NLP FAQ

NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming is best understood by dissecting its confusing name:

Neuro- referring to the brain and the nervous system.  In NLP, a lot of the processes that you learn are based on the natural functioning of the brain, how it connects, how it uses plasticity, and how it interacts with the whole body.

Linguistic- meaning language both verbal and non verbal.  The way we say things, what we say and what our physiology is all play a role in the way we communicate with ourselves and others.  NLP helps a lot of relationship issues with its language techniques.

Programming- the way we have created habits, ways of thinking, of doing and of believing.  Our programming has been influenced by our parents, the media, our culture, other significant members of our family as well as friends.  Sometimes, a slight change in the strategy we are programmed to use in one area of our life can cause ripple effects over all of the areas of our life.  NLP has the tools to make these changes.

Taken together, NLP is about the programs that run our brain & nervous system, how it effects our communication, and the interconnection between all of them.  With NLP you can understand how you have been “programmed” and how to change programs that aren’t working for you or that hold you back. You can also identify the programs that work for you and map them across to other areas of your life.  NLP is all about creating successful outcomes for you and for others by knowing more about these programs; how to change them, add more, and erase some. You become your own hacker in a very good way!

NLP is a toolbox of techniques that will get you to where you need to go.

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) was founded by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in California in the 1970′s. There were actually 15 people that began NLP at the University of California Santa Cruz though Bandler and Grinder are the ones that are credited with its start.

 

NLP began with this group of people modeling some of the best methods in psychology at the time.   Through modeling, these pioneers uncovered what made Virginia Satir one of the best family therapist; her ability to uncover lost detail in communication between her clients and what made Milton Erickson an amazing conversational hypnotherapist that could create change in a client simply by telling a story.

 

Bandler and Grindler (and gang) created a methodology of using the best methods of Satir, Erickson, Fritz Pearls, Gregory Bateson and more. At the end, they created NLP.

Paraphrasing Richard Bandler about NLP it is “an attitude and methodology that leaves behind a trail of techniques”.

There are 4 levels of NLP Certification. Each certifying company has their own course hours and how they determine what constitutes course hours. For example, one company may take the 130-hour requirement literally and teach a 15-18 day practitioner course (depending on time allowed for breaks and lunch). Another company may include pre-reading time, class work, and homework time as part of the 130-hours therefore only having courses of 5-8 days in length.

NLP Practitioner:

This is the first level of certification. According to the International NLP Association, practitioner courses are 130-hours in length. Successful completion means that the practitioner has a behavioral integration of the following skills:

* Presuppositions of NLP
* Rapport; establishment, maintenance of
* Pacing and leading
* Calibration
* Representational systems
* Meta-model
* Milton-model
* Elicitation of well-formed outcomes
* Overlap and transition
* Metaphor creation
* Frames, contrast, relevancy, as if and backtrack
* Anchoring (VAK)
* Anchoring techniques
* Shift from internal to external consciousness as needed
* Dissociation and association
* Chunking
* Submodalities
* Accessing and building resources
* Reframing
* Strategies; detection, elicitation, utilization, and installation
* Demonstration of behavior flexibility
* Verbal and non-verbal elicitation of responses

NLP Master Practitioner:

This is the second level of certification. According to the International NLP Association, Master Practitioner courses are 130-hours in length plus 15-hours of direct trainer supervision (some companies do not require their students to complete this 15-hours of training). Successful completion means that the Master Practitioner has all the Practitioner level skills plus:

* Meta program sorts
* Values & criteria ladder
* Identification & utilization
* Sleight of mouth
* Elicitation of complex equivalents and adjustment
* Installation & utilization of strategies
* Refined use of submodalities
* Deliberate multi-level communication
* Negotiation
* Presentation skills
* Modeling
* Utilization & transformation of beliefs and presuppositions
* Design individualized interventions
* Ecological change work
* Shifting from content to form & experience and label

NLP Trainer:

This is the third level of certification. According to the International NLP Association, Trainer courses are 130-hours in length as well as Practitioner Trainer Endorsement minimum of 130-hours teaching or assisting in Practitioner certification training to be endorsed to do Practitioner Training, Master Practitioner Trainer Endorsement with a minimum additional 130-hours teaching or assisting in MP training to be endorsed to do MP training, minimum of 12-hours supervision by two Fellows from two different NLP organizations and the ability to demonstrate behavioral integration of the following:

* Behavioral competence in all Master Practitioner level skills
* Use of deep and shallow metaphor
* Shift between content and form, experience and labeling
* Demonstrate what one is teaching and to teach what one is doing – and to label it linguistically (Model Self)
* Demonstration of presentation and teaching skills
* Demonstration of personal styles and artistry
* Pacing and leading
* Respect for audience
* Ability to answer questions
* Design of presentation
* Design and exercises
* Behaviorally without the use of notes or printed aids
* Utilization of multilevel feedback; ongoing re-evaluation and incorporation of overt and covert information from individuals and group
* Graceful intervention of groups; at the least maintaining rapport and giving specific sensory grounded feedback
* Tasking; creating of a task that presupposes that a person behaves in a different way that expands his/her model of the world;
* Ability to do demonstrations

It is important to note that not all companies abide by such a strict standard of certification for this level.

NLP Master Trainer:

This is the fourth level of certification. To become a Master Trainer one must have 3-years of experience being the lead trainer of both Practitioner and Master Practitioner courses. In addition a master trainer needs:

* 60 hours of direct training with a Master Practitioner
* Completion of at least 5 Practitioner and 5 Master Practitioner trainings
* Immediate and flawless recall and teaching of any NLP subject without notes
* Being able to think and discuss on at least two logical levels above the content of the trainer’s NLP level
* Certificate level must be approved by two Master Trainers from two different organizations

One great way to find out more about NLP is to come to our practice group, which meets monthly to practice NLP skills.  You do not need to have any training in NLP to practice or participate.  The sessions are run with a overview and mini-training of what the process or technique is and how to utilize it.

You may also wish to volunteer at the practice sessions for the trainer or for newly certified coaches & have NLP techniques used to help solve a problem or give you clarity on a situation. The benefit is two-fold. Firstly, as the volunteer you experience first hand how powerful the tools of NLP can be. In addition, you can work through whatever problem you may be having with someone who has been professionally trained to help. Secondly, the NLP Practitioner or Master Practitioner has the opportunity to practice their skills on someone fresh each time. This is the best way for them to get their skills into their muscle.

Either way you choose, you will still get amazing benefits in all areas of your life learning a little NLP.

Be sure to sign up for our weekly updates on NLP events, practice sessions and news.

 

No, the NLP Association does not provide NLP Practitioner or Master Practitioner Certification Courses.  To find companies in Singapore providing courses, we suggest you come to the NLP Practice Sessions and speak to people who have taken their certification course already and who can answer any questions you have about the training or trainer.  You can also check the trainers & coaches that are registered on this site by clicking on the tab at the top of the page.

Also, we recommend the FAQ on "How do I  choose an NLP Training Company" in Singapore.