A potted history of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

I’ve been involved in the field of NLP since I first read Change Management Excellence: Putting NLP to Work by Martin Roberts in 1999. As an engineer, I was hooked on the systems model approach. I trained with leaders in the field, including creators of the field and now describe myself as a human engineer.

Some people truly believe in NLP, as I do, as it is a method of coding how people structure their thoughts and beliefs. Others are anti-NLP based on their limited beliefs of the field; I just say you should never judge a field by the idiots in it. Richard Bander describes it as “the study of the structure of subjective experience”; that means it is person-centred and accepts that people function perfectly, but sometimes not how they’d like to. Often people use the term “modelling excellence” i.e. how people are functioning perfectly. 

I have read so many versions of the history of the field I thought it would be interesting to try ChatGPT; here is what came back as it doesn't favour one persons truth over another...

ChatGPT – history of NLP

NLP is a psychological approach that originated in the 1970s and is centred around the connection between neurological processes, language, and behavioural patterns learned through experience. Richard Bandler is quoted as describing it as “the study of the structure of subjective experience.

The history of NLP can be traced back to the collaboration between Richard Bandler, Frank Pucelik, and John Grinder.

1. Foundation (1970s):
• Richard Bandler and Frank Pucelik, students at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and John Grinder, a linguistics professor, initiated the development of NLP in the early 1970s. They began by studying and modelling the work of successful therapists, including Fritz Perls (Gestalt therapy), Virginia Satir (family therapy), and Milton H. Erickson (hypnotherapy). Pucelik left the original partnership over disagreements with Bandler, leaving Bandler and Grinder to continue.
2. Modelling Excellence:
• Bandler and Grinder's primary goal was to understand the patterns of excellence in communication and behaviour exhibited by these therapists. They believed that by modelling these patterns, they could create effective techniques for personal development and change.
3. Meta-Model and Milton Model:
• The early 1970s saw the development of the Meta-Model, a set of language patterns and techniques designed to uncover and challenge distortions, generalisations, and deletions in a person's communication. Concurrently, Bandler and Grinder developed the Milton Model, based on the language patterns of Milton H. Erickson, which was intended to induce trance and facilitate therapeutic change.
4. First NLP Book (1975):
• In 1975, Bandler and Grinder co-authored the book "Structure of Magic," which introduced the fundamental concepts and models of NLP. The book focused on the Meta-Model and its applications in therapeutic contexts.
5. Expansion and Diversification:
• Following the publication of "Structure of Magic," NLP gained popularity and attracted practitioners from various fields, including business, education, and personal development. Bandler and Grinder continued to refine and expand NLP through workshops and training programs.
6. Split and Evolution (1980s):
• In the early 1980s, Bandler and Grinder parted ways due to personal and professional differences. This led to the creation of different NLP schools, each with its variations and interpretations of the original NLP models. Some well-known schools include the Society of NLP (founded by Bandler), ITA (founded by grinder), and the NLP University (founded by Dilts).
7. Global Influence:
• Despite the split, NLP continued to spread globally, and its principles were applied in various fields such as psychotherapy, coaching, sales, education, and sports. NLP gained recognition as a powerful tool for personal development and communication skills.
8. Criticism and Controversies:
• Over the years, NLP has faced criticism and controversies, with some labelling it as pseudoscience due to the lack of empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness. However, proponents argue that NLP is a pragmatic approach focused on results rather than adhering strictly to scientific validation.
9. Contemporary Landscape (2020s):
• In the present day, NLP remains a dynamic field with a diverse range of applications. While the original models have evolved and diversified, NLP continues to influence various disciplines, and its techniques are integrated into training programs, coaching, therapy, and communication skills development worldwide.

The history of NLP is marked by its roots in modelling excellence, its initial collaboration between Bandler and Grinder, and its subsequent growth and diversification into various applications and schools of thought.

I thought that was a pretty balanced take on the field as ChatGPT has no leaning when the question asked is unbiased. I’ve added a few dates below for interest.

A few key names and dates:

Christina Hall received certification as a Master Trainer in 1985, and Meta-Master Trainer in 1991 (the only person to ever been given that title and accolade); both by Richard Bandler. She became an owner of SNLP in 1983 as part of the Bandler Group.

Wyatt Woodsmall and Tad James wrote Timeline Therapy and the Basis of Personality (1989). They were part of the first group certified as Master-trainers by Richard Bandler.

Wyatt Woodsmall formed INLPTA (International NLP Trainers Association) in 1993

Tad James formed ABNLP (American Board of NLP) in 1995

Steve & Connirae Andreas were part of the original group and were certified as master trainers in 1985

Robert Dilts formed the NLP University in 1991

John Grinder formed the International Trainers Academy for Neuro-Linguistic Programming (ITA) in 2006

Tony Robbins trained with Grinder and utilized a few ideas from NLP as part of his own self-help programs.

 

Where next?

As the field of NLP is a field of study of how people structure their thoughts and beliefs, and the world keeps moving, it means it is a live field of study and development. Some treat it as a collection of techniques e.g., fast phobia cure, visual squash, 6-step reframe, but techniques were developed as a method of testing developing theories. The more accurate way to view it is “an attitude of curiosity on how communication and beliefs influence people and views; a methodology of testing theories that present themselves; a series of techniques to test the theories”. Techniques are methods of testing the theory, a scientific approach, techniques are not the field.

The approach trains you how to model people and help them change if that is what they want. I little like rewriting the program coding. NLP is core to the field of coaching. Because of my engineering background, I often refer to it as Lean Mind Management and Change Management. How you choose to apply your developing NLP skills is down to you and the context applied.

If you’re interested in finding out more, and even training in NLP, please do contact me.

Mark.peters@balancedapproach.co.uk

Mob/whatsapp: +44 (0)7831 743737

Web: https://www.balancedapproach.co.uk

 

Mark Peters is one of a small number of people who have earned the title of Master Trainer for the Society of NLP. As of November 2023 he is an owner of the Society of NLP.