NLP: Principles in Practice

The purpose of this book is to provide an understanding of NLP for the reader and includes evidence of the tools, techniques and methodology where this is available. The book is designed to be read by a wide range of audiences. It provides a good grounding for individuals who want to study NLP further. It is also for individuals who want to underpin their existing knowledge with an evidence base for the approach and to understand how the various components of NLP can be applied across a range of contexts. NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) is beginning to develop an increasing evidence base that both challenges and supports its approach as an applied psychology. This book includes the current evidence base as it appears in 2010 and it should be noted that the evidence within this book is a simplistic review of the existing material. The only references that have been critically reviewed are those relevant to the study of NLP as a psychotherapy. All other evidenced papers are taken from abstracts and the rigour of the studies has not been critically appraised. This not withstanding there is considerably more evidence available than is accessible by the general public and I hope that the publication of the recent "Current Research in NLP, Volume I" will be the first step in developing this more substantive evidence base. The expanding evidence base and credibility of NLP is assisting the accessibility to and spread of NLP across a number of different disciplines. Currently in 2010, there are a number of Universities offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programmes that include NLP either wholly or partially. Large organisations in the public and commercial sectors have adopted the principles and practices of NLP. There has also been a considerable shift since 2000 in the teaching of NLP within management processes as a mainstream topic rather than camouflaged as something else.