What is NLP? NLP is the practice of neuro-linguistic programming, a study of psychotherapy involving interpersonal communication. NLP monitors facial expressions, body language, posture and speech to determine what a person is truly saying. This form of study is useful in a number of fields, including business and sales, therapy and the treatment and management of disease.
It was at the University of California – Santa Cruz where psychologist Dr. John Grinder and undergraduate student Richard Bandler created NLP. Based on the Gestalt theory in psychotherapy, nero-linguisitic programming bridged the relationship between cognitive behavior patterns and communication. This is the core basis of NLP.
The communication core of NLP is important because this link to cognition influences the way in which behave. The ability to understand these patterns and influence behavior may help an individual control weight, deal with a dread disease or trauma. It may also be use to influence buying patterns and behaviors of consumers.
The practice became part of the self-help craze of the early 1990s. It was touted as a way to access repressed memories and gain control of your emotional, physical and financial life. Such a view may be limiting however as many practitioners argue that the secret of NLP is a dynamic, not static discipline. Behavioral changes take place over time and are complicated by the evolving nature of a person’s personality. A 30-minute infomercial may not due true justice to unlocking the mysteries of human evolution.
A lawsuit in 1997 between Grinder and Bandler determined that the two co-created NLP. This brought to an end a period of contention between the two men. There are several associations throughout the world that train NLP practitioners. With out an overall governing or standards body for the discipline. Caution should be expressed when seeking the advice of an individual engaged in the practice of NLP.
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