In this post, we will quickly look at what NLP is; NLP is a therapy, why it is a part of the Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy Program, and the different ways NLP can be applied in Therapy.
What is NLP?
NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a compelling discipline that enables people to unlock the structures of human communication and excellence. By doing so, people can think, communicate and manage themselves and others more effectively.
NLP explores the relationships between how we think (neuro), how we communicate (linguistic), and our patterns of behavior and emotion (programs).
By studying and learning from these relationships, people can effectively transform the way they traditionally think and act, adopting new, far more successful models of human excellence. (This process is called modeling and is a key feature that distinguishes Neuro Linguistic Programming from psychology).
In effect, NLP is a powerful change management tool that transforms how people think and act to have the most significant impact, professionally and personally. That’s why NLP is one of the most powerful skills in business management, psychology, sales, sports coaching, and personal development.
What is Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy®?
Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy® is a training program that focuses on helping physical and mental healthcare practitioners develop advanced therapeutic skills. The program is based on an integration of various modes of therapy and models of human behaviors.
A frequently asked question, as a result, is, “Is NLP a therapy?
If not, why is it included in a course for becoming a therapist?”
Remember that human beings do not operate directly upon reality. Every person has their model or map of the world (or perspective). It is this map that drives our behavior.
Among other things, Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a model that helps us understand the maps that people have. In other words, it is the “Model of Human Behaviour”. It also consists of an explicit set of tools and techniques that make personal change quick and effective.
Is NLP a therapy?
The answer is no.
NLP, by itself, is not a therapy. However, it is a brilliant tool to be used with any therapeutic process to get practical and lasting results and enhance the quality of treatment.
Simply put, Neuro-Linguistic Programming is an attitude! With this attitude, NLP looks at methods of creating models (need-based), the primary model being the model of human behavior.
It provides a beneficial perspective on the why and how of behavior, the various strategies which people use to continue behaving the way they behave. This helps the therapist understand the driving force behind the undesired behavior.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming also consists of various practical tools and techniques that focus on building specific skills which by themselves may not be therapeutic but enhance the effectiveness of any therapeutic modality.
For example, certain NLP techniques are beneficial for building rapport. Now rapport by itself will not be therapeutic. At the same time, it is a well-known fact that the quality of the connection between the therapist and client has a big influence on the quality & effectiveness of therapy.
However, not everyone has these skills. With Neuro-Linguistic Programming, we have incorporated skills like rapport, asking questions (Metamodel & Inverse meta-model), practical observation & calibration, etc., as a part of the program.
These techniques are a therapist’s delight. Mental health care practitioners, who have used it, are likely to agree!
So, while the answer to the question is NLP a therapy, “NO,” there is no denying that it is an excellent add-on for a therapist. The openness to experimentation, curiosity, and zeal to work with clients to bring about a change, in general enhances the quality of the process.
Another aspect of NLP that we liked is its focus on helping clients focus on skills they need to create the necessary change and then to use different methods/techniques to help them develop and apply these skills effectively.
One such skill that NLP can help both therapists and their clients develop is of Mindfulness. Almost all mental health practitioners agree that being mindful can be an essential skill for both the therapist and the client.
It is essential to understand that when we talk about integrating NLP in our courses, we are not just talking only about the trail of techniques that NLP offers but also the spirit and the attitude behind NLP.
NLP in Therapy focuses on actions, outcomes, and processes, remembering that a person is capable of best performance and only has to get in touch with those capabilities.
Application of NLP in therapies
NLP is a short-term, goal-orientated, and practical approach to problem-solving. Whatever your outcome, NLP can help.
NLP differs from other approaches to goal setting and goal accomplishment because it is more about process rather than content. The underlying assumption in NLP is that people are not broken but are simply following an incorrect strategy leading to the problem or stopping them from achieving their outcomes. The objective here is to help the person identify this strategy and bring about a change such that he/she can achieve their results.
I am a trained therapist; will I benefit by learning more about NLP?
Ask yourself the following questions:
Have you worked with clients who seem to stop themselves from recovering?
Would you like to truly understand how your client’s language gives you essential information on their illness?
Would it be helpful to know how to communicate with your client in a way that creates positive changes?
Would you like to get a better understanding of how your client ‘does’ their illness or pain?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then NLP can help you.
The results are excellent when NLP is combined with other therapeutic techniques like Hypnotherapy, CBT, Mindfulness, and Metaphors.
Not just in therapy, but the application of NLP in coaching transforms the coach’s ability to work with the coachee. If you are not a psychologist but a coach or someone looking at becoming one, you must search for the Cognitive Hypnotic Coaching® Diploma. It is probably the best and the most comprehensive coaching course you would have.
Article Credit: NLP Therapy Illinois