Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) | Anxiety | Ask an Expert

Hi there, in light of the beautifully detailed responses to the NLP part of your question I would like to address the anxiety part as I feel this is important. In my particular line of work with a style of Hypnotherapy called Hypnoenergetics ( I am a Clinical Hypnotherapist specialising in Hypnoenergetics ), NLP is used as a segment of our work in order to compliment the deeper work we do within our sessions. The reason for this and especially in relation to anxiety is that while repatterning of the mind and working with the language of the mind in order to help create new patterns of behaviour can work well, in order to move through a particularly strong behaviour that is no longer serving you, in this case anxiety, it is important to understand the driving belief behind it. Every behaviour, no matter how small or large, is driven by a core belief - if we are to change a behaviour in any permanent way we must first understand what belief underlies it, why that belief was created in the very beginning, before then working through how you would like to change it. This is called self awareness and self empowerment and for my mind is the most powerful tool for important and profound change. Through gaining self awareness and empowerment we are not only able to work through a particular issue with a practitioner but just as importantly, we are then empowered to make changes in our lives well after the session in many ways, at many stages, all of our own volition. I completely agree that putting the time into researching someone who is well qualified and that resonates with you, in order to work with is an important part of the change process. If you would like to contact me to discuss anything further that you would like to know I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact me via email at: [email protected] or alternatively please feel free to call me directly at 0220 594 807. If you are outside the Wellington area, I do travel regularly around the country to see clients, especially to the Auckland and surrounding areas. Kind Regards, Dave

I agree with my learned friend Karen's excellent response. A couple of things I would add, is that some change work can be completely conversational and not a formal process.
Also the tool box is flexible and powerful, but you need to have a good working relationship with the practitioner using the tools, so if you are interested in doing some NLP, I would recommend scanning websites or talking to practitioners to get a feel for whom you would like to work with.
Personally I often like to weave some bodywork in with an NLP session, as it can help deepen the session, and leave a person with a better physical sense of themselves to support the mental/emotional change.

all the best
Craig

This is an often asked question! In the most simplest terms, NLP (neuro linguistic programming) is a toolbox of understandings, tools and techniques that help us change and learn new patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. The change-techniques vary from relaxing eyes-closed guided process to spacial exercises and specific visualisation exercises. As well as being used therapeutically, NLP also includes an array of powerful communication skills, understandings about how we think and learn and tools for improving motivation, health and relationships among other things.
Clients who have changed significant problems such as depression, panic attacks or stage fright sometimes say to me that it seems like magic! I’m quick to point out that the reason NLP change techniques work so well is not because they are magic (although they are very effective), it’s because your brain is magic – meaning that your brain is clever enough to make changes to unconscious patterns (with the right kind of guidance obviously!). Neuroscientists call this ‘neuroplasticity’ – the ability for neural pathways to grow and change. Our mental, emotional and behavioural patterns are not fixed as it was once thought - your brain is designed to change, learn and grow.
NLP was originally developed in the 70s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder who were studying excellence – they were interested in what works, what gets great results and many of the people from whom they modelled these wonderful tools are now legends in their fields. This modelling of excellence has continued ever since, with more tools and insights being added to the NLP toolbox over the last few decades.
NLP is used in many fields including business, education, sport and health. It is used widely in the UK National Health Service, and within organisatons such as Microsoft and Mazda (management training) in the UK.
Karen Ross
NLP Master Practitioner
www.freshwaysforward.co.nz