When we think of personal development, we think of looking within ourselves and making some difficult realizations, but this isn’t the only way we can carry out self-care.
Another method is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), with mixed views on the topic.
However, with any system, you may conclude there are some limitations, and you would be right when talking about the individual parts and how it relies on technique.
It leads some to compare it with hypnotherapy, though they are different.
Read on to find out what these techniques look like, the pros and cons, and the best ways to use them.
Examples Of NLPs
You might not know what an NLP is, and the best way to describe these is by way of thinking, so a person’s internal map is modified by identifying any limitations or biases they may have.
This is done through language or visual stimuli, which a therapist uses to identify the preferred representational system, where goals and actions are built around it.
It is a way of changing your thinking on a subject you might have strong thoughts about. They may use different techniques to turn experiences or triggers from how they are perceived, making them easier to approach and discuss.
Why Would I Use These?
The first benefit to this approach is that a therapist can use a more detailed way of tailoring your treatment, as they can use therapies that promote your skills, which can help you communicate your issues and give you more confidence.
If you have a specific psychological condition, you may have been told how difficult it is to identify and treat it.
With NLP, there may be a case where you work towards some solution, though the effectiveness of it in this way is anecdotal.
It might also be a more accessible way to access therapy, as you may have to pay more out of pocket for cognitive behavioral therapy or hypnotherapy.
As these can be seen as more specific forms of treatment, getting a referral for something that needs more coverage or inclusion with insurance plans can be tricky. This can be said of any phycological treatment or therapy.
Are There Reasons To Avoid Them?
While this treatment can be easier to find, there needs to be more clarity on its effectiveness, as it’s been reported that it works well. However, other studies have shown they are either ineffective or the results need to be more conclusive.
One issue is where it’s used, so people with PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, mental fatigue, and weight problems, among others.
While this means more people can access treatment, this may be an umbrella method that isn’t as far-reaching as other treatments.
This means someone with a disorder may need medication as a means of treatment, and when it’s being referred to people, it can be easy for those to hold onto this as a last means of treatment.
This should never be the case and won’t be as effective this way, as someone may have an issue that develops into something else and is more than a simple diagnosis.
Using These In A Medical Setting
If you go to see a therapist, you might be thinking about what the process looks like, as you may be new to the experience, but the key is to be as open-minded as possible.
You can expect that some difficult questions may be asked, but this is the best way to tailor the experience towards you, as this process is a very answer-and-response exercise.
You can also expect your initial impressions to be challenged, as NLP looks at responses linked to an individual’s visual, taste, smell, feel, and hearing elements.
The theory indicates that you will use one of these more often than the others, which is the focus.
There are other techniques a therapist may refer to, and these include meditation, reframing, anchoring, affirmations, and hypnosis.
Through these and some self-reflection, a therapist may explore your levels to see where you can make changes.
Using These Daily
When you come away from the therapy, you might have a list of affirmations or exercises you have set during your downtime.
You may be asked to try these and keep a diary of the experience, which makes for work to do in the next session.
If you’re going to therapy because of anxiety, you’ll likely be given ways to keep this under control and keep any detracting thoughts the focus of your session.
Suppose it affects your environment, identity, life purpose, values, beliefs, behavior, and capabilities.
In that case, you can expect that area of your thinking to be explored so you may see changes on these other levels, as one may be attached to the root of your problem.
If you have a specific concern, it’s a good idea to talk about any boundaries you have and how you set these out in your daily life. This is so you’re not only open during therapy but willing to accept some change on your part.
What Does It Claim To Do?
First of all, it’s important to note that one person’s experience may not replicate across a group of people, as some of the methods used in this therapy are questioned by the medical community and sometimes referred to as pseudoscience.
It has been said this therapy helps with phobias, habits, negative behaviors, bad memories, and even improving your luck.
There are some cases of people who have said a deep-rooted issue has been relieved through this treatment, though this could be dependent on any outside help they get, which is why it can be hard to verify these claims.
While you may still be hesitant to try this treatment, we know that mediation methods can be very beneficial when discussing mood and things like depression and anxiety.
Here you may want to try this for yourself as you receive treatment.
The Importance Of Therapy
While we’ve gone through both arguments, the main takeaway from this is that therapy is a very individualistic venture, so to ensure it’s practical, it’s worth taking it very seriously and looking over any options you have.
You might be starting your treatment, and if so, you can start off with discussing with a licensed therapist, as the key to any diagnosis is to work out the thoughts behind something.
Here you may be referred to more sessions like counseling or medical intervention.
We talk about the serious nature of this because you may have an issue with your personality, which could lead to something more severe if left untreated.
You might not want to see someone face-to-face, which is why online therapy has become so popular.
In Summary
With these changes realized and made somewhat obtainable, you might be more confident, but it’s a good idea to consult with your general practitioner to see what options they give.
Even though they may have a limited view of NLP, you can always get a second opinion, as you have the right to a view of your treatment.