Are you interested in broadening your horizons, increasing your influence, and perhaps transforming the lives of others? Have you heard of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or as we like to call it, NLP?

NLP is a powerful methodology that has revolutionized the way we understand the human mind. It can be a valuable tool for you if you wish to be a more influential healthcare professional, a more efficient leader, a more respected manager, or even to improve your communication and increase your sales. But what exactly is NLP?

Imagine having a map to decipher what goes on in the human mind. Neuro-Linguistic Programming is precisely that, a model that allows us to understand how we think, how we communicate, and more importantly, how we can change or enhance these processes. Read this article to the end to understand.

What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

The origin of NLP dates back to the 1970s, by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. They wondered: what makes some therapists so effective? To find the answer, they began modeling – that is, replicating – the behaviors of these successful professionals. Thus, NLP was born as a set of strategies, attitudes, and techniques aimed at effectiveness in communication and personal change.

The main concepts of NLP encompass the way we internally represent our experiences, the language we use to communicate, and the behavioral patterns we follow in our daily lives. If used well, NLP can be a powerful tool for achieving excellence in almost every aspect of life.

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to leverage your results, whether in personal or professional life, using the power of NLP? The key to this treasure is within your reach, and we will help you discover how to use it.

Now that you know what Neuro-Linguistic Programming is, how about diving deeper and exploring the generations of this wonderful tool?

The Generations of NLP: Evolution and Advances

Talking about Neuro-Linguistic Programming is revisiting a series of names and brilliant minds that contributed to the construction and evolution of this powerful tool. NLP is not a static science; it is a constantly evolving field. So, now that we understand the origin of NLP, shall we uncover together how it has grown and matured over time?

We start with the first generation of NLP, shaped by Bandler and Grinder in the 1970s. This initial moment focused on decoding and reproducing the behaviors of successful therapists. The idea was to create a toolbox of techniques and strategies to solve problems and enhance skills. But like everything in life, there was room for improvement.

Around the 1980s, the second generation of NLP emerged. Bandler and Grinder’s students, such as Robert Dilts, Debora Bacon Dilts, Steve Gilligan, Charles Faulkner, among others, began to expand the horizons of NLP. The methodology began to be applied in areas beyond therapy, such as business, negotiation, sales, and education. The second-generation NLP opened new possibilities, focusing on higher-level issues like beliefs, values, and metaprograms.

And, as evolution is a constant process, the 1990s saw the birth of the third generation of NLP, strongly influenced by Robert Dilts, Judith DeLozier, Stephen Gilligan, and Suzi Smith. This generation presents a generative and systemic NLP, focused on high-level issues like identity, vision, and mission. It broadens the scope of NLP beyond the individual, encompassing organizations, cultures, and broader systems.

But believe it or not, NLP continued to evolve beyond the third generation. Curious to find out what came next? Then, let’s go together!

Traditional NLP: Science or Pseudoscience?

As NLP gained notoriety and popularity, it also attracted a fair amount of criticism. It is important to recognize that some of these criticisms are valid and necessary for a balanced and responsible understanding of NLP.

As Richard Bandler and John Grinder, the creators of NLP, claimed that their techniques could solve an incredible range of problems – including curing myopia and diabetes through suggestions, as mentioned in their book “Frogs into Princes” – NLP began to face intense academic scrutiny.

Accusations of pseudoscience were made, mainly due to the lack of rigorous scientific research to support many of the claims made by NLP proponents. Aspects such as the preferred representational system and eye cues, which were proposed as fundamental elements of NLP, were refuted by subsequent research.

There is no doubt that this controversy has led many people to question the legitimacy of NLP. As a professional seeking to enhance your skills and influence, you may wonder: is NLP still relevant and useful? The short answer is yes, but with a big caveat.

NLP, like any tool, is only as useful as the way it is used. If used responsibly and backed by research, NLP can offer valuable insights and effective techniques for communication, persuasion, and personal change.

In the next chapter, we will talk about the fourth generation of NLP, an evolution of NLP that is based on evidence and scientific research. Are you ready to take this step forward?

Scientific NLP: The Fourth Generation of NLP

It’s time to unveil the fourth generation of NLP, a version of NLP that is anchored in research and scientific evidence – the so-called Scientific NLP. Developed, researched, and improved by Psychologist and Master from UFMG, Alberto Dell’Isola and the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. This is the generation where NLP stands today and is characterized by its foundation in scientific research.

