The power of the mind, learning NLP techniques

We have heard about them, but what are NLP techniques? It is true that we cannot talk about Neurolinguistic Programming as a science, which is why it has received some criticism. But it is considered a “model”, that is, a set of techniques and theories focused on understanding behaviors and to guide the human being towards self-knowledge and the achievement of objectives.

But let’s first analyze its acronyms carefully: on the one hand, we have the word “programming”, which refers to the intention to reprogram behaviors, beliefs and psychological processes. The “neuro” concept leads us to the idea that all behavior is based on a series of neurological processes. And finally, “linguistics” responds to the concept that all these neurological processes are expressed through specific verbal and body language.

What is NLP?

Neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is a pseudoscientific communication, personal development and psychotherapy technique, created by Richard Bandler, John Grinder and Frank Pucelik in the 1970s. It is a communication model that focuses on identifying and using thought patterns that influence a person’s behavior as a way to improve the quality and effectiveness of life.

According to its creators, it can treat, often in a single session, problems such as phobias, depression, stereotypical movement disorder, psychosomatic illnesses, myopia, allergies or the common cold. As you can imagine, the results usually do not match what they promise.

NLP principles and techniques

That dimensional triad that we mentioned Its initial objective is to understand our internal processes to reprogram the way we communicate and express ourselves, in order to change beliefs and make us feel safe to achieve our personal success. Quite a challenge, right? But let’s get to know, in a brief way, some more of its aspects and NLP techniques.

1. Communication

NLP tells us that the way we communicate

In addition to this, people have two types of communication: internal (what we think and feel deep inside), and external (where in addition to the words we express out loud, gestures, postures and gestures come together) .

2. Way of processing information

People differ in our way of “capturing” information. There are people who are guided more by the visual, others by the auditory route.others by sensations… Stop for a moment on this idea: How do you remember things more, with words or with images?

Try to remember a moment from your past, how does that memory come to mind? Observe how you analyze and capture the information around you, whether you are, for example, more visual or auditory.

3. Anchoring

A way to achieve objectives or overcome certain problems would be based on this concept.already used by behavioral psychology and one of the basic NLP techniques.

Let’s imagine a situation that causes us a lot of anguish and anxiety, speaking in public, for example. One way to face this reality would be to “anchor” a pleasant momentrelaxed and positive of our memory, and associate it through visualization and breathing techniques with the “stressful situation.”

A walk on the beach when we were children, a sunset with our partner, relaxing music… all of this should help us “weaken that fear” and reprogram new realities where harmony prevails. In this way, gradually, We “anchor” ourselves in a calm and pleasant situation to face an event that is stressful for us..

4. Time

Time has a certain importance for each person, but you must know how to manage it appropriately. Our memories and emotions are gathered in the past, a trunk from which good things can sometimes be taken to reorient the “now”.

Because It is in the present where sensory experiences prevail, in which truly important events take place and where we must invest all our efforts towards a good future. Therefore, working in the present is essential in NLP to sow the future that we would like to have.

5. Systems ecology

People have a system of beliefs and certain values ​​built throughout our lives, they are those engines that guide our neurological axes. “We are what we believe” and beliefs are conceptions of our world, which promote action and behavior.

Sometimes, These beliefs are so ingrained in our being that we don’t even realize if they are beneficial for us or not.we may be harming ourselves without knowing it… Hence, NLP delves into our systems ecology to make us aware and reorganize these structures in a more beneficial and optimal way.

Some examples of NLP techniques

The techniques of this trend have been adopted, above all, in the work environment to increase productivity. However, many of them can be applied to everyday life to improve some aspects. Let’s see several examples below:

Report: This word, coming from psychoanalysis, focuses on active listening and non-verbal language to create bonds of trust between people and create safe environments.Reframe: It is about changing the subjective frame of reference in a situation to modify its meaning. This way it is easier to control how it affects us and find solutions to problems.Modeling: It consists of copying the success of other people through the imitation of their skills, behaviors, etc.Synchronization: It serves to develop empathy. It consists of observing and recognizing specific behaviors in other people to understand their emotions and create a bond with them.Induction: It is about guiding people towards positive and specific states of mind that help them cope with difficulties.Calibration: It serves to sharpen the ability to observe the environment, specifically the verbal and non-verbal language of those around the subject. It is useful to detect inconsistencies in others.Delusion alternatively: It is based on persuasion to influence the perception of others, since it offers several paths to choose from to reach the same goal.Display: It consists of visualizing images or specific situations that you want to achieve. In this way, the person is motivated, anticipates possible problems and carefully analyzes the paths to follow to the goal.Modal operators of necessity or possibility: NLP affirms that there are certain thoughts and mental processes that manifest as strict orders on one’s own person (“I have to stop eating animals to be consistent with love towards them). Knowing them and learning to manage them is very useful for people management.

Criticisms towards Neurolinguistic Programming

Although all this sounds very good and gives the impression that we can take control of our own brain to process and operate on the environment in pursuit of our objectives, the truth is that there have been many criticisms of this model. Some of the most important are these:

It is stated that the word “neuro” is used fraudulently, since explanations based on neuroscience are non-existent. It is also maintained that NLP belongs to the so-called “power therapies”, which promise almost miraculous successes and cures. Many people put their mental well-being in the hands of these therapies when in reality solid results cannot be guaranteed. The novel tools presented in this theory have not been empirically proven.

These are, therefore, in broad strokes, the basic pillars on which this approach to the human mind, Neurolinguistic Programming, is based. where the way we interpret our reality and organize information takes precedence: the senses, language, time, words, memories, beliefs… They are those leaves that make up the tree of our life.

NLP techniques help to vary or focus differently on some of these parts to direct our lives towards certain goals.

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