Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP to its friends) has rocketed into the wellbeing zeitgeist, without much of an introduction.
Once a technique used to treat mental illness — survivors of the London Bridge terror attack were given NLP to help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — it has become the secret weapon in the toolbox of politicians and sporting professionals, who think about their NLP coach in the way some of us do our dentist. The practice has been credited for elevating the oratory of Barack Obama, and restoring former tennis star Andre Agassi’s Centre Court swagger. Reports suggest it is also in favour with Donald Trump.
But that’s not supposed to put you off. In terms of wellness, the technique — when taught and practiced correctly — is proven to improve productivity in the workplace. In essence, it combines elements of mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to overcome anxiety and depression.
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Those practising NLP are taught to rewire the way their brain reacts to certain triggers.
So how exactly does it work? An NLP coach will start by teaching you to recognise the non -verbal cues that your body is responding to. For example, behaviour by forthright colleagues might be making you anxious, or nervous at work — which will in turn be affecting your ability to do your job properly.
This is a prime example of a trigger. An NLP coach will help you to understand and modify your behaviour, using language patterns called pacing and leading. Pacing means talking a subject through negative behaviours, before using a ‘Phrase Anchor’ to lead the subject to respond differently to a specific stimulus. Politicians can use it savvily. For example, while on the campaign trail, Obama would suggest the country is going in the wrong direction (pacing), apply a Phrase Anchor such as “change” and apply this to a new behaviour, namely, a vote for Barack Obama as President (leading).
“It’s a model, a useful way of thinking about how we experience the world,” explains Vida Carmel, 28, a qualified NLP coach who has worked with people in organisations including the fast food company Leon and HM Prison Brixton.
“NLP can be incredibly powerful as a force for good in enabling people to make change and live well.”