NLP and Me

Neuro Linguistic Programming

The reason I talk about NLP (neuro linguistic programming) on my website is because it is a passion and a life-long driving force as I look for self development. I love discussing NLP with like-minded people, developing and sharing new techniques.

I run the occasional NLP “get together” in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in conjunction with a friend Daryll Scott, MD of Noggin and Author of Can We Start Again?

NLP and Me

I ended up training in NLP at Practitioner level in 2003 to gain some hands-on experience. What I found, was a set of techniques that when applied, made the difference I was looking for – to me, and helping others.

One of the most profound experiences I have had personally, was setting some goals with future timeline. Five years in and all but one was done. Considering where I was then… I am constantly amazed by this.

My NLP Master Practitioner in 2007 reinforced this and allowed me to learn more in-depth ways to help other people but something was still missing. A fundamental understanding of how to apply these learnings to everyday life.

Then, during 2008 I was lucky enough to join an NLP Master Practitioner Course near Basingstoke with Daryll, who (despite being a personal friend) is an incredible inspiration for me in all things NLP and a trainer who is incredibly empowering. (Compared to many NLPers I have met, who like to take (and control) the lead).

Daryll’s course clarified many aspects of NLP that had been niggling at me since my first course. What I have ended up with is much more flexibility, the ability to self-apply the NLP techniques and the loss of self awareness that enables me to play with, and develop, my own NLP skills and techniques.

NLP and Other People

As powerful as NLP is, I have met so many people that think they are better for it, when their own congruency (or lack of) tells me something so very different, so I tend to be very selective about who I hang out with in NLP circles.

NLP is so unregulated and disjointed. When you think about it, people can go on a week long NLP course and then start practicing on other people. I have heard some horror stories that make me cringe. I think any certification should be taken with a pinch of salt and if you are looking for some NLP therapy, look long and hard before making your decision is my advice.

Some people train in groups of 10, some in groups of hundreds. How can there be any consistency? If you are interested in training, please keep this in mind. Price is one thing, value is another. Horses for courses I guess.

As far as being a Jedi, you can be given the light saber, but that doesn’t necessarily give you the right mind-set.

More about NLP

• If you are interested in NLP in context of Business Application, I recommend Noggin NLP. Daryll Scott is a friend and we do work together, but his knowledge and commitment to NLP and his understanding of business is a great combination. The fact that John Grinder has written the foreword in Daryll’s book speaks volumes about his standing in the NLP community.
• Wikipedia explanation of NLP