History of NLP

Author: Eashani Rodrigo 

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) emerged in the mid 1970’s from the University of California, United States, by the two founders - Richard Bandler, a student of mathematics and John Grinder, a professor of linguistics. 

Bandler and Grinder claim NLP as a connection between the neurological processes (“neuro”), language (“linguistic”) and behavioral patterns learned through experience (“programming”). 

There are number of definitions of NLP: 

• “NLP is the study of the structure of subjective experience” - (Grinder, DeLozier & Bandler, 1977)
• John Grinder defines NLP as “an accelerated learning strategy for the detection and utilization of patterns in the world”
• Richard Bandler defines NLP as “an attitude and a methodology that leaves behind a trail of techniques”  

These definitions introduce NLP as a technology for communication and person development, and originally it claimed to be a methodology or a modelling process. 

As definitions imply, Bandler’s and Grinder’s initial studies were inspired by pioneers in fields of therapy and personal growth and development, which lead the two founders to develop systematic procedures and theories that formed the basis of NLP. Their initial work, “The Structure of Magic Vol. I & II” (1975a, 1976), identified the work patterns of the innovative psychotherapist Fritz Perls, the creator of gestalt therapy and Virginia Satir, the well-known family therapist. Their next work, “M.D. Vol. I & II” (1975b, 1977), identified the patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, the world-famous hypnotherapist and the founder of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Although NLP was initially used in the world of therapy, through the years it developed application in other fields.  Currently this approach is being incorporated into areas including: personal development, education, sports and fitness, health and wellbeing, relationships, psychotherapy, business, leadership, management, selling, coaching, negotiation, law, parenting and spirituality. Similarly, the academic literature on NLP remains scattered across those various filed of practices.  

References:

Bandler, R. & Grinder, J. (1975a) The Structure of Magic I: a book about language and therapy. Palo Alto, California: Science and Behaviour Books, Inc.

Bandler, R. & Grinder, J. (1975b) Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. Vol 1. Cupertino, CA.: Meta Publications

Bavister, S. &; Vickers, A. (2010). Essential NLP. Oxfordshire: Bookpoint Ltd

Grinder, J. & Bandler, R. (1976) The Structure of Magic II a book about communication and change. Palo Alto, California: Science and Behaviour Books, Inc

Grinder, J., DeLozier, J., & Bandler, R. (1977) Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. Vol II. Capitola, CA.: Meta Publications