Neuro-linguistic programming

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a quasi-spiritual behavior-modification (or "performance psychology") technique whose crux is "modelling," or "NLP modelling" (Raso 2005). NLP practitioners most commonly define NLP as "the study of the structure of subjective experience". How do we do what we do? How do we think? How do we learn? And how do we connect with each other and our world on a physical and spiritual level? (O'Connor & McDermott, 1996) (Dilts et al 1980)(Milliner 1988). Thus, "NLP is about form and not about content" (Dilts et al 1980).

Overview of NLP

NLP is a method of programming the mind, emphasizing the mind-body-spirit connection. The term "neuro-linguistic programming" is designed to embrace three ideas: all behaviour starts from the neurological processes; we use language to organize our thinking and to communicate with others; and we can choose to `programme' our behaviour to achieve the results we desire (Partridge 2004).

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The methods of NLP theoretically involve programming and reprogramming engrams(the memory trace) (Sinclair 1992) (Drenth 2003) http://www.online-hypnosis.org/encyclopedia/definition.asp?word=Engramhttp://www.nlptrainings.com/humanistic.html treating traumas (Andreas & Faulkner, 1994) by reframing, and belief change methods (O'Connor and McDermot 1996).

Related Topics:
Engrams - Trauma - Reframing - Belief

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NLP advocate, Robert Dilts asserts that NLP "is theoretically rooted in the principles of neurology, psychophysiology, linguistics, cybernetics, and communication theory" (Dilts et al 1980). NLP makes use of concept of the engram(the memory trace) (Sinclair 1992) in relation to the mind/body connection, (Drenth 2003) for the utility of change, the development of unconscious competence, and the treatment or removal of traumas (Andreas & Faulkner, 1994). The engram is a memory trace which gives a patterned response, which has been stabilised at the level of unconscious competence. These engrams are beneficial if they involve automatic activities which are useful, but also comprise activities which are automatic and pernicious, such as addictive behaviour (Sinclair 1992). The concept involves the memory trace, can be located using the eye directionality, or other such cues, and then can be accessed and manipulated using changes in internal visuo-spatial imagery. However, similar to NLP, the engram concept is by and large scientifically unsupported.

Related Topics:
Neurology - Psychophysiology - Linguistics - Cybernetics - Communication theory - Engram - Unconscious competence - Trauma - Addictive behaviour

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Aspects of Pavlov's classical conditioning could be used to explain NLP "anchoring" techniques. Some NLP spokespeople, such as Rex and Carolyn Sikes say "what occurs is a way of consciously creating the placebo effect", although most NLP proponents tend to avoid the theory question and state that they don't really have one (Singer and Lalich 1996).

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