Monthly Archives: May 2010
How Beliefs are Formed
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and McGill University recently teamed up to conduct experiments into how specific memories connect into bigger pictures. They showed subjects abstract images paired in hierarchies and then asked them to predict the hierarchy of new combinations. Subjects tested again after only 20 minutes showed no significant improvement, but those tested after 12 hours were much better at guessing the relationships, and the ones tested after a period of sleep did even better.
The conclusion, that the brain makes deeper connections in the background while we sleep or focus on other tasks, verifies what Hypnotherapists and NLP practitioners have known all along. Beliefs are constructed through connections between experiences that aren’t always chosen and are stored in the unconscious. Using modern techniques, these connections can be pulled or modified to be more consistent with conscious choices, and to support health and well-being within an individual.
NLP and Hypnosis Compared
One of the most prevalent questions I am asked is, “What is the difference between NLP and Hypnosis?” Here is a comprehensive answer.
NLP is the study of successful people. NLP modelers study what successful people think, say, value, believe, and do. Practitioners of NLP use this information as a map to guide processes that assist clients in making positive changes in their own minds and bodies. It is an extremely effective methodology for personal growth and development.
Hypnosis, however, is a skill a practitioner of NLP requires in order to facilitate effective and lasting change in their clients. The purpose of hypnosis is to access and use the unconscious mind to change beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors to match the map generated with NLP skills. During hypnosis, clients enter a relaxed dream-like state of consciousness that allows for new and healthy patterns to be implanted.
NLP Practitioners generally employ Ericksonian hypnosis, which differs from traditional hypnosis in the way suggestions are made in the client’s unconscious mind. Ericksonian hypnotists use subtle, indirect suggestions that are more powerful than direct suggestions and are easily accessed during NLP processes.
In summary, NLP and Hypnosis are separate fields of study, requiring different skills and techniques, but they are often combined together to produce permanent and lasting changes.
Improving Health with NLP
“For hundreds of years, Western medicine has looked at mind and body as totally separate entities,” says Herbert Benson, MD, director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute, “to the point where saying something ‘is all in your head’ implied that it was imaginary. Now we’ve found how changing the activity of the mind can alter the way basic genetic instructions are implemented.”
Benson’s Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, working in collaboration with the Genomics Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, uncovered a connection between relaxation and the expression of genes involved with processes such as inflammation, programmed cell death and how the body handles free radicals — molecules produced by normal metabolism that, if not appropriately neutralized, can damage cells and tissues.
But research into the mind/body connection is nothing new. In the 1970s, Robert Ader and Nicholas Cohen conducted a series of experiments on conditioning in rats. They found rats given immune suppressing drugs with added saccharin eventually experienced suppressed immune systems when given only the saccharin. In 1980, Lydia Temoshok showed that cancer patients with repressed anger had slower recovery rates than expressive patients. In 1990, Howard Hall discovered that psychological factors could directly affect cellular function in the immune system by proving an association between hypnotherapy and clinical improvements in warts and asthma, both of which can be mediated by immune changes under subconscious control. Since that time a large number of scientists have researched the links between the mind and physical health, with the consensus that a definite link exists.
While NLP is not therapy or medicine, the link between the mind and body proves that health can be improved and disease prevented by using techniques that affect mental states. NLP falls into the category of psycho-education, meaning it is a way for individuals to learn about their minds in order to make their own shifts. There are several NLP tools and techniques for reducing stress, preventing and reversing cancer, ending allergic responses, and releasing pain. Whether you want to prevent disease or desire to correct current health concerns, you have everything you need within you to create good health.
Please note that NLP is extremely useful in achieving and maintaining health, but it is not a substitute for proper medical or psychiatric care. If you or your clients have any diagnosable disorders, please seek a referral from a doctor or psychologist before proceeding with NLP. This ensures safety for all parties involved. If you’re unsure whether or not a condition is a recognized disorder, please consult a doctor.
5 Reasons to Learn NLP
Intelligent, motivated individuals around the globe have been learning NLP for over 30 years. By far the most successful personal development technology in existence, NLP utilizes both the conscious and unconscious minds to make positive, permanent shifts in behavior. It has been used by actors and CEO’s alike to bring out their best selves, allowing them to make more money and enjoy greater success and fulfillment. Don’t you think it’s time to join them?
1. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) teaches you how to create a natural rapport with important contacts.
Not only does the ability to generate liking in your clientele boost sales, it can also make you stand out in interviews and important meetings. Our NLP students learn how to build rapport with anyone in five minutes or less, with integrity and style.
2. NLP teaches you how people think.
By learning what makes people tick, you have an edge in marketing, sales, and in every day life. Relationships also improve when you know each other’s model of the world and how to communicate in a way that will be heard and understood.
3. With NLP you can conquer fears and phobias.
Afraid of flying or public speaking? Fears can get in the way of normal life- and making money. Have you turned away offers or deals because of your fears or concerns? Maybe it’s time to move through fear and into greater freedom and success.
4. NLP teaches you how to be an effective leader.
Whether you manage a team of individuals or teach or parent children, you need to be able to take the lead- and get others to follow. NLP offers a set of concrete linguistic patterns designed to persuade others in a more positive direction. And, you’ll learn how to develop your own style and charisma.
5. NLP can make you happier.
When it comes down to it, life is meant to be enjoyed. If anything gets in the way of your happiness, it’s time for a change. With NLP you can clear away stress, apathy,fear, and resentment in a short time. Once you’ve learned the techniques, you can use them to build a career that will continue to improve your happiness!
Gil Boyne Passes Away
I learned this morning that Gil Boyne, a leader and revolutionary in the field of hypnotherapy has passed away.
Most known for promoting the use of hypnosis as a distinct profession, I feel his biggest contribution is his development of rapid inductions and faith in the hypnotic state for healing. He also brought to the counseling professions an awareness of the “inner wisdom” of the human psyche to answer pressing questions.
During his almost 50 years of Hypnotherapy practice and teaching, he created Transforming Therapy™, began offering the first certification courses in hypnotherapy, developed a respected hypnotherapy board, created a publishing company purely for hypnosis books, and has taught over 12,000 students around the world.
He will be missed.
