What is NLP and where is the best evidence for it?
Most of Transformations’ trainings use models from the field of NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming to teach dramatic new applications of standard Psychology research. NLP is the study of success. It’s a set of models developed in the 1970s in the United States of America, by John Grinder, Richard Bandler and many others, based on a set of very precise ways to identify how someone who is successful is achieving results. Like the related field of Psychology, NLP has applications in so many places that you have almost certainly heard of it under other names already. For example, in personal development, NLP is the foundation for the work of TV Infomercial superstar Tony Robbins. In education, the application of NLP is often known as Accelerated Learning. NLP can also be used to study how excellent sportspeople win competitions, how high achieving managers create winning teams, how healthy people heal from illnesses quickly, or how people with photographic memory achieve near total recall. In any such personal development field, there are more and less scientific approaches available and at Transformations we consider it crucial to pay attention to the ongoing research base of the field. Interestingly, a couple of the editors at the online encyclopaedia “Wikipedia” have targeted poorly researched NLP approaches and that site is not a useful place to find out about the evidence base we use in our NLP training. Check instead the the NLP Wiki site and especially download their PDF paper listing NLP research studies. One of the most significant sites to get information on the use of the NLP-based RTM protocol is the Research and Recognition site here.
NLP Practitioners Study The Secrets of Success
An extensive catalogue of NLP research is also kept on the internet by the University of Bielefeld in Germany, and can be reached at www.nlp.de/research/ It includes research studies showing that NLP processes can increase memory by 61%, or eliminate the problems of post traumatic stress disorder in one session. In 1990 and 1992 Psychological Reports published research on the effects of NLP Practitioner training showing that those attending increase their sense of being in control of their lives, reduce the level of anxiety in their life, and demonstrate higher “self actualisation”.
What this means in practice is shown by follow-up of NLP Practitioners 6-9 months after their training in New Zealand with Transformations International Consulting & Training. Having had time to realistically assess the results of their training, 8 out of 10 Practitioners rated the training as one of their life’s most rewarding experiences. This is a powerful statement from a group of highly educated graduates. 95% said it had improved their ability to reach career goals, and 90% said it had helped them cope with a particular challenge or problem. 100% in the study rated it as well worth the investment of time and money.
The IANLP and IN Provide International Credibility
NLP Certification training with Transformations International Consulting & Training has been recognised by a number of New Zealand universities, and Practitioners have been awarded up to 20 credits towards relevant degrees. It is also recognised by the International Association of NLP Institutes at www.nlp-institutes.net and by the International Association of NLP at www.ia-nlp.org.
Richard Bolstad
The director of Transformations is Richard Bolstad.
Richard runs trainings in Australasia, Asia and Europe each year. His articles are regularly published in NLP World journal and other NLP magazines, and are re-published in numerous languages. He is the developer of innovative NLP techniques and models used in business, education and psychotherapy. His book Transforming Communication is a required text in several New Zealand and Japanese degree programmes, and has been used as the basis for training managers at Bank of New Zealand, Inland Revenue and other New Zealand corporations and educational institutions. His books such as RESOLVE: A New Model of Therapy are published in Japanese, Russian, Italian, Polish, German, Chinese, Arabic, Hebrew and many other languages. He has also run world service projects such as training Psychiatrists in Sarajevo to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in survivors of the Bosnian and Kosovo conflicts.