What Are the Differences Between NLP and Other Therapy Methods
By Nicole Carter | November 26, 2021 |
Are you curious to know the differences between NLP and other therapy methods such as traditional talk therapy, mentoring, and self-help? While all methods can be beneficial, they are different in their approach. Although we touch on it briefly on our NLP Practitioner page, in this article, we will explore each of these types of therapeutic support practices and compare them against NLP.
Quick Summary
NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a type of therapy in which the client is empowered to take personal responsibility for finding solutions to their problems or whatever is holding them back from being the best version of themselves. Oftentimes, more traditional forms of therapy tackle issues in structured and formalized ways to find solutions. Mentors tend to provide guidance and advice on overcoming challenges a person may be facing through mentoring programs. In the self-help approach, an individual must be their coach, mentor, and therapist.
NLP Vs. Traditional Therapy
The focus of NLP is on the present and works to help the client to create a compelling future. The goal is to identify what limiting beliefs need to change to overcome challenges or achieve life goals. Through various NLP techniques, clients uncover the process of achieving their goals and objectives by discovering how they prevent themselves from doing so. It also teaches them new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and ways to approach everyday life situations. Perception is projection! This newfound perspective can quickly make a significant difference. With a targeted focus on the present, the almost immediate change in thinking amazes most clients.
For a full breakdown of NLP read our blog:
In some forms of traditional behavioural therapy, a patient might discuss past traumatic events that have led to life challenges. Together with their therapist, they will try to find ways to heal from those events. The therapist often works on treating a specific issue or diagnosis and will not talk about themselves as much as the focus is on the patient. Although often successful, the progress in talk therapy can be slow; it usually doesn’t have an end date and can continue as long as the patient and therapist desire.
NLP Vs. Mentoring
A mentor is someone who provides guidance and advice on how to overcome challenges clients may be facing through mentoring programs. Often mentors have been there before them and have faced similar obstacles. Mentoring promotes the development of self-reliance, personal responsibility, and life fulfillment. Mentors are considered a library of human knowledge in a particular area.
NLP practitioners don’t offer advice as to what to do. Instead, they urge the client to utilize their skills and existing methods, values, etc. By finding out and understanding what the client can do, the coach can assist in maximizing those abilities and make it possible for the client to take the actions necessary to achieve their desired results.
NLP Vs. Self Help
People who use the self-help process usually follow the advice of self-help books, gurus, television shows, seminars, podcasts, and internet sites. The process is done alone and sometimes doesn’t produce the desired results. When utilizing the self-help process, the individual must be the coach, bring enthusiasm, support, insight, and direction. They’ll have to learn and execute what they believe is necessary to achieve their objectives.
In contrast, NLP allows people to bounce their ideas, thoughts, and feelings against another person. They’re not in the process alone trying to navigate their problems. The NLP coach is trained in conscious and unconscious processes and can guide the process and the client.
So What Are The Differences Between NLP and Other Therapy Methods?
NLP is a type of therapy in which the practitioner empowers the client to take personal responsibility for finding solutions to their problems. On the other hand, traditional therapy tackles issues in a more structured and formalized way to find solutions. Mentors provide guidance and advice to help the person who is mentored overcome challenges they may be facing. Self-help is done solo with the use of external resources.
If you feel like you are in a place where you can’t advance, NLP can help you. NLP quickly helps you break past your barriers and start moving forward to change and reach your goals.
