For instance, the notion that a person is biased toward one sensory system, known as the preferred representational system or PRS, is a key component of NLP.
Language allows therapists to identify this predilection. I understand your reasoning, for example, could indicate a visual PRS. Or, saying “I hear your point” could indicate an auditory PRS.
A PRS is identified by an NLP practitioner, who bases their therapeutic framework around it. The framework can entail developing a rapport, learning more about them, and making goals with them.
Techniques
Neuro linguistic programming practice spans a wide range of areas. As a result, NLP practitioners employ a wide range of methods, such as the following:
Trying to get rid of bad ideas and feelings connected to a past experience is one of NLP’s strategies.
- Anchoring: The process of using sensory experiences as emotional triggers.
- Rapport: To strengthen communication and reaction through empathy, the practitioner tunes into the person by mimicking their bodily mannerisms.
- Swish pattern: Changing behavior or mental patterns to arrive at a desired rather than an undesirable conclusion.
- Visual/kinesthetic dissociation (VKD): Trying to erase undesirable ideas and feelings connected with a past experience.
Neuro linguistic programming is used to help people improve personally by encouraging abilities like self-reflection, confidence, and communication. NLP has been used commercially by practitioners to reach goals related to the workplace, such increased productivity or career advancement. More commonly, it has been used as a form of therapy for mental illnesses such phobias, depression, generalized anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Is Neuro Linguistic Programming effective?
No thorough research has been done to yet to demonstrate the efficacy of NLP. It might be difficult to assess NLP’s effectiveness for a variety of reasons. NLP has not undergone the same kind of rigorous scientific testing as more well-known treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT.
Claims of NLP’s effectiveness can be based on anecdotal evidence or information provided by an NLP provider due to the lack of formal regulation and its financial value. The success of NLP will be in the financial interests of NLP providers, making it challenging to trust their data.
Furthermore, there have been conflicting findings from scientific study on NLP.
NLP advantages have been linked by some studies. For instance, compared to a control group, psychotherapy patients had improved psychiatric symptoms and life quality after receiving NLP, according to a studyTrusted Source published in the journal Counselling and Psychotherapy Research.
However, a review of 10 NLP studies published in The British Journal of General Practice was not as positive. It came to the conclusion that there was minimal proof of NLP’s efficacy in treating health-related issues such anxiety disorders, weight management, and substance abuse. This was not due to proof suggesting NLP was ineffective, but rather the scarcity and poor quality of the research studies that were accessible.
Therefore, while having existed for more than 40 years, neither the efficacy of NLP nor the truthfulness of the theories have been amply supported by credible research.
It’s also important to note that the majority of research on NLP’s usefulness in business settings has been done in therapeutic contexts.
Additionally, there are a number of practical difficulties with studying how well NLP functions, which adds to the haziness around the topic. Given the variety of diverse approaches, techniques, and results, it is challenging, for instance, to compare research side by side.
Final Thoughts
NLP has gained a lot of popularity over time. The fact that practitioners can apply it in numerous contexts and fields may have contributed to its appeal.
NLP is based on a broad set of concepts, and because there is no institutional organization to oversee its application, the methods and level of practice can vary greatly. In any event, convincing and unbiased proof of its efficacy is still lacking.
Here are few certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:
Vicki Rebecca
Enfys Jones
Kate Megase
