How Does NLP Life Coaching Work?

Most people are familiar with the term “Life Coach”, but many have no idea what NLP Life Coaching is. NLP is short for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It is one of several techniques that a life coach may choose to use to help a client eliminate bad communication habits, change behaviour that is destructive to himself or others or to help through a transitional lifestyle change.

The “official” definition of NLP is an “approach to psychotherapy and organizational changes based on interpersonal communication chiefly concerned with the relationship between successful patterns of behaviour and the subjective experiences (esp. pattern of thought) underlying them.” That’s quite a mouth full. In short it is a technique for applying behavioural responses and thought together in a cohesive way to effect positive change and personal growth.

The title, Neuro-Linguistic Programming was coined to reflect the co-founders’ belief in the connection between neurological processes, language, and behaviour patterns that have been learned through experience (“programming”) and that can be organized to achieve specific goals in life. Essentially, where focus goes, energy flows.

Though some “science-minded” professionals in the psychotherapy field have argued its validity, there is no doubt that NLP has helped many people. The relationships of emotion and thought cannot always be quantified by the means available or acceptable to conventional or mainstream practitioners.

In contrast to standard psychotherapy, NLP does not focus on diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of mental and behavioural disorders, most all of which have been defined by consensus, not by scientific testing. Rather, NLP Life Coaches help their clients to focus on overcoming self-imposed and subjectively constructed problems.

The client’s own abilities are respected and their wisdom to choose additional goals for the intervention of their problems is drawn out from their own well of self-awareness. As the client progresses he or she modifies and specifies their goals until the desired result is achieved.

NLP is usually used in conjunction with other therapies. In fact, it is often used outside of therapeutic climates for interpersonal communications and persuasion in the business world, management training, sales, sports, and personal influence.

Variations of NLP are used in seminars, workshops, and audio programs, which include forms of exercise and principles of discipline, intended to influence behavioural and emotional changes in one self. While some would like to waste time disputing which patterns are or are not part of NLP, the fact remains that those who believe it will help them find that it does.

It used to be that when a doctor couldn’t come up with a preset diagnosis and treatment for whatever ailed you, his last resort (or perhaps retort) would be, “It’s all in your head.” That took the burden off him to help you. But really, did that make any difference?

The result was still the same – you were sick. Well, as it turns out, it is all in your head, and that’s a good thing. NLP Life Coaches can be a helpful resource for anyone making a lifestyle change, or anyone wanting to change behaviour or bad communication habits. Healthy minds lead to healthy bodies. Here’s to your health.