What happens in a session?

While the methods used by professionals will differ, a standard NLP coaching session will follow the same, basic pattern. Initially, the practitioner will ask what you want to change and the problems you want to overcome. They will pay close attention to what you’re saying and how you say it, tailoring the session to your responses.

The NLP practitioner will then work through a range of exercises with you in order to piece together your “life map”. They will begin to introduce new thought processes in order to help you widen your boundaries.

It is common for the practitioner to give you exercises to practice at home. This will help you get accustomed to the techniques learnt in the NLP coaching session. While the main neurological changes will have occurred during the session, they may take time to settle in. It is normal for the changes to progress over time, as you get back into your daily routine.

They may ask you to record how you felt before, during and after sessions. This is so you and the NLP practitioner can look back on the results. You will also make note of any changes you have noticed since starting the sessions and record any at-home exercises you have completed. When you are ready, both you and the practitioner will decide on the next stage of your life and what change to begin.

It is thought that NLP is becoming a popular technique because it focuses on the future. It works to explore future possibilities and solutions, rather than encouraging you to dig up past memories or experiences. NLP coaching is about adding opportunities and widening perceptions, rather than dwelling on the negatives.

What is NLP used for?

Neuro-linguistic programming is often regarded as ‘a toolkit for the mind’, and because of this, NLP is used to improve all areas of a person’s life. It is known to be particularly effective for improving the following situations:

Anxiety and Stress

NLP coaching can be an effective method for fighting feelings of stress and anxiety because it identifies the thought patterns that may be causing the pressure. As soon as these unconscious thought patterns are recognised, they can be challenged.

Health and Well-being

One of the most important ideas underpinning NLP is that the mind and body are closely connected. When exercising, for example, people will experience positive mental and physical energy. By improving the way we approach and think about the world, we can improve the health and well-being of our bodies.

Fears and Phobias

NLP is well-known for its effectiveness in helping people cope with fears and phobias. Like with anxiety and stress, NLP can reveal the thought process behind the often ‘irrational’ fear. NLP can help to change how a person thinks and feels about what was causing them fear so that they are no longer afraid.

Relationships

Relationships are based on communication, and problems often arise when people are not communicating or expressing how they really feel. NLP can help a person become more aware of how they communicate. Understanding this can help people accept that others may have different views: one opinion is not wrong or right. With NLP coaching, practitioners hope that by developing empathy skills, a person will find it easier to build strong and long-lasting relationships.

Confidence

It is common for people to see an NLP practitioner for relief from their own self-doubt and limitations. The techniques used can help the person break old habits and beliefs and gain new opportunities. NLP is effective in boosting an individual’s by teaching them how to make decisions based on their dreams, rather than fears.