Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Does It Work?

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that helps people change their thoughts and behavior patterns. It has different techniques that have been popular since the 1970s.

NLP is generally used to treat phobias and anxiety. The treatment is said to improve a person’s happiness and quality of life. 

You may visit NLP Keys to learn more about the efficiency of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

One of its standard methods is to model a successful person to the one undergoing an NLP. The program suggests that it is highly likely for the person to have similar outcomes to the successful person.

However, some people still have doubts about the NLP. So, does it work? Let’s find out.

What is NLP?

To understand NLP, we’ll need to break down its name: Neuro (short for Neurology), Linguistic, and Programming.

Neuro refers to the behavior that we have when our senses receive information. On the other hand, linguistics is for the language and helps us organize our thoughts and speak them out. 

Programming allows us to change our thoughts and behavior to produce desired outcomes.

The NLP creators strongly believe that each person has their own “map” or subjective world experience. This means we understand everything differently or in our unique ways.

Everything depends on our five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.

For example, if a person says, “I understand you,” the listener could think of it as “I see.”

The 3 Common Techniques of NLP

There are many ways to manage stress and anxiety, and NLP offers one of the trusted approaches. It has many different techniques that can be given to a person.

They will indeed find the most effective method for them. As a result, they’ll have an improvement in their lives.

Here are the three most common techniques of NLP that people use:

1. Rapport

Effective communication is an essential part of our daily lives. We talk to people daily, in shops, restaurants, and even our houses.

However, keep in mind that developing a rapport is critical in building trust and understanding for communication.

NLP teaches you to build effective communication by copying specific verbal and non-verbal behaviors. 

This will include the gestures and manners that we have whenever we communicate with other people.

An example is a connection you make to another person with how fast you speak, body movements, and even the volume of your voice.

There are times that when you talk to a person, they might not be able to create a strong bond because some factors don’t match with them. 

At the same time, they could understand you differently because of your body movements, big and small.

2. Reframing

This technique allows you to change your perception or feelings regarding a particular situation.

The most famous example is a glass with water; people view it differently, whether it is half-empty or half-full. 

Specialists would say that you are pessimistic or having negative thoughts if you identify it as half-empty. On the other hand, optimists would choose the latter.

After that, they would help you change your negative thinking to a positive one by making you consider what you can gain if you focus on the positive side.

For example, you are stuck in traffic on your way home after a long day at work. It’s easy to become angry because people would want to go home and take a rest.

However, looking on the brighter side, you’ll find it an excellent way to decompress before arriving at your home. You could listen to some podcasts you want to catch up on.

Perhaps you want to go on a holiday and prepare for it; listening to some podcasts about traveling can help you prepare for it. 

Not only will it help you feel more relaxed, but it will also save you time because you don’t need to do it at home.

When you reframe a negative situation, you’ll find an opportunity and turn it into a positive one.

3. Anchor

In NLP, this method refers to an external stimulus that results in an emotional response.

This often happens without us even realizing it. You would probably have a specific taste that reminds your mom’s cooking or a smell that gives you the feeling of home. 

These things are considered anchors.

NLP specialists can help you make anchors and produce a specific emotional state.

If you want to feel relaxed in a very stressful situation, one of the most common ways is to think of a time when you felt calm and at peace.

When you start feeling relaxed, performing your chosen anchor is best. It can be anything.

Does NLP Work?

NLP is practical as long as it is applied the right way.

You also need proper coaching before the program to determine which techniques are better for you.

NLP will become a part of your life as it helps people overcome stress and anxiety disorders.