Neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is a behavioral tool that can be used to improve communication and relationships with ourselves and others. It is a form of psychotherapy that incorporates the connection between language, action, and the mind. With NLP, individuals can communicate with their subconscious mind in a way that it understands. This is important because our thoughts, habits, routines, motivations, and behaviors derive from our subconscious. NLP can help to rewire the subconscious to change any unwanted or harmful practices and/or patterns. Additionally, by leveraging NLP techniques, we can better understand and establish stronger relationships with others. In this blog, we will examine the benefits of NLP and the way that it can be used to have positive effects on our life and overall health.
Consider a scenario where you were behind the wheel of your car and found yourself lost in thought. After approximately 15-20 minutes, you might have reached your destination, yet you have no memory of the journey or how you arrived there. This is because your subconscious mind, or "autopilot," assumed control of the driving while your conscious mind was preoccupied with daydreaming. Our subconscious is responsible for our automatic thoughts, behaviors, and actions. These are the thoughts, behaviors, and actions that we automatically exhibit and/or respond with, without our knowledge or intention. Because we may not be aware of these automatic responses, it can be challenging to change these behaviors without first addressing them at a subconscious level. NLP can be extremely useful in this situation.
NLP is sometimes confused with hypnotherapy; however, the two are very different. In hypnosis, the individual is in a hypnogogic state (half-awake/half-asleep) whereas with NLP the individual is fully conscious. Some of the techniques in NLP include visualization, reframing, anchoring, submodalities, and timeline therapy. These methods often involve guiding individuals through sensory exercises focused on mental images, including their color, distance, and sound. As sensory beings, our emotions and memories are strongly tied to our senses. That’s why certain scents or sounds can trigger memories, especially traumatic ones. These memories can influence our perceptions and decision-making and impact our performance. Let’s say we want to start going to the gym or take on a new physical challenge but don’t have the motivation or the belief that we can achieve this. These are all programs of our subconscious. Through NLP, we can reprogram the subconscious behaviors that may be affecting our beliefs, motivations, and/or decision-making in a negative or unhealthy way.
Moreover, the subconscious tends to retain physical pain as a way of protecting you from harm, signaling you to avoid situations that caused the pain in the first place. For instance, if you went bungee jumping and hurt your shoulder, you may continue to feel shoulder pain long after the injury has healed. This is because your subconscious is trying to prevent you from engaging in similar activities that may result in injury. By employing NLP techniques, you can reconstruct the way your subconscious triggers pain as a response to this past experience. Many people have reported using NLP successfully to alleviate pain from traumatic injuries. However, it is important to consult your healthcare provider If you are experiencing any physical pain, before attempting any new healing approaches.
Lastly, NLP can be used to improve communication and establish connections with others. Think of someone with whom you’re very close and why you are close to this person. In relationships, we tend to gravitate towards those whom we feel understand us, listen to us, and validate us. NLP techniques can help you achieve this in your relationships whether it be with a significant other, family member, colleague, and/or friend. Law enforcement uses NLP techniques such as mirroring to establish rapport with suspects and extract valuable information during investigations. Mirroring is a method that involves matching or imitating the body language, movements, tone, and precise language of the person with whom you are communicating. As humans, we naturally mirror those who make us feel at ease or who we genuinely enjoy being around. When you think about situations where you were having a good time with someone, usually you move closer to that person. Conversely, if we feel uncomfortable around someone, we tend to withdraw. Bartenders often use NLP (without knowing) to gauge the success of a first date by where the couple's glasses end up by the end of the night. If their glasses are close to one another, the date is likely going well; if they are far apart, the opposite is true. This is an extremely powerful method to build rapport with someone and many sales representatives use it to develop relationships with their prospects. It is important to note that these techniques should be used ethically and responsibly. It is essential to respect the boundaries of others and not manipulate or deceive them to obtain information. NLP, including mirroring, should only be used in appropriate contexts where it is necessary.
Overall, NLP is a powerful tool for personal development and self-improvement. By changing the language patterns and associations that are attributed to certain experiences, we can create new, more positive thought patterns and behaviors that support our goals and aspirations. If you're interested in exploring NLP further, consult with a qualified NLP practitioner to learn more about the potential benefits of this powerful healing modality.
