This is a question that I have been asked many times so let us have a look at what NLP is.
NLP stands for neuro-linguistic programming (neural), language and the way that we build a linguistic map of the world (linguistic) and learned behavioural responses (programming). Basically it is the study of how we use language between our internal experience and our external behaviour. It's a study of human communication and behaviour. This can be used as a tool kit for personal change.
NLP is currently used in business, sports coaching, therapy, counselling, coaching, training, teaching, sales advising - in areas where people want to achieve better results for themselves and others.
The creators of NLP Richard Bandler and John Grinder created a broad and flexible Toolkit for personal change. It works with our fundamental perceptions of the world from which we form our beliefs and generate the behaviours that we hope will get us the results we want.
All of our experiences and memories are based on sensory inputs and sensory inputs are filtered, to reduce the volume of information that we need. Our minds are open to all available information. NLP is a Toolkit, for organising and completing our experiences, so that they can be more useful to us in the future. This then can enable us to make better decisions and be more effective in our everyday lives.
Perhaps consider these filters working, to ensure we only become aware of a world that supports our beliefs. For example, if we believe the world is out to get us, we will delete anyone who helps us and perhaps, distort interactions so that they mean people are out to get us!. We may then generalise this, so that everyone is out to get us.
On the other hand, if we think the world is a loving place and a safe place, we will have a very different outlook and reaction to people we meet.
So in brief, NLP relates to thoughts, language and patterns of behaviour learned through experience. NLP helps us to take responsibility for change and for the effect we have on other people. If we need other people's help, then we need to be better at expressing what it is we want or change the action we are taking, to achieve your desired outcome. It is a ‘journey’ but one with taking.
Take Care,
Regina.