Scientific NLP seeks to support NLP techniques and concepts with robust studies and research. It is a response to the previous criticism that NLP is a pseudoscience. The main goal of Scientific NLP is to establish an evidence-based NLP model.

One of the main exponents of this new generation of NLP is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Neurosciences. The principles of CBT are rigorously research-based, and its techniques are widely recognized and used in psychology and psychotherapy.

Scientific NLP seeks to leverage the proven effectiveness of CBT and Neurosciences, combining it with NLP’s personal change techniques. The idea is to create an NLP model that is both effective and scientifically grounded.

However, the importance of using NLP wisely and responsibly cannot be emphasized enough. As a professional, it is crucial that you use NLP ethically and responsibly, always respecting the individuality and autonomy of the people you interact with.

So, are you ready to dive deeper into Scientific NLP and discover how it can help you become a more effective, skilled, and persuasive professional?

How to Learn More About Scientific NLP

You have come this far, and by now, I am sure you are as excited as we are at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis about the incredible potential of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Are you ready to take your knowledge and skills to the next level?

If you feel that Scientific NLP is the next step in your personal and professional growth journey, then we invite you to join the Practitioner in Scientific NLP. In it, you will learn firsthand all the techniques and concepts of Evidence-Based Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

The Practitioner in Scientific NLP is an immersive and interactive experience. Throughout the training, you will have the chance to practice NLP techniques in a professional, safe, and welcoming environment. Additionally, you will have the support of a team of highly qualified and dedicated specialists who will be by your side every step of the way.

Are you ready to embark on this transformation journey? Click here and talk to our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NLP?

NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a set of techniques aimed at better understanding human behavior, body language, and people’s perception. It was created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who began studying the subject inspired by the work of Fritz Perls and other professionals. NLP assumes that by better understanding patterns of behavior and interpersonal communication, it is possible to be more influential and achieve positive results in various areas of life.

How do NLP techniques work, and how can they be applied?

Neuro-linguistic programming techniques aim to help improve communication with the interlocutor, better understand their mental model, and learn to use body language, tone of voice, and other characteristics more efficiently. An example of a technique is rapport, where a person seeks to mirror the behavior, gestures, and posture of their interlocutor to create a connection and facilitate communication.

What is rapport?

Rapport is one of the most well-known NLP techniques. It is a communication technique used to create a connection with the interlocutor by synchronizing behavioral patterns, language, gestures, tone of voice, and body language. Rapport helps establish a relationship of trust and understanding, improving the quality of interpersonal communication and facilitating conflict resolution and negotiations.

Does NLP really work?

It is considered an effective tool by many professionals and scholars, especially in communication, leadership, and personal development areas. However, it is important to remember that the results obtained with the application of NLP techniques depend on the dedication and skill of the person using them. Like any approach, NLP has its limitations and may not be effective in all cases or for all people.

Can I use NLP in coaching?

Yes, NLP can be a valuable tool in the coaching process, helping both the coach and the coachee better understand their thoughts and behaviors, promote self-awareness, and develop more efficient communication skills. NLP can be integrated into different coaching approaches and methods to enhance results and promote positive changes in personal and professional life.

Where can I use NLP in my daily life?

NLP can be applied in various areas of life, such as relationships, work, health, education, and personal development. Some techniques can help improve communication and relationships with the people around you, while others can be used to enhance skills, set goals, and overcome challenges. NLP can be a valuable ally in the quest for self-knowledge and continuous improvement in all aspects of life.

What is reframing in the context of NLP?

Reframing is an NLP technique that seeks to change the emotional or cognitive meaning of an experience or situation. It is an approach that aims to alter the perception and interpretation of events and circumstances, offering a more positive view and favoring problem-solving and personal development. Reframing can be used in various contexts, such as overcoming trauma, resolving conflicts, or adapting to new situations and challenges.

What are the benefits of using NLP in communication?

NLP can help improve interpersonal communication in several ways, such as facilitating the understanding of the interlocutors’ needs and interests, enhancing empathy, promoting self-expression, and developing persuasion and influence skills. Additionally, NLP can aid in conflict resolution, decision-making, and establishing common goals, making communication more assertive and efficient.

This publication is also available at: Portuguese (Brazil) Spanish