Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a field of psychology that emphasizes the potential power of each individual to transform themselves, influence others, and achieve their goals.

NLP can loosely be considered a form of body-focused therapy, because clients are taught to tune into physical sensations to build awareness, develop self-regulation skills, and create change. That said, it’s very different from more evidence-based somatic therapies like somatic experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy.

The goal of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is to help people achieve personal or professional success. Success can mean different things to different people, from work success, to relationship success to success in changing or adopting specific behaviors.

A therapist trained in neuro-linguistic programming will strive to support you in reaching your goals, whatever they may be.

People may seek neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) because they want to improve their functioning and confidence in:

• Academics
• Sports
• Communication
• Career advancement
• Mental health
• Physical health

Despite the need for more supporting research, some therapists use NLP as a supplement to help clients manage the symptoms of:

• ADHD
• Anger management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dissociation
• Exam anxiety
• OCD
• PTSD
• Relationship issues
• Trauma

Because neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is more of a set of tools and techniques than a therapeutic modality, there are no widely recognized subtypes.

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) was founded during the human growth movement of the 1960s and 70s by linguist John Grinder and mathematician Richard Bandler. Though not psychologists themselves, they drew heavily on the work of psychologists Milton Erikson (hypnotherapy), Virginia Satir (family therapy), and Fritz Perls (Gestalt therapy).

Studies on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) have explored its potential impact on:

• Academic achievement
• Emotional intelligence
• Critical thinking skills
• Reducing stress and improving regulation and performance in school children
• Supporting children with disabilities
• Reducing sports anxiety

While some of these studies show promise, there is not yet enough research to support an empirical basis for neuro-linguistic programming in modern practice.

A core premise of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is that humans don’t ultimately “know” reality, only the versions we have constructed. Neuro-linguistic programming works, in large part, by exploring and challenging constructed realities, limitations, and biases, so clients can more effectively promote positive outcomes in their lives.

Neuro-linguistic programming sessions can involve a variety of techniques that aim to build a client’s awareness and facilitate both conscious and subconscious change.

Primary techniques include:

• Modeling: Studying and replicating thoughts and behaviors of successful people
• Action: Taking action to achieve desired outcomes
• Effective communication: Using language and behavior to build rapport and influence others

Other techniques include:

• Mirroring: Subtly emulating the body language and behavior of another person in order to build rapport and gain influence
• Anchoring: Pairing a physical sensation with a desired emotional state in order to make it easier to access that state
• Perceptual positioning: Gaining new perspective on a situation by viewing it from multiple perspectives
• Framing: The intentional use of language to evoke emotions and shape outcomes
• Swish: Using negative and positive mental images to encourage behavior change
• Priming: Using subconscious or barely perceptible signals to predispose people to think or act a certain way

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) sessions often feel like dynamic “thought experiments,” and may be conducted like a game. That said, there’s no need to worry about failure, as all outcomes are considered learning opportunities by proponents of NLP—the information or feedback you gather will help you hone your success skills.

The length and structure of a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) treatment plan varies from person to person, and should be discussed at the onset of therapy.

Throughout NLP, a client and therapist may work together to understand and practice four pillars:

1. Outcome: clients define goals or the intended “outcome” for the work ahead
2. Sensory acuity: clients learn use their senses to identify whether their actions are bringing them closer to a desired goal
3. Behavioral flexibility: clients may learn to be more adaptable to change, adjusting behaviors as it relates to the responses of others to get a more desired result
4. Rapport: clients may study the seemingly innate “charisma” of certain leaders, and learn to build and maintain genuine rapport with others