ACADEMY PUBLIC POLICIES

Neuro Linguistic Programming Demonstration

Neurolinguistic programming & Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

 Neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is an intriguing form of selfdevelopment, started in California in the 1970s. It is described as ‘a way of making your experiences more pleasurable, your communication more effective and rewarding, your influence more widespread, and your beliefs more contextually appropriate.’

The process sounds rather like cognitive behaviour therapy, as it consists of learning (or ‘programming yourself’) to change your own, unsuccessful, preconceived notions and assumptions, and to replace them with more positive and successful ones that then help you solve your problems. It is commercially promoted as a tool for business, management, education, training, and therapy (and even seduction).

Some of its proponents clearly consider it is something that will magically transform every aspect of our lives. There is a current vogue for it, and costly courses are advertised in the press. However, there is no evidence that it is effective in treating depression, unlike cognitive behaviour therapy. Also, there is no money-back guarantee with it.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

This is a psychotherapy developed in the USA specifically to help depression. Since it was started, its uses have spread to helping people with many problems as diverse as bereavement and eating disorders. It is a brief therapy – usually involving less than 15 sessions. It has been shown to be cost effective and helpful, and has held up well to the scrutiny of research.

The therapy focuses very much on the ‘here and now’, with less emphasis on the past. Current stresses are examined. The key people involved in the stresses are looked at. What are the current disputes or disappointments? Are there signs that you are learning how to cope with the situation, or that you are very stuck? What assets do you have? Depressed people are very bad at recognising their assets. The therapist will help you talk about difficult and painful emotions.

This can lead to an examination of how you can clarify, and make known your wishes to people around you. This should lead to a more satisfying and rewarding relationship, and less negative and depressive messages being given out. ‘Misinformation’ can be clarified, and the therapist will try to suggest alternatives. Overall, what the therapy does is to look in depth at the way you yourself interact with other people – especially in your current key relationships, and to how this can be used to good, and sustaining, effect