NLP Distilled 1 NLP Distilled Quade B. Bauman ...

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Neuro-Linguistic Programming(NLP) has been described and explained in ... This paper analyses relevant literature of the NLP community and distills NLP to.
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NLP Distilled Quade B. Bauman IvyTech Community College

Author Note Contact: [email protected]

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Neuro-Linguistic Programming(NLP) has been described and explained in several different ways. This paper analyses relevant literature of the NLP community and distills NLP to its core theoretical principles. Principles first thinking applied to NLP gives us a very simple and practical idea: NLP utilizes systems thinking to understand the mind and human communication. Beyond that NLP is focused on keeping one’s outcome in mind, keeping a clear perception towards that end, and being flexible to achieve said outcome. In NLP connection, assessment, and calibration are constant reoccurring themes. NLP has a loose approach to the scientific method: TOTE, calibration, and AB version testing. Beyond the basic theory NLP applies several different models to understand human psychology. Keywords:​ Neuro Linguistic programming, NLP, systems thinking, TOTE loop, AB Testing, Calibration, Models, outcomes, self help, communication

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Neuro-Linguistic Programming(NLP) has been described and explained in several different ways. One of the most recommended books on the subject in the NLP community, and seminars is not the original books by Bandler and Grinder, but instead the more modern Introducing NLP Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People. This is interesting, but ultimately made the research substantially easier. Overall Theory of NLP Outcomes, Attention, and Flexibility NLP is about having a clear outcome in mind, paying close attention to things related to the outcome, and being flexible in your approach to achieve the desired outcome.(​O'Connor, Seymour, 2011)​ This boils down to objective based thinking, assessing the situation, and modifying one’s approach until the objective is obtained. This definition only scratches the surface of NLP. Systems Thinking Systems theory is a perspective that looks at complex things--like the human mind-- as systems and subsystems. Like a computer or machine, it system’s outputs are determined by inputs. A system’s output can affect the environment, or other systems causing their output to affect the original system’s inputs; this is referred to as feedback. NLP looks at the mind, and human communication as a system(​O'Connor, Seymour, 2011)​. The basic idea of NLP is that if we intentionally control our inputs--communication--we can get the desired output--behavior. In NLP a practitioner will modify their approach in order to get ourselves--or another person--to think or behave in a certain way. Of course in order to have

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an idea of what input is required for a desired output a person would need to have a perspective--framework--or idea about the mind and communication. NLP approaches are called models. These are similar to the models of abnormality found in established psychology. In NLP approaches are tested, both with the individual, and at large for effectiveness. The TOTE loop is used(​O'Connor, Seymour, 2011)​. A practitioner is to test an approach, operate on that approach, test, and after the approach works effectively the practitioner keeps the results of modification. NLP Models NLP uses theories and perspectives to evaluate and influence human thinking and communication. NLP practitioners call these perspectives “models”. According to the Association of NLP’s website “NLP is a collection of a wide range of methods and models which create an understanding of thought process and behaviour. Understanding these techniques can bring about a positive change in you and others.”(Association of NLP, 2010). We can surmise that the models are components of NLP and not NLP itself. Similar to established psychology that includes models of abnormality. The models of abnormality are parts of psychology, but not the field itself. We can say the same of NLP’s models. Currently taught models of NLP include but are not limited to the milton model and the meta model(​O'Connor, Seymour, 2011)​. The Milton Model includes rapport forming, hypnosis, and addresses the unconscious mind. The Meta Model addresses thinking, states, beliefs, and behavior. This model is most similar to cognitive behavioral therapy. Interestingly enough having a variety of different models can be a bad thing. Critics of NLP have pointed to the outdated aspects of NLP models as evidence that all of NLP must be

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discarded. Established psychology is also well known for ideas developed during the heyday of the psychodynamic--Freudian--approach. Even though some of Freud’s ideas were discarded, we did not discard all of psychology because some of its models were found lacking.

Conclusions With NLP we have an a basic theory that evaluates the mind and communication as systems. NLP has basic approaches to each aspect of the mind or communication called models. As models are used they are adjusted and tested for quality using TOTE loops. There is not much in the core of NLP which one can find fault, it’s a rather practical idea. TOTE loops are only loosely scientific, and are at best AB version tests of approaches. If NLP used TOTE in tests against control groups, it would be closer to the scientific process. That being said NLP has some interesting ideas that definitely deserve closer inspection. While NLP’s models are not spotless, they are on the whole similar to ideas commonly found in established psychology and with a small amount of polish, and better testing, could be made into a powerful set of tools backed by a practical theory. Currently cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), if applied with positive regard and rapport may produce more consistent results. It must be mentioned that if one desires to engage in sales or advertising--instead of mental health services--NLP may be better suited for your needs despite its imperfections.

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References Association of NLP. (2010.). What is NLP? Retrieved from https://anlp.org/what-is-nlp O'Connor, J., & Seymour, J. (2011). ​Introducing NLP: Psychological skills for understanding and influencing people.​ Conari Press. 8, 9 ,68