what is NLP? does it have scientific validity?

Answer 1

.....Neurolinguistic programming features several practical methods of influencing human behavior. Purportedly, it's based on brain science, but actually, it isn't. The theories were developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder over 30 years ago, before the advent of cognitive neuroscience.

If you read their books, which have titles like "Trance Formations," "Frogs into Princes" and "The Structure of Magic," you'll find that they draw heavily on the liberal human development movement popular on the West Coast during that time. A lot of it is about hypnosis and other non-mainstream techniques. None of their models were based on scientific research, so they don't don't align with current science and have never been validated by current science.

Some of the basic notions are on track, such as "people learn differently," and "display common ground to gain rapport." Even though some of their methods can be helpful, they must be performed skillfully, and this level of skill cannot be acquired from reading the books.

Still, over the years quite a few people have become trained facilitators in the techniques, and NLP has become their business. Thousands of people have attended the seminars, because they are attracted to the promises of NLP and firmly believe in it.

Par for the course.

Answer 2

neuro linguistic programming, the understanding of how our brain works, not mainly the scientific theories, but about knowing how to program it to our benefit.

it does have its basis and uses.

for example, a child who has learning difficulties, might need to be taught in a way similar to his so that he can learn easier. is he a visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic learner? observe and use that method to teach him.

another example, our brain cannot handle negatives.

thus, someone who grows up saying everyday "i dont want to be like my father", will have its brain telling itself to first be like the father, because it has to first imagine the end result of "being like my father" and try to figure out "how not to look like him", thus the person will likely grow up to look like the father. this is why, telling a child "not bad!" isnt half as encouraging as telling them "well done!".

if that's not enough, NLP also helps you in a sense like hypnosis does, in getting rid of phobias and enpowering your mind to perform at its peak.

for example, one could use the concept of "anchoring" in NLP to associate the fear of spiders with another response, such as "throwing any available items to kill it immediately", thus removing the fear. anchoring is more likely to succeed with practice and a more realistic association, i feel.

or one could be a more sociable person by synchronising their movements with the person they're talking to, using specific positive words, and thus making their points across easier.

the power of NLP, when fully used, is totally unimaginable. well, something like that.