Today I got an email – in it the writer asked me to explain the difference between NLP and Hypnosis, and after writing the response, I thought it might make a good blog post. So here it is…
First it needs to be said- there’s no easy way to respond to this question in a short email or post. So I’ve distilled it into key points and if you think there are more – please feel free to email me.
About NLP – in short
NLP is a whole set of behaviours, tools, techniques and beliefs.
NLP is the study and application of human behaviour to get the best results, and to operate and cause not effect. It’s a means of taking control of our lives and getting what we want from them. It involves modelling the ideal, in order to create change and transformation. As part of the modelling, we can unpick and understand behaviour, beliefs and values better which means we can make the change we want – and keep that change!
About Hypnotherapy – the short version – linked to NLP
Both the tools of hypnosis & hypnotherapy are a part of NLP – but is not the only part by a long stretch – there are LOADS more techniques and tools and resources that NLP offers.
Many of these NLP tools are done using light hypnosis (but then, the question is, when are we ever not in self-hypnosis, as we hypnotise ourselves in all sorts of ways, including our behaviour, when we just don’t think before we do?)
Hypnosis in some part, therefore informs NLP and NLP used many of the skills of the top hypnotherapist, Milton Erickson, as it was (and continues to be developed). And Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy uses the tools of NLP in order to make hypnosis/hypnotherapy far more effective.
Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy can be learned separately by all accounts. Both are far better when NLP is incorporated.
NLP can be learned separately too – and by learning it, we are also part way on the journey to understanding and using hypnotherapy techniques including language, pacing, matching, rapport.
I really hope that this is useful to answer the emailer’s question. And you know what? It’s been a really useful exercise for me, as here I am posting this on my website as an article/post for everyone to see. ?
Questions? Ideas? Contributions to this debate? Please do connect here and let me know.
