What is NLP?

Jakob Hysek
3 days ago
2 min read

My journey to coaching and my education as a psychosocial counselor all started with a simple book. NLP for dummies.

Drawing of a person with raised hands and a bubble showing the question, "What is NLP?"

But what exactly is NLP?

NLP is the abbreviation for:

Neuro- Linguistic Programming

Neuro - meaning your thoughts & emotions
Linguistic - aiming at the language we are using to:
Programme - i.e., initiating change

So through NLP we are trying to influence our thoughts, emotions and beliefs.

NLP has defined several core principles about us humans and our interactions and developed a multitude of methods and techniques, which can be used like a toolbox.

In my education and training, I got to know, try and use a lot of methods and was able to build my own personal development toolbox. Depending on the challenge & situation, my clients and I use these techniques to further their development.

Maybe your's too soon?

How was NLP developed?

NLP was founded by two people, one of them being John Grinder. The following is one of my favorite quotes of his:

"Modelling is the mother of all skillsets." - John Grinder, co-founder of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

According to him, NLP is the modelling of excellence.

Modelling of excellence means what exactly?

Modelling in NLP means we look at people who are exceptionally good at something, and try to figure out what and how they are doing it exactly.

What are they thinking? How are they thinking?
How do they tackle a challenge?
Furthermore: How can I model this behavior & integrate it into my own life?

John Grinder and his partner did exactly that to develop NLP. They modelled 3 very different therapists. They studied Fritz Perls, Virginia Satir & Milton Erikson. Those three represent three different therapy fields, namely gestalt-, systemic- and hypno-therapy.

By studying the way these three worked, they developed their own techniques and toolbox. With these, you can for instance:

Adapt and sharpen your language.
Improve your communication with others.
Or explore and develop your mental strategies, your thoughts, beliefs & emotions.

NLP and my approach

I started by reading books and attending three NLP courses all the way to become what NLP calls a Master Practitioner. My NLP training was always focused on the collaboration and coaching of and with clients. My training laid the foundations for my way of coaching years ago.

The education and certification to become a psychosocial counselor in Austria were logical next steps for me.

Through my education, I got to know a multitude of techniques and methods and have built my own toolbox for my own personal development and of course my client's.

Are you curious?

Have you ever heard of NLP? Are you interested to find out more or use one of these methods in your own personal development?

Reach out and let's have a go at it:

Coaching

Are you unsure if we fit together? Then hop on a call with me and let's get to know each other!

Introduction

We will address your questions in a 15-minute conversation and determine whether and how we can work together.

I look forward to hearing from you!