Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a psychological technique that empowers people to gain more control over their thoughts and actions to achieve a desirable result. Many life coaches apply NLP, a skill gained through an accredited NLP certification, in their practice as it is one of the most powerful behavioral change methodologies. When used hand-in-hand with coaching strategies, it produces valuable outcomes that both inspire change in individuals and the achievement of external goals.
What Is Neuro-Linguistic Programming?
NLP uses theories, models, and techniques from different fields to help people better understand their thought processes and behaviors and how these influence life results. It’s sometimes seen as a user manual for the mind because it deals with how the brain processes information and language.
With NLP, anyone can use their mental software to reprogram their minds to achieve desired outcomes. The technique is applied in various contexts, from therapy to life coaching, to create change, improve outcomes, and support well-being.
How Does NLP Work?
NLP is founded on the belief that if an individual comprehends how another accomplishes a task, they can copy the same methods to obtain the same result. To do this, the individual must analyze perspectives to create a systematic overview of a situation. At the same time, they must detect and modify unconscious biases or limitations that may be inhibiting them from achieving their goals. These analyses then inform the individual of the language and behaviors they must recreate to be successful. Then, they can perform these and learn from the experience.
NLP Coaching and Mentoring
One of the best ways to do NLP is through NLP coaching and mentoring. But what is NLP coaching and mentoring, exactly?
Many life coaches and mentors use NLP as a powerful strategy to evoke behavioral change. NLP coaching and mentoring is a specialized approach to life coaching and mentoring that applies the principles of NLP. It’s carried out by a professional NLP practitioner who is recognized by both a life coaching body and an NLP body.
NLP Versus Life Coaching
Some people assume that NLP is already inherently part of life coaching, but that’s not quite true. While both NLP and life coaching are similar in goals, they differ in the approach, which is why life coaches who want to practice NLP require extra training specific to the technique.
NLP is a framework, while coaching is a communication strategy. The former is more problem-solving, while the latter focuses on the outcome. They can overlap and many life coaches use methodologies from both concepts hand in hand to add value to their practice and help their clients achieve more holistic results.
Becoming an NLP Practitioner
If you’d like to practice NLP as a way to inspire others to change their lives, then becoming an NLP practitioner is the right step.
What Is an NLP Practitioner?
An NLP practitioner is a certified expert in life coaching competencies and NLP standards. These experts work to improve the lives of others through methods that apply NLP techniques.
An NLP practitioner can work in various settings; they may have individual clients, provide training, talks, and seminars, or work for large companies as a mentor, advisor, or trainer.
How to Become an NLP Practitioner
Anyone who wants to become an NLP practitioner must first take an accredited course on NLP. One of the best ones out there is Symbiosis Coaching’s online NLP practitioner training course, an ICF-accredited course that’s designed to equip you with the basic competencies of both life coaching and neuro-linguistic programming. The dual-certification program will allow you to provide higher-value mentorship to all clients.
Practice Neuro-Linguistic Programming as a Life Coach Through Symbiosis Coaching
Symbiosis Coaching offers an online NLP practitioner training course that provides you with everything that you’ll need to apply and practice NLP as a life coach. The dual-certification course runs for two hours once a week for twenty-five weeks, and gives you 65 ICF training hours. When done alongside Symbiosis Coaching’s certified life coach (CLC) program, you end up with a total of 125 ICF training hours, plus bonus coaching hours. Start your journey to becoming a certified NLP practitioner with Symbiosis today!
