NLP uses psychology with sound strategies and techniques a person can use to create the results they desire. Neuro (neurology) and Linguistic (language) programs (patterns, themes) are about the language of the brain, and knowing NLP gives an individual the power to reprogram thinking using the many techniques of NLP. This brings effective changes to transform lives.

The use of NLP has created astounding results in the lives of all. NLP brings in a tremendous change in the way a coach works with the self and the client. A coach learns winning tactics that bring more tremendous coaching success. A successful coach with NLP knowledge is equipped to create a business module for themself while serving the world at large. To understand this better, we list five techniques among the many NLP techniques you can use to elevate your coaching practice.

Anchoring

This Neuro-Linguistic Programming technique is helpful to regenerate a resourceful emotion. You work on recreating the feeling while associating it with physical activity. Anchoring creates an association with emotion and the chosen physical action.

For example, a coach may ask the client to choose a positive, resourceful emotion such as happiness. The client then needs to decide the action that is associated with the body. It can be as simple as touching one’s finger. Once the client chooses the anchor, he can revisit the emotion and experience it thoroughly. The moment the client senses happiness, he may choose to touch the finger.

A coach may partner with the client to change the memory centered around happiness and use the same anchor to change the current frame of mind. (The anchor can be decided by the client, such as tapping one’s shoulder to establish the anchor.)

A coach who works with this technique allows clients to work on their thoughts and emotions.

Belief Change

Every person has a set of self-limiting beliefs. However, many ideas turn into a habit. Not all beliefs positively serve us. NLP techniques take a deeper look at the idea while understanding the negative implications.

For example, a belief can stem from any statement you have said repeatedly over time:

  • I am not good at dancing
  • I am a terrible cook.

The beliefs a client may hold about self, and the world might be damaging and untrue. If a client believes ‘he cannot, he certainly won’t. As coaches, Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques such as Presuppositions are useful to bring a change within the client by demystifying with curiosity, observations, and inquiring on the client’s current state to move to the desired shape. The coach uses these techniques to nudge the client to a space of self-exploration.

Here, the client develops the capacity to study his current state of mind and assumptions and learns to make changes to expand his frame of reference. A coach who uses and practices the 14 presuppositions creates opportunities to partner with others and bring a change. These 14 presuppositions form the central principles of NLP. A coach who learns and practices them will know these principles for life. “People make the best choice they can at the time” and “All actions have a purpose” are two such examples of NLP presuppositions.

Mirroring and Rapport

Coaches have the primary responsibility of creating a space where the client learns to trust their self. Mirroring and rapport are important NLP techniques coaches can use to break the ice and better connect with the client. An NLP Coach is trained to mirror the other person’s behavior. The fine art of being subtle is combined with converse ability – this comes naturally to NLP coaches.

It establishes more excellent rapport and trust as the coach mirrors the client’s body language, gestures, voice, and words. Why is this important? A client will connect better when they like a coach who is ‘just like them.’ Mirroring, however, comes with tremendous NLP practice. Establishing a rapport helps a coach to lead the conversation as well as pace it. It also makes a client feel supported in an accepting environment giving them a chance to explore their thoughts and emotions.

For example, a coach mirrors the way a client is talking with the coach. He may smile when the client smiles.

Reframing Thoughts

Coaches are often faced with multiple challenges in their client-coaching journey. The NLP technique of reframing gives a coach sound knowledge to change certain emotions towards an optimistic outcome. A coach may use this technique to increase or decrease the presence of emotions with their clients.

For example, a client may approach a coach and express concern over his body image. He may use statements such as, “I don’t want to be fat.” The coach explores to reframe the client’s thinking by inquiring about his goal. Here, the client then realizes his goal is to be fit. He moves from a space of ‘don’t’ to learning his aim to focus on what needs to be done for a fitness routine.

Did you notice how a coach can gently use the power of reframing thoughts? As the brain doesn’t register ‘don’t’ messages, it deletes them. So, it only absorbs the statement “I want to be fat.” Therefore, by reframing thoughts,, a client sends a message to the brain to act on what he wants. Here, ‘want’ would refer to ‘being fit’ once the thoughts are reframed.

Creative Visualization (Meditation, Hypnosis)

NLP techniques include the study of the art of persuasion. A coach learns to work with clients and remove their limiting beliefs, conflicts within the self and habits that do not serve them well. A coach may use the techniques of mindfulness to work with clients around self-acceptance. He may also make a client explore quick visualization techniques towards successful outcomes. With these NLP techniques, coaches empower clients to find their way towards actions.

NLP includes the use of many techniques (apart from these) to change communication with the mind. When a client learns how to create a thought process for the benefit of self, there is faster and visible progress in the coaching sessions.

Neuro-linguistic programming allows coaches to bring effective change and create results in their coaching practice. This also establishes rapport and trust in the client-coach relationship leading to more tremendous success and outcome.