NLP stands for ‘Neuro Linguistic Programming’ and has been around since 1970’s. NLP enables us to better understand the way our brain (neuro) processes the words we use (linguistic) and how that can impact on our past, present and future (programming).
We are constantly running programmes in our brain, little autopilots that tell us what we believe about a situation or ourselves and how to respond. These all come together as stories that we tell ourselves about ourselves and our world. Sometimes these are helpful and resourceful, for example “This is a real opportunity to try something different” or “I really enjoy working with the team on this”, sometimes they limit us – for example that “I’m no good at time management” or “clients are difficult”.
NLP is a collection of models, techniques and strategies for modelling excellence, in order to help us better understand how our thought processes and behaviour, including how the language we use, influences the way we think and the results we get. Modelling excellence in any field enables us to bring about a positive change in ourselves and others.
As a coach I use NLP to help clients get the best from themselves, to harness their strengths and to focus on the outcome that they want from the situation. It’s brilliant for helping you to see things from different perspectives, to change the story you tell yourself and for allowing you to step out of your own way to the results you want.