What Does NLP Do? [Ultimate Guide]

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), has long been a buzzword in the field of psychology and personal development. But what is it? How does it work?

And, most importantly, what can it do for you? We took a closer look at some of the main elements of NLP, a history of its use, and the ways in which it can be an effective tool for personal growth and development.

What Is NLP?

NLP is all about understanding the connection between language, behavior, and the mind – or in other words, how our thoughts and words influence our behavior.

It seeks to help people understand how they think, how they communicate with others, and how they use language to shape their lives.

In a nutshell, NLP helps people become aware of and change the patterns in their thinking and behavior that are holding them back from achieving their goals.

In scientific terms, NLP is a branch of cognitive science. It is based on the idea that the mind and body are connected and that our thoughts have a direct influence on our behavior and emotions.

It looks at how we process information, remember experiences, and make decisions – all with the goal of understanding how to more effectively communicate with ourselves and others.

History Of NLP

NLP was born out of a combination of research done by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970s.

They studied a variety of people who had achieved extraordinary results in their lives, including psychotherapists, business executives, and athletes.

Through their research, Bandler and Grinder developed a system of techniques they believed would enable anyone to replicate the same results.

Since then, NLP has been used in fields ranging from psychotherapy to business to education.

Its uses are varied and wide-reaching, but its primary goal is to help individuals take control of their lives through self-awareness and communication.

How Does NLP Work?

NLP works by teaching people how to use language in a way that can break old patterns of thinking and behavior. It does this through the use of specific techniques, such as reframing and anchoring.

Reframing

Reframing is a technique that involves changing the way we view a situation or problem.

This can be done by looking at the situation from a different perspective, or by making a change to our language when discussing it.

For example, instead of saying “I can’t do this” we could say “I choose not to do this” – changing the emphasis from something being impossible to something we have control over.

Anchoring

Anchoring is a technique used to create positive associations in our minds.

For example, if we have a negative thought or feeling, we can use an anchor (such as a word, phrase, sound, or physical sensation) to take us back to a more positive emotional state.

This can be done by visualizing the anchor in our mind when we experience a negative thought or feeling and using it to bring back a more pleasant emotion.

Visualization

Another popular aspect of NLP is visualization -this is the practice of creating mental images of what we want to achieve and focusing on them.

Visualization can help us focus our energy in a positive direction, as well as make it easier to set and reach goals.

Affirmations

NLP also makes use of affirmations, which are positive statements about ourselves or our goals.

Affirmations can help us focus on the positive aspects of our lives, and keep us motivated to make progress towards our goals, and so form a key part of NLP’s practice.

What Does NLP Do?

NLP offers a number of functions and benefits to individuals, and some of these include:

Helping People Change Their Behavior

One of the main goals of NLP is to help people identify and break patterns of behavior that are holding them back.

By teaching self-awareness and communication skills, NLP helps individuals gain control over their lives and make changes that will benefit them both personally and professionally.

Improving Communication

NLP also helps people become better communicators by teaching them how to effectively listen, understand, and respond to others, so using NLP techniques can also help people establish and maintain better relationships with others.

By understanding how communication works, individuals are better able to express their needs and feelings in a way that is both respectful and effective.

This can lead to improved relationships with family, friends, partners, colleagues, and more.

Helping People Achieve Their Goals

NLP also teaches techniques that can help people achieve their goals more quickly and efficiently.

Through its focus on self-awareness and communication, NLP can help individuals identify the steps they need to take to reach their desired outcome – whether it is personal or professional.

Boosts Mental And Physical Health

In addition to helping people establish better communication and relationships, NLP can also help boost mental and physical health.

By teaching individuals how to recognize and manage their own emotions, NLP can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.

Boost Employability

Understanding and implementing NLP can have a positive impact on your employability in many ways.

It can help you become more confident in interviews and presentations, better understand the motivations of others, and improve your communication skills – all of which will be attractive to potential employers.

Additionally, studying NLP can help set you apart from other candidates by demonstrating a strong interest in personal development.

Are There Any Risks Or Downsides?

As with any other form of therapy or self-help, NLP is not without its risks and downsides. These may include:

Can Be Tricky To Apply

Some people may find that NLP can be difficult to understand and apply in their daily lives.

Working with an NLP practitioner or attending an NLP course can help individuals get the most out of the practice, but it also requires a certain level of commitment, which may not be suitable for everyone.

May Not Work For Everyone

NLP is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may not work for everyone.

People who do not respond well to the techniques used by NLP practitioners may find that other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective.

Some Tools May Not Be Suitable

NLP often makes use of tools such as visualization and affirmations, and some individuals will find these to be unhelpful or even damaging.

If these tools don’t work for you, it may be best to avoid them and look for alternative solutions.

How To Learn More About NLP

Whether you are considering working with an NLP practitioner or attending an NLP course, it’s important to do your research first.

Look into the credentials of any potential practitioners, as well as any reviews they may have online.

It is also a good idea to attend a few introductory classes or seminars so that you can get a better understanding of what NLP entails and decide if it’s the right fit for you.

As we mentioned, studying NLP can boost your employability -and this could even be a career in itself.

Find out what qualifications and courses you need to become an NLP practitioner, as well as any specializations that may be available.

Final Thoughts

Overall, NLP can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development. By understanding the techniques used in NLP, individuals can become better communicators and achieve their goals more easily.

Additionally, studying and implementing NLP has the potential to boost employability.

However, it is important to do your research before committing to any particular course or practitioner, as well as consider any risks or downsides