FAQ
Welcome to our FAQ page, where we address common questions. Whether you are new to Neuro-Linguistic Programming or looking to deepen your understanding, this resource provides clear and concise answers to help you navigate the world of NLP.
From the basics of what NLP entails to the specifics of certification processes and the qualifications of our trainers, we aim to provide you with all the information you need.
Explore our FAQs to learn more about how NLP can transform your personal and professional life, and how you can become a certified practitioner or train other certified practitioners.
General NLP questions
NLP is a psychological approach that involves analyzing strategies used by successful in dividuals and applying them to reach personal goals. It relates thoughts, language, and patterns of behavior (conscious and unconscious) learned through experience to specific outcomes.
Find more on our dedicated NLP page.
NLP was first created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. While they were the primary creators, several other contributors played key roles in further developing and refining the methodology. They initially studied the behavior and techniques of successful therapists, creating a system to replicate their success and make those skills more easily transferable.
Find out more about the history of NLP.
NLP consists of three main components: neuro (our neurological system), linguistic (language and how it dictates reality), and programming (the way we structure our thoughts and behaviors).
Read more about what the NLP letters mean in our dedicated NLP page.
NLP offers numerous benefits, including improved communication skills, enhanced personal development, better emotional management, and increased problem-solving abilities. It helps individuals set and achieve goals, break negative habits, and develop more effective behaviors.
NLP can benefit a wide range of people, including individuals seeking personal growth, professionals in coaching and therapy, educators, business leaders, and anyone looking to improve their communication and interpersonal skills.
Applications of NLP
Yes, NLP can be highly effective in coaching. It provides tools and techniques for enhancing communication, setting and achieving goals, overcoming limiting beliefs, and improving overall performance. Coaches use NLP to help clients gain clarity, develop strategies for success, and foster personal and professional growth.
In fact, NLP can make a coach more effective and proficient in guiding their clients toward their desired outcomes by providing essential tools not typically taught in traditional coaching training.
NLP can help improve communication skills, enhance personal relationships, increase self-confidence, manage emotions, and achieve personal and professional goals.
Yes, many therapists use NLP techniques to help clients overcome phobias, anxiety, depression, and more. It helps people overcome their limiting beliefs.
Yes, NLP techniques are often used in business for improving leadership skills, sales techniques, negotiation strategies, and overall communication within teams. It is change management in action.
NLP can be applied in almost every area of life. It is particularly useful in education for enhancing teaching and learning, in sports for improving performance and mental resilience, and in health for managing stress and promoting well-being.
Techniques and concepts
Anchoring is a technique where a physical stimulus (like a touch or a word) is used to trigger a desired emotional state.
The Meta Model is a set of linguistic tools used to identify and challenge linguistic distortions, generalizations, and deletions in communication, aiming to clarify and enhance understanding.
Named after Milton Erickson, the Milton Model uses vague and ambiguous language patterns to bypass the conscious mind and communicate directly with the unconscious mind, often used in hypnosis.
Sub-modalities refer to the finer distinctions of our sensory experiences. For example, in the visual modality, sub-modalities include color, brightness, size, and distance. Changing these can alter our perceptions and emotions.
Training and certification
Various organizations offer NLP certification programs. It’s important to research and choose a reputable program. Certification typically involves several levels, starting from Practitioner to Master Practitioner and Trainer.
The training programs are held by trainers in the Society of NLP, the original body formed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder.
As the field of NLP currently stands, there are 5 well established NLP organizations:
- Society of NLP (SNLP): originally formed (1970’s) by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, the co-creators of the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
- NLP Academy: formed in 2000 by Michael Carroll and John Grinder (Grinder retired from teaching NLP in the 80’s initially).
- NLP University (NLPu): formed by Robert Dilts in 1991. Dilts was one of the original group of students in the beginning as the field started to form.
- International NLP Training Association (INLPTA): formed by Wyatt Woodsmall in 1993.
- American Board of NLP (ABNLP): formed by Tad James in 1995.
