Is the NLP Manipulative?

Is Neuro Linguistic-Programming (NLP) manipulative?

To put us together on one page, first, let’s answer the question, what is NLP? My personal definition is that NLP is a body of knowledge, a collection of concepts and techniques, aimed at helping individuals reach their full potential. Personal issues, unhelpful thinking patterns, and emotional conflicts can be identified and solved using many techniques applied at the subconscious level or by educating the individual at high-level values. In one on one coaching or therapy sessions, the thinking patterns of individuals are being studied to identify beliefs that cause the personal growth of an individual to stagnate.

There are, however, misconceptions that NLP is manipulative. This is due to a lack of understanding of the intention, the techniques, and how it is being used. NLP is principle-based. The training is focused on a healthy attitude and responsibility toward relationships.

As a doctor to a physically sick person, NLP practitioners offer alternative ways of dealing with emotional and mental health issues. NLP techniques help individuals in their fight against addiction, phobias, procrastination, bad habits, and dealing with deep emotional wounds.

There are also ways on how to improve self-confidence, become more empowered and understand oneself better, so as to have a better and progressive life.

Techniques intended to engage the unconscious level of the mind are used to overcome the barriers at the conscious level, in order to remove negative emotions brought about by past experiences. These techniques require conscious cooperation on the part of the client. So, hypnotic manipulation is not true. In fact, NLP techniques will not effectively work if the client is not willing to cooperate to implement those positive changes in life.

Communication techniques are also used by the NLP practitioners to effectively communicate to other individuals (e.g. building rapport). Again, the objective is not to manipulate, but to have effective two-way communication. To understand the person and be understood. The basic principle of NLP regarding communication is that the aim of communication is to understand each other and build better relationships. On this premise, building rapport techniques were developed.

Another issue I’ve read from the critics on NLP is that there is no standardized way or body of knowledge. But isn’t this the same case with other sciences? There are many approaches and regulating organizations on religious, political, project management, strength training, etc. The important thing is that those NLP organizations have a commonality in the majority of practices, techniques, and mindset.

The main reason why I'm sharing and promoting NLP is that I saw the benefits of NLP in a healthy way of thinking and relationships which have great potential in improving our community as a whole. It corrects many cultural behaviors that are ineffective and hinders development and progress. I am applying these concepts to myself and my family. I realized that there are some NLP techniques that I already applied that I am unaware of. These techniques are very effective if done properly.

As the knowledge of human behavior progresses, NLP techniques also develop proportionally.

If you have the willingness to explore and learn new approaches, or just come to realize that many of our cultural systems, organizational systems, educational systems, and other stereotype systems are no longer effective, then you are free to explore more about NLP.

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Author: Kristian B. Jayme, mIGNLP is a Certified NLP Practitioner by the International Guild of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. He is also a Certified NLP Master Practitioner by The Academy of Modern, Applied Psychology.