What does an NLP practitioner do?

People communicate feelings in different ways. Most of these feelings are actually communicated unconsciously, be it through tone, volume, pace, facial expressions, body language and words.

NLP practitioners are trained to recognise these subtle, unconscious clues so that they can understand how their client is feeling. A practitioner can identify the self-imposed restrictions the clients have put on themselves through unveiling the client’s mental map and working with them to move forward.

The three most common types of limiting beliefs include:

  • hopelessness
  • worthlessness
  • helplessness

 

It’s easy for people to set themselves up for failure if they are constantly thinking negative thoughts. Beliefs such as, “I’m not good enough” or “other people are better than me” can limit experience and the chance of accomplishment.

It is common for an NLP practitioner to address these limiting beliefs by asking a series of questions such as:

  • Why do you believe you do not deserve happiness or success?
  • Why can’t you succeed?
  • What is preventing you from fulfilling your dreams?

 

The answers can help to reveal the feelings that are causing the limiting beliefs. An NLP practitioner will then begin to explore and challenge the limitations with the hope of changing the client’s negative thought pattern.

What to expect in a session?

While all people are different and different approaches will be used according to your need, a standard NLP coaching session will follow the same, basic pattern. Initially, I will ask what you want to change and the problems you want to overcome. I will pay close attention to what you’re saying and how you say it, tailoring your session to your responses.

We will then complete a range of exercises with you to piece together your “life map and I will begin to introduce new thought processes in order to help you widen your boundaries.

Homework will be given which will need to be completed. 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.

I may ask you to record how you felt before, during and after sessions. This is so that we 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 myself 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.