creation, neuro-linguistic programming has been used to treat a wide range of issues. These

include:

 Anxiety , phobias , and panic

 Communication issues

 Posttraumatic stress

 Depression

 Attention-deficit hyperactivity

 Addiction

 Schizophrenia

 Obsessions and compulsions

 Borderline personality

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 NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING RESEARCH 
Though limited in number, scientific studies have investigated the effectiveness of NLP as a treatment

method. In a 2013 study, researchers investigated whether the language and visualization techniques used

in neuro-linguistic programming would help children with special education needs  be better prepared for

learning in the classroom. Researchers concluded NLP techniques helped the children develop a positive

state of mind conducive to learning. However, it was also explained that these were "brief, tentative

conclusions." In addition to other limiting factors, the sample consisted of only seven children.

NLP practitioners claim eye movement can be a reliable indicator for lie detection. In 2012, researchers

tested this claim in a series of three studies. In the first study, the eye movements of participants who were

telling the truth or lying did not match proposed NLP patterns. In the second study, one group was told

about the NLP eye movement hypothesis while the control group was not. However, there was no

significant difference between both groups after a lie detection test. In the third study, the eye movements

of each group were coded at public press conferences. Again, there was no significant difference in eye

movement between them.

A systematic review of the impact of NLP on health was conducted by researchers in 2012. In this review,

ten studies addressing issues including substance abuse, anxiety, weight management, morning sickness,

and claustrophobia  were evaluated. The researchers concluded that while strong evidence did not exist of

NLP being ineffective, there was little evidence to suggest NLP interventions improved health. 
CONCERNS AND LIMITATIONS OF NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING
Due in part to its eclectic nature, neuro-linguistic programming is difficult to define as a treatment modality.

The most significant limitation of neuro-linguistic programming is arguably a lack of empirical evidence  to

support the many major claims made by proponents. 

While numerous testimonials praise the approach, there have been few scientific studies to date providing

firm, unbiased proof that it is an effective mode of treatment for mental health issues. NLP co-founder

Richard Bandler has often voiced disagreement with the scientific testing of NLP.

Additionally, the lack of regulation in training and certification has resulted in many individuals becoming

NLP practitioners despite lacking credible experience or a background in mental health. 

References:

1. Craft, A. (2001). Neuro-linguistic programming and learning theory.  The Curriculum Journal, 12(1),

125-136. doi: 10.1080/09585170010017781 

2. Grimley, B. (2015, December 17). What is neurolinguistics programming, (nlp)? The development of

a grounded theory of neuro-linguistic programming within an action research journey. Retrieved from

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 http://www.achieving-lives.co.uk/files/Files/final%20dissertation%20v66%2012_12_2015%20for

%20Viva%20on%2021_12_2015%20with%20corrections%20v66.pdf

3. Kudliskis, V. (2013, June 28). Neuro-linguistic programming and altered states: Encouraging
preparation for learning in the classroom for students with special education needs. British Journal of

Special Education, 40(2), 86-95. doi: 10.1111/1467-8578.12020

4. Luban, J. A. (2010). Rapid rapport using neurolinguistic programming for improved health care
outcomes. California Journal of Oriental Medicine.  Retrieved from http://lamorindaacupuncture.com/wp-

content/uploads/2010/06/CJOM-NLP-Article1.pdf

5. Sturt, J., Ali, S., Robertson, W., Metcalfe, D., Grove, A., Bourne, C., & Bridle, C. (2012).
Neurolinguistic programming: a systematic review of the effects on health outcomes. The British Journal

of General Practice, 62(604), e757–e764. doi: 10.3399/bjgp12X658287 

6. Tosey, P., & Mathison, J. (2010, August 12). Neuro-linguistic programming as an innovation in
education and teaching. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 47(3), 317-326. doi:

10.1080/14703297.2010.498183

7. Tosey, P., & Mathison, J. (2010, June 4). Neuro-linguistic programming and learning theory: A
response. The Curriculum Journal, 14(3), 371-388. doi: 10.1080/0958517032000137667

8. Wiseman, R., Watt, C., ten Brinke, L., Porter, S., Couper, S. L., & Rankin, C. (2012, July 11). The
eyes don't have it: Lie detection and neuro-linguistic programming. PLoS ONE, 7(7), e40259.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0040259
Last Update: 02-12-2018
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