The answer to “How much does NLP therapy cost?” can vary considerably, as it’s an open market.
As a nouveau technique to help promote behavioral chance, Neuro-Linguistic Programming applies unique training to assist your mental health.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common costs for treatment and what’s often included in therapy.
What Is NLP Therapy?
Before investing in NLP treatments, it’s essential to know what it is and how it’s said to assist your mental health.
At its core, Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a psychological technique developed to assist patients with reaching personal goals.
Personal goals can be a broad definition, as some individuals might want to change problematic behaviors while others want to achieve inner peace.
The fundamental aspect of NLP is to understand that all human actions are considered positive.
For example, going through the experience isn’t good or bad if an unexpected event occurs.
It simply provides you with helpful information, furthering your development as an individual.
There are three main tenets to NLP: modeling, action, and communication.
It’s said to work very simply: understanding how one accomplishes a task allows you to copy said process and communicate to others.
By doing so, other individuals can also achieve the same task. However, there is a slight individualized component of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
It is believed every individual has a “personal map of reality.”
The patient’s responsibility will be to understand different perspectives when creating a systematic overview of a situation.
Through this, the patient gathers information to assist them with performing future actions.
It’s essentially a way to develop healthier natural hierarchies of communication, learning, and change.
What Is the History of Neuro-Linguistic Programming?
There are multiple renowned names attached to the development of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
The first two founders are Richard Bandler and John Grinder, a mathemetician and information scientist.
Other individuals who have contributed to this school of thought include Leslie Cameron-Bandler, Judith DeLozier, Robert Dilts, and David Gordon.
NLP came to be in the 1970s with the release of “Structure of Magic: A Book about Language of Therapy,” written by Bandler and Grinder.
The text explored different communicative patterns that made specific communicators stand out against others.
The entire premise of this belief is rooted in fundamental theories developed by Noam Chomsky, Alfred Korzybski, Gregory Bateson, and Carlos Castaneda.
With their studies, Bander and Grinder suggested they could identify language patterns related to cognitive processes.
Using this model, they then marketed their psychological approach to assist people with achieving success.
You’ll find a modernized adaptation of the technique is used in many industries, ranging from the military to counseling.
How Much Does NLP Therapy Cost?
As mentioned, the cost of NLP therapy differs considerably on several factors.
Since it’s one of the newer schools of thought in psychology, there isn’t standardized pricing.
Also, since an assortment of individual psychologists offers it, the open market makes its pricing fluctuate.
Some of the most important factors that affect the cost of NLP therapy include:
Practitioner Experience
The more experience an individual has with a particular type of therapy, the more the therapy will cost.
This theory applies to any industry, as you’ll pay premium fees for a practitioner with the most experience.
It can often be best to find a mid-tier NLP therapist for an affordable approach to this treatment as a beginner.
Treatment Length
Arguably the most important factor that affects the price of NLP therapy is the length of treatment.
This entire treatment process is suggested to take significantly less time than standard therapy.
As such, you can expect the pricing to be nearly double the cost of traditional treatment.
However, this may also change depending on the individual and the number of sessions you’ll require.
Some individuals reach their goals in half the number of sessions of standard therapy, while other patients require more care.
Care Setting
How you receive your NLP therapy is another massive contributor to its final cost.
If you have to visit a practitioner in person, your costs are likely higher. Fortunately, dozens of therapists offer services online through video and phone calls.
Since less overhead is associated with this treatment option, you can expect your costs to be less.
However, this factor may differ depending on the preferences of each therapist.
An Estimate of NLP Therapy Costs
Most often, you’ll be able to find a quote for Neuro-Linguistic Programming therapy anywhere between $100 and $1500 per session.
Again, this varies depending on the individual’s expertise and the treatment plan they intend to use.
There are a couple of considerations to think about if you’re looking for a less expensive way to get this level of treatment:
Extended Treatment Plans
One of the largest reasons NLP therapy can be expensive is because it takes less time for treatment.
However, if you can find a longer treatment plan, your upfront costs could be considerably less.
For example, a practitioner will likely charge less for a one-month program than a one-week program.
Although you’ll likely spend the same amount overall, it can help lessen your upfront costs.
As NLP therapy likely isn’t covered by insurance, depending on where you live, this can be an effective alternative to payment plans.
Group Sessions
Group sessions can be a fantastic way to lower the costs of NLP therapy if you’re comfortable working in group settings.
Since many people will attend the same session, therapists can lower all attendees’ costs.
Like standard therapy, if you opt for private sessions, they are bound to be considerably more expensive.
NLP practitioners will determine a rate based on how they value their time. The less time they have to allocate to treatment, the less expensive it will become.
Per Session Pricing
Another thing to consider when looking for an NLP therapist is how they package their treatments.
It’s important to note the differences between per hour and per-session pricing.
With per-hour pricing, it can be challenging to know your final costs, but they are likely to be higher.
In these instances, the practitioner will charge you per hour for therapy. Your final cost will depend entirely on how long it takes to work through your concerns.
Whereas per session pricing can be a more affordable alternative.
You’ll be paying for a set amount of treatment hours per day or week, as needed, with per-session pricing.
You won’t be surprised by higher fees at the end of your treatment plan, as the pricing is pre-determined.
It can also be helpful to assist you with budgeting for this form of therapy.
What Do You Get With NLP Therapy?
Now that you have a general idea of how much it can cost to work with a standard NLP therapist, let’s consider what you’re paying for.
This nouveau approach to therapeutic practice comes with a few unique treatment methods.
One-on-One Conversations
NLP therapy will provide you with private conversations with a therapist.
You’ll discuss your goals, triggers, and restrictions throughout your sessions.
Most therapists will also offer online video chats, while others prefer in-person appointments.
Building Connections
A massive tenet of Neuro-Linguistic Programming develops connections between unconscious and conscious mental processes.
Through this process, you can enhance your problem-solving and creative skills.
Understanding Behavioral Patterns
As a fundamental tenet of this school of thought, expect to explore your behavioral patterns in NLP therapy.
You’ll receive a better external view of your behavior, helping you approach situations in a more unbiased, open manner.
Homework
Similar to other types of therapy, NLP will undoubtedly come with homework.
These are the therapeutic techniques you’ll learn to refine on your own time outside of therapy.
Most often, NLP therapists will recommend different readings and methods for you to work on individually.
A few fantastic reads to help you get started on your NLP journey include:
- NLP: The Essential Guide to Neuro-Linguistic Programming – Tom Dotz, Susan Sanders, Tom Hoobyar
- Beyond Persuasion – Rebecca Dolton
- Introducing NLP: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People – Joseph O’Connor, John Seymour
The Cost of NLP Therapy
If you’re wondering, “How much does NLP therapy cost?” there’s no specific way to predict the cost of your treatment.
However, finding a qualified therapist who flexibly offers treatment can offer affordable options.
Although it’s one of the more expensive therapies to consider, many suggest it’s well worth the time investment.