Section 2: NLP Swish Pattern

Introduction

I.2.1Definition of Neuro Linguistic Programming

NLP is explained by many researchers. As far as neuro (neurology) refers to thinking,
linguistic refers to language, and programming means the patterns of behaviours and
objectives we set (Roderique-Davies, 2009, p.58), Petrovà and Kozàrovà explain the
following:
Neuro-linguistics explains the relationship between brain and language structures, i.e.
the way that the linguistic system operates in human brain (localization and activation
of language representations in human brain as the language in an abstract matter of the
mind concept; moreover language areas of the brain are specialized- especially for
individual representations of symbolic communication). (p.117)

The unwanted behaviour can be changed or reprogrammed via using the language inside the
mind to get the wanted behaviour.
“Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a model of interpersonal communication
concerned with relationships and experiences” (Gravells, 2007, p.274); that is to say that NLP
is considered as a solution to better someone’s life in all domains. More precisely, it is a set of
mental techniques that are used to change thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours to the preferable
ones as Gravells (2007) explains it as “NLP is a way to increase self-awareness and to change
patterns of mental and emotional behaviour” (p.274).
In addition, NLP is to change negative emotions and actions to much preferable and
desirable ones in which it takes variety of techniques for the same purpose (Kandola,
December, 2017). “NLP is about the way we communicate and how we behave” (Vizard,
2012, p.87); this means that it is a useful mental activity in which humans can manage their
thoughts and beliefs to reflect their actions and reactions the way they desire them to be. NLP
is a possibility to improve people’s communication (Budimen, & Frankovsky & Birknerovà &
Benkovà, 2018)
Ilieva and Vazov also explain the work of NLP as the following:
 NLP is a model that explores the links between the way the physiology and the brain
work (neuro), how we use the words (linguistic), and the accepted patterns of behaviour
(programming). In other words, NLP is a set of models that make up the approach to
success that can be applied in every sphere of reality and most important- in
business.”(p.30)

I.2.2NLP Techniques in Relation to EFL Learning

NLP therapy has a lot of techniques. Kandola (December, 2017) claims that practitioners
of NLP use many different techniques; this depends on a specific situation (Lindberg, 2020).
Some techniques are presented as follows:
Visual Kinaesthetic Dissociation
Lindberg (2020) claims “this technique involves removing negative associations which
may have formed around a past event” (p.101); for example, someone who has phobia due to
something wrong happened with him or her can use this technique to remove this negative
feeling.
Rapport
It is an NLP technique in which a person uses his empathy by observing his deeds or
actions to understand his thoughts (Kandola, 2017).
Anchoring
It is an NLP technique used to create positive emotional and mental states to get the
desirable outcomes (Branch, Burn, Platts, 2012).
Reframing
It is an NLP technique which means the adaptation of a negative behaviour to a positive
one at a certain time (Cornel Marian & Tiberiu, 2012).
Swish
I.2.3. The Impact NLP Techniques on Anxiety
NLP techniques proved its efficiency in dealing with psychological problems including
anxiety. Many researchers find that NLP techniques have a major role in reducing anxiety.
Fredricks (2008) suggests, “NLP is particularly effective at treating anxiety when combined
with psychotherapy'' (p.170). Instead of wasting time and money seeing a therapist, patients
could use NLP techniques to heal their anxiety disorders by themselves. Also, Cremone
(2016) reports that serious anxiety may be the reason of depression so NLP techniques are
needed to heal our minds and to relax.
 Furthermore, Lindberg (2020) explains how to get rid of anxiety by using special NLP
technique. He suggests the following:
When we experience anxiety we are not focusing on the present; we are usually
obsessing over something that has happened in the past, or that may happen in the
future. By practicing mindfulness, which helps us to focus on the present moment, we
can reduce our focus on anxiety producing scenarios. (p.124)

Mindfulness is an NLP technique used to focus our mind on special point in the present
time so that our mind would promote relaxation and reduce the feeling of anxiety.

Also, Nompo, Praghlapati and Thome (2021) claim the following:

The results showed that there was an effect of NLP on anxiety. NLP can improve
knowledge, skills and attitudes, communication skills, self management, mental health;
reduce work stress, and self-efficacy. The biggest role of NLP is to help humans
communicate better with themselves, reduce unexplained fear, control negative
emotions, and anxiety. (p.505)

NLP techniques give the power to people in order to change themselves and improve their
life skills; thus, their anxiety would be gradually decreased.
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