Neuro-Linguistic Programming

[L2B22]

What are everyone thoughts on this topic?

I have always been interested in changing and have looked into NLP but I've been reading a lot of stuff, which seems to be on both ends of the spectrum as far as its effectiveness goes.

[JonWhite]

What are everyone thoughts on this topic?

I have always been interested in changing and have looked into NLP but I've been reading a lot of stuff, which seems to be on both ends of the spectrum as far as its effectiveness goes.

A few good ideas and a whole heap of exageration.

It makes me laugh that the two founders (Bandler and Grinder) had developed this wonderful communication technique and then spent several years not even talking to each other.

And as for Bandler, everything I've ever seen from him leads me to think I wouldn't trust buying a used car off the guy!


ETA: The Skeptics Dictionary NLP entry (http://skepdic.com/neurolin.html)

[Q-Source]

NLP is a technique to use your language and signs to change patterns of behaviour. There is nothing woo about it, but people misunderstand it and make extraordinary claims about NLP.
For example the foundation of NLP is based on learning how to empathise with people using your language, body movement and tone of voice among other things.

[Ashles]

I thought Derren Brown summed it up well in his books 'Tricks of the Mind' in which he said that there is so much nonsense talked about it, but it has a couple of principles and techniques that could be useful.

They seemed to be principles which I have seen mentioned elsewhere such as mirroring, remembering people's behaviours when lying to look for future lies and that sort of thing. Nothing I would have thought of as specific to NLP.

[JJM]

NLP is a technique to use your language and signs to change patterns of behaviour. There is nothing woo about it, {snip}"Mental Help: Procedures to Avoid"
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/mentserv.html

Nothing woo about it?

[Soapy Sam]

Neuro linguistic hacking is the way sideways.

(Forward is retro).

[jimbob]

I thought Derren Brown summed it up well in his books 'Tricks of the Mind' in which he said that there is so much nonsense talked about it, but it has a couple of principles and techniques that could be useful.

They seemed to be principles which I have seen mentioned elsewhere such as mirroring, remembering people's behaviours when lying to look for future lies and that sort of thing. Nothing I would have thought of as specific to NLP.

He also mentioned how easy it was to become a certified practitioner.

A good debunking IMO.

[JonWhite]

He also mentioned how easy it was to become a certified practitioner.


Absolutely.

One and a half grand or so to sit in an extremely large hall with several hundred other people for seven days and you're officially qualified, regardless of what you actually learn or if you're any "good" at it.

The quick route to certified NLP practitionerhood:

McKenna/Bandler NLP course (http://www.paulmckenna.com/file/32/professional-training.html)

Jon Ronson article on the above course (http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,1777489,00.html)

[L2B22]

wow thanks for all of the information, looks like NLP does has some good stuff to offer, but like anything people can market it as being the next magic bullet.

In your guy's opinion, what is a good philosophy to follow if one is interested in changing one's life?

[arthwollipot]

Be excellent to each other.

[JonWhite]

In your guy's opinion, what is a good philosophy to follow if one is interested in changing one's life?


Generally, a hugely worthwhile method that has great potential for effecting practical, positive, personal change in outlook and approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

As a starting point I'd recommend this book (for dummies it certainly isn't):

CBT For Dummies (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy-Dummies-Willson/dp/0470018380/ref=pd_bbs_1/203-4565793-8583966?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188215439&sr=8-1)

Ignore trendy, instant "cure", New Agey, psychobabble nonsense and go with a non BS approach that works.