NLP is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between neurological processes, language, and behavioral patterns. It suggests that by changing our internal dialogue and perceptions, we can alter behavior and emotional states.

 

However, NLP is multi-sided and is also used as a framework for effective selling, presenting or winning people over for ideas. It has the potential of bypassing conscious awareness – the critical mind – but it also has the potential of engaging an unconscious part of the mind. This side of NLP is a mild form of hypnosis as it makes use of the same mechanisms, like flooding the brain with too many messages or confusing it with suggestive language or by leading others into repetitive patterns and gradual submission. Many NLP-instructors are also involved in hypnosis and vice versa.

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Critique from other categories

As an alternative to therapy, NLP sometimes produces remarkable results. Only, it's not very consistent. It works for some and it doesn't for others. NLP is also critiqued by other schools of thought. Here's an overview:

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• CBT-Based Therapies
  Criticize NLP for not relying on structured cognitive interventions and evidence-based approaches to address thought patterns and behaviors directly.

• Psychodynamic Therapies (Regression)
  Argue that NLP overlooks unconscious processes and the deeper exploration of past experiences and traumas that influence current behavior.

• Humanistic and Existential Therapies
  Claim NLP may focus too much on behavior change without addressing the deeper search for meaning, self-actualization, or personal growth.

• Exposure Therapy
  Suggest that NLP might not provide the same level of gradual desensitization to feared stimuli or traumas that is central to Exposure Therapy’s approach.

• Systemic and Family Therapies
  Argue that NLP is overly individualistic and does not take into account the relational or systemic factors that influence behavior.

• Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Therapies
  Criticize NLP for focusing on changing thought patterns rather than fostering acceptance of thoughts and emotions in the present moment.

• Somatic Therapies
  Suggest that NLP does not sufficiently engage the body’s sensory and motor systems to process emotional responses or release trauma stored in the body.

• Direct Neural Rewiring Therapies
  Claim NLP lacks a focus on directly altering neural pathways and brain structures to facilitate long-term psychological change.

• Energy Rebalancing Techniques
  Critique NLP for not incorporating energy flow and balance, which is considered essential for emotional and mental well-being in practices like Reiki or acupuncture.

• Ego Awakening Techniques
  Critique NLP for potentially reinforcing the ego through the use of structured techniques aimed at behavior change, rather than encouraging ego transcendence.

• Breath-Oriented Techniques
  Suggest that NLP overlooks the role of breathwork and physiological regulation in managing stress and emotions.

• Body-Stimulation Techniques
  May argue that NLP does not incorporate physical techniques, such as massage or movement therapy, to support emotional or behavioral change.

• Psychedelic-Oriented Protocols
  Criticize NLP for not utilizing altered states of consciousness or psychedelic experiences that may enable deeper emotional healing and transformation.

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