However, as an occupational therapist, and having worked in mainstream NHS mental-healthcare, I also believe that NLP at times sends out a misleading vibe, which cannot be said of some of the more traditional therapies. By this I mean that NLP can give the impression of being this magical therapy that will cure people in minutes, when years of psychotherapy, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy etc. has had little or no effect.



The result of this misconception about NLP, is that clients can turn up for a consultation at NLP Herts, expecting the therapist to wave her magic wand, with little or no effort on their part. Like all therapies, NLP relies heavily on the client's commitment and motivation to want to change.

A good therapist or NLP practitioner will want evidence of this commitment, in terms of the client being willing to engage fully in the process, particularly spending initial therapy sessions learning the fundamental principles of NLP such as the major frames, the communication model and presuppositions.

It is crucial for the client to 'buy into' these principles such as the frame 'being at cause' and to fully understand the impact of the way they filter life experiences on their state and behaviour, before any of the 'magic' can begin.

Unlike other therapies, NLP does have specific techniques such as the Fast Phobia Cure, Swish, Change Personal History and Parts Integration that are rather glamorous. In my opinion, these techniques do work very well, only always when they are supplemented by the more mundane psycho-educational work.

I recently had a highly agitated client turn up for a therapy consultation expecting that I could 'do something' immediately to help him feel better. This client had experience of other more traditional therapies and my hunch is that he would not of expected the same of his psychotherapist!

NLP is not about a therapist doing a technique on a client that will solve all their problems in an instant. It is a highly effective therapy that can lead to new options in thinking and behaviour when the client works alongside the therapist. Like other therapies such as CBT, NLP strategies and any new positive behavioural and emotional habits require practice and hard work by the client.

So, if your looking for a quick fix, NLP isn't it! And any practitioner that tells you otherwise is probably after your money. Don't let this put you off seeking NLP. It is very effective and if you want change in your life and are prepared to work towards it with the therapists support, you will have change. NLP is available at NLP Herts.

Karen Hastings is an NLP Master Practitioner, and a senior mental health Occupational Therapist. Karen uses NLP, Hypnotherapy and CBT techniques at her practice in Hertfordshire to support people in overcoming a range of problems. Visit for more information.