N.L.P. - a toolbox for change

NLP defined

NLP is about understanding the structure of how the human nervous system (neuro) transforms data received through the 5 senses into mental descriptions (linguistic) and then unconscious behaviour (programming). In a nutshell it is the study of how people organise their thinking, feeling, language and behaviour to produce the results they do. With Neuro Linguistic Programming, you have a model for understanding the unconscious thinking processes that drive behaviour. This has two enormous benefits, firstly you can easily learn to do what others are doing well, and model it. Secondly you can identify the limiting patterns in yourself and others and use re-patterning techniques to move on. To me, one of the great advantages of NLP is that it advances the process of energy healing so well.

How it all began

Neuro-Linguistic Programming all began in California in the early 1970s at the University of Santa Cruz. Richard Bandler, a master’s level student of information sciences and mathematics, enlisted the help of Dr John Grinder, a professor of linguistics. Together they studied people they considered to be excellent communicators and agents of change. They were fascinated by how some therapists defied the odds to get through to ‘difficult’ or very ill people where others failed miserably to connect.

NLP is an attitude and a methodology that leaves behind a trail of techniques. 
           Richard Bandler

So the concept has its roots in a therapeutic setting thanks to three world-renowned psychotherapists that Bandler and Grinder studied: Virginia Satir (developer of Conjoint Family Therapy), Fritz Perls (the founder of Gestalt Psychology), and Milton H Erickson (largely responsible for the advancement of Clinical Hypnotherapy). In their work, Bandler and Grinder also drew upon the skills of linguists Alfred Korzybski and Noam Chomsky, social anthropologist Gregory Bateson, and psychoanalyst Paul Watzlawick.

John Grinder co-creator of NLP...
There are people who are recognized as being particularly adept in their performance. NLP is the bridge between being jealous of these people and admiring them… it gives a third way … a set of strategies to unconsciously assimilate precisely the differences that make the difference between this genius and an average performer…. It is an accelerated learning strategy, a mapping of tacit to explicit knowledge … a program that allows you to explore excellence.   

How does it work?

From those early days in the seventies, the field of therapy has exploded to encompass many disciplines. We’re all born with the same basic neurology. Our ability to do anything in life, whether it’s swimming the length of a pool, cooking a meal, or reading a book, depends on how we control our nervous system. So, much of NLP is devoted to learning how to think more effectively and communicate more effectively with yourself and others.

We know that most of our behaviours are learnt, for example you don’t see small babies with phobias of flying or self esteem issues. We learn our behaviour from our experiences and the people around us as we grow up, and this programs our brain to perceive things and to react to the world in a certain way. NLP allows you to understand what these programs are, and then reprogram them. Because our behaviour is learnt, we are able to unlearn it!

Your brain stores all it’s experiences as pictures, sounds and feelings, if you change how your brain recognizes these experiences you can change how you respond to them. Your unconscious mind does not know the difference between what is real and what happens in your head. This means your imagination is always more powerful than your willpower. Richard Bandler himself, professes that it's not just about therapy. It is about education and teaching people to run their own brains.

To many people the range of applications is surprising. It seems strange that the same process can help you relate better to your loved ones, enhance your professional performance, improve your golf or tennis score, and enable you to teach your child to spell or study. When you become acquainted with this ‘technology’, there are no limits to the range of applications or the areas in your life which can benefit.

NLP is valuable in conquering many challenges in life, particularly within our own thinking. A few prime examples are listed below. As with all alternative therapies, its use does not preclude the help of mainstream medicine. Consult your medical practitioner before starting any program.

Phobias and Fears: The NLP model has been used to eliminate many types of phobia. The success rate is high because it helps the client to rationalise and resolve the phobia, thus allowing the client to release the fear. It is also a short procedure, often less than an hour.

Limiting Beliefs: Neuro-Linguistic Programming is very effective in these conditions by bringing limiting beliefs into awareness so they can be resolved.

Eliminate Negative Emotions: Overwhelming negative emotions such as anger, grief, sadness, guilt, etc., can all be dealt with using specific processes.

Smoking Cessation: Allows clients to change their response to cigarettes, thus allowing them to cease smoking. This is not done through substitution, but through values and belief changes. Through these changes, secondary issues related to smoking cessation, such as weight gain and irritability, can be reduced if not totally eliminated.

The application of techniques in conjunction with hypnotherapy, creates a synergy resulting in profound and powerful changes within the client. Far greater than if used as a stand alone therapy. Red Spirit Healing is a unique combination of techniques to create a powerful synergy of mind and body. This synergy empowers YOU to achieve your full potential in all aspects of life including career, finance, relationships, and especially health...beyond your wildest dreams.

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