What is Neuro Linguistic Programming

One of the popular hypnosis techniques is called Neuro Linguistic Programming or NLP for short. At first, the concept seems almost like science fiction; that we can re-program the brain to think more efficiently and inevitably change our behavioral patterns by doing so, yet if you really think about it, NLP hypnosis makes perfect sense.

We have all had times where we are cognizant that our depressive or angry thoughts are detrimental to our mood and our health, but it seems like we just cannot stop ourselves. The goal of neuro linguistics is to help individuals regain that control and learn how to stop themselves from thinking and acting against their own best interests.

Developed in the late 1970’s at the University of California at Santa Cruz, NLP was the brainchild of scientists John Grinder and Richard Bandler who were hoping to answer the provocative question of “What makes folks effective and successful”. One part of the study focused on language and how happy, successful folks communicated. By analyzing how communication affected behavior, researchers were able to discover some patterns.

They found that certain words connected directly with folk’s senses, emotions and memories. Often in NLP hypnosis, a patient will be put into a state of trance and told a story in which vivid imagery such as a clear flowing stream, white puffy clouds or a beautiful blue lake, will be used. It is believed that these images will aid in their relaxation, imagination and transformation.

If you do not think this works, then try thinking of a rushing waterfall or dripping faucet the next time you want to urinate and you will find that that it works every time. In that instance, your thoughts are having a direct effect on your bodily functions and behavior. Joe Dispenza, chiropractor, researcher and author of "What the Bleep Do We Know," studied the idea of mind over matter for years before he was given the ultimate test; a debilitating injury from a serious accident. He opted to pass up medical treatment and focus on the healing power of the mind and NLP hypnosis techniques. Needless to say, he returned to his normal activities within weeks and his is certainly not an isolated case. Although medical science has not proven the underlying cause of these miracles, Dr. Dispenza believes it is only a matter of time before neuro linguistic programming becomes a serious science.

Neuro linguistic programming is most commonly found on a deep sleep hypnosis CD or in a power of positive thinking audio book. Unlike traditional hypnosis, this is a more subliminal hypnosis that relaxes the subject into a state of trance. Even though modern science disputes that language can alter someone's state of mind, the fact that folks can slip into a more suggestible state simply by listening to the therapist's vague language offers some credence to this pseudo-science. The only way to truly know is to try it.