What is common between all of the top 5 NLP certifying organizations is that they focus on a core syllabus that was originally set out by the co-creators Drs Bandler and Grinder. What varies is the delivery of that core content and the angles used to sell it….
You can read more about it in the article NLP Training where do I start?
The time required to learn NLP can vary. Basic certification courses can take a few days to weeks, while more advanced levels require additional time and practice. Our programs are detailed on our website under Certification.
Yes, there are many NLP training programs recognized internationally by reputable NLP organizations. We provide certification from the original Society of NLP, ensuring a high standard of training and recognition.
To verify an NLP certification, check if the program is accredited by a recognized NLP organization and verify the credentials of the training institution and the trainer.
Yes, online NLP certification is available, but it depends on the specific program and the offerings of each trainer. Check the program details for online options.
With an NLP certification, you can enhance your skills in personal development, coaching, and therapy. Additionally, you can apply NLP techniques in fields like business, education, and communication for personal and professional growth. You also have the option to advance through the NLP courses to deepen your expertise.
Controversies and criticisms
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) has been a subject of debate within the scientific community. While it has been criticized for lacking robust empirical evidence and rigorous scientific support, there are mixed findings in research studies. Some studies suggest that NLP techniques can offer benefits, whereas others do not find significant results compared to other methods.
Despite this, many psychologists and therapists utilize NLP for its practical and efficient aspects in certain contexts, valuing its potential for facilitating personal development and therapeutic outcomes.
In the book: The Clinical Effectiveness of Neurolinguistic Programming, international academics, researchers and therapists are brought together to examine the current evidence of the clinical efficacy of NLP techniques, considering how NLP can be effective in facilitating change, enrichment and symptom relief.
NLP is controversial for several reasons beyond the debate over its scientific foundation. Firstly, its theoretical underpinnings are often viewed as vague and not well-defined, making it challenging to study and validate.
Additionally, NLP incorporates elements from various psychological theories and practices without clear integration, leading to accusations of pseudoscience.
Despite these controversies, many practitioners and clients find NLP efficient and practical. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, which often focuses on understanding the problem, NLP emphasizes finding solutions and achieving desired outcomes, making it a valuable tool for personal development and therapeutic work.
Trainers and training institutes
Choose a certified NLP trainer by checking their credentials, experience, and accreditation from reputable NLP organizations. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous students to ensure the trainer’s credibility and effectiveness.
Look for an NLP training institute that is accredited by recognized NLP organizations, has experienced and certified trainers, offers comprehensive and well-structured courses, and has positive reviews and testimonials from past students.
To become an NLP trainer, you need to complete the Practitioner and Master Practitioner courses. Additionally, you must meet specific requisites set by the certifying organization, such as completing a Trainer’s Training program and demonstrating proficiency in NLP techniques.
You can contact a Master Trainer in your area on our contact page.
The validity of your certification depends on the training you received and the organization where you wish to continue your training. It’s best to consult with the new trainer to ensure compatibility and acceptance of your certification.
Training programs ensure the highest standards of quality by adhering to the guidelines set by reputable NLP organizations, employing experienced and certified trainers, offering comprehensive course content, and continuously updating their curriculum based on the latest research and best practices.
Continuing education and advanced training
Yes, there are advanced NLP training programs available, such as Master Practitioner, Trainer, and even Meta Trainer’s Training courses. Many trainers also offer specializations in areas like Ericksonian Hypnosis, Brief Therapy, Coaching, EMDR, and other techniques supported by NLP.
To stay updated with the latest developments in NLP, subscribe to newsletters from NLP training institutes in your area, follow reputable NLP organizations and practitioners on social media, and participate in NLP conferences and workshops.
NLP techniques can be applied to improve communication, manage stress, set and achieve goals, and enhance personal and professional relationships.
Yes, you can specialize in a particular area of NLP. Specializations include fields like therapeutic applications, business coaching, education, sports performance, and more. Advanced training and focused courses can help you develop expertise in your chosen area.
Many books have been written on the subject. Some popular books include Frogs into Princes by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, The Structure of Magic by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, and Introducing NLP by Joseph O’Connor and John Seymour.