Fundamental NLP Techniques for Self-Improvement

Neuro Linguistic Programming or NLP is a unique approach to psychotherapy, communication skills, and personal development introduced in the 70s. In essence, its approach is drawing parallels and connections between the social functions of language and the neurological function of the brain and its effect on the way people behave.

In other words, changing the way you speak will have an effect on the way you behave and think. In the same manner, changing your thought patterns will result to a changed means of expression or social behaviour.

In short, Neuro Linguistic Programming is a very powerful tool that can effectively change negative behaviours and thought patterns by focusing on the words, body language, and thoughts.

The amazing thing is you are not required to fully understand the physiological processes behind NLP to enjoy its peerless benefits. If you want to have a taste of what NLP has to offer, below are some basic NLP techniques you can try to change yourself and your life for the better:

Rapport

Simply put, rapport is the ability to empathise and get on with others. And while building rapport can seem straightforward at first glance, such is not always the case. For starters, building rapport will entail a mix of body language, listening, and tact.

If you are able to instinctively build rapport with others, you’ll have a bigger chance of having more friends, being happier at home or at work, and even living a longer and healthier life.

Fortunately, it is possible for you to master the art of building rapport. Quick and simple NLP techniques you can use to build rapport include:

• Mimicking the other person’s breathing pattern
• Subtly mirroring the other party’s body language
• Paying attention to the other person’s speech and using similar words in your replies

The key is to pay close attention to the person you are interacting with. Otherwise, you might miss important spoken and language signals that can help make building rapport a lot easier.

Dissociation

You might not be aware of it but much of the negative emotions, depression, or stress you experience daily can be the result of your trigger reactions to common experiences. For example, do you notice your temper rising or your mood changing each time you hear someone mention a particular phrase or word? Alternatively, is there a particular habit  that others do that sends you into inertia or rage?

Dissociation works by severing the link between the trigger event and the negative state of mind. As such, dissociation is considered highly effective in treating deeply entrenched psychological issues like depression, stress, anxiety, and even phobias. It is also considered a good NLP technique to use when dealing with difficulties at home, at work, or in relationships.

Content Reframe

Content reframe is a group of visualisation techniques that you can use to encourage you to think differently about situations that make you feel victimised, out of control, or disempowered. This powerful technique will also let you see negative situations in a whole new light so you can create positive outcomes from frustrating and seemingly hopeless situations.

Content reframe is considered beneficial for those individuals who have experienced severe past traumas like childhood abuse or battlefield stress. It is also considered very helpful for those who are suffering from life-threatening or chronic illnesses. In addition, content reframe is also the technique often used to help those who are dealing with stressful and unexpected trauma like losing a loved one or getting fired from their jobs.