The methods of neuro-linguistic programming are the specific techniques used to perform and teach neuro-linguistic programming,[1][2] which teaches that people are only able to directly perceive a small part of the world using their conscious awareness, and that this view of the world is filtered by experience, beliefs, values, assumptions, and biological sensory systems.
There is also an emphasis on ways to change internal representations or maps of the world with the intent of increasing behavioral flexibility.
When involved in any task, such as making conversation, describing a problem in therapy, reading a book, kicking a ball or riding a horse, their representational systems, consisting of images, sounds, feelings (and possibly smell and taste) are being activated at the same time.
[citation needed] The practitioner could ascertain this from external cues such as the direction of eye movements, posture, breathing, voice tone and the use of sensory-based predicates.
The theory was that the practitioner by matching and working within the preferred representational system could achieve better communication with the client and hence swifter and more effective results.
Many trainings and standard works still teach PRS[11] Although there is some research that supports the notion that eye movements can indicate visual and auditory (but not kinesthetic) components of thought in that moment,[12] the existence of a preferred representational system ascertainable from external cues (an important part of original NLP theory) was discounted by research in the 1980s.
[18] For example, someone may see their future as 'dark and cloudy' with associated emotions, but would seek through NLP to perceive, and feel it, as 'light and clear'.
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) uses the term 'meta-programs' specifically to indicate general, pervasive and usually habitual patterns used by an individual across a wide range of situations.
In NLP, the term programs is used as a synonym for strategy, which are specific sequences of mental steps, mostly indicated by their representational activity (using VAKOG), leading to a behavioral outcome.
Specifically they define common or typical patterns in the strategies or thinking styles of a particular individual, group or culture.NLP teaches that we constantly make "anchors" (classical conditioning) between what we see, hear and feel; and our emotional states.
It is typically used to check that a change process has been successful, by observing body language when the person imagines being in a difficult situation before and after an intervention.
Alice Mills also says that this occurs in Hans Christian Andersen's story where, to the surprise of the ugly duckling, the beautiful creatures welcome and accept him; gazing at his reflection, he sees that he too is a swan.
[19] Largely derived from the ideas of Bateson and the techniques of Erickson, 'metaphor' in NLP ranges from simple figures of speech to allegories and stories.
It tends to be used in conjunction with the skills of the Milton model to create a story which operates on many levels with the intention of communicating with the unconscious and to find and challenge basic assumptions.
[24] building off the phrase "sleight of hand", which refers to a magician's skills in making things happen which appear impossible.