NLP Training: New Code NLP

A review of  John Grinder and Carmen Bostic St Clair's 4-day 'New code NLP seminar' from 3rd-6th April 2003 in London

I was particularly looking forward to attending the above seminar having heard a lot about John, being a co-founder of NLP and yet having no particular expectations of what to expect.

Curiously enough while the reality surprised me - it was exactly like I would have expected had I thought about it. In fact I could sum it up by saying the course gave some really good quality, precise, exceptionally well delivered NLP training and practice - a useful refinement, without anything particularly new. The exception being some useful distinctions and some stories about Erickson, Bandler and Gilligan that I hadn't heard before.

Carmen didn't really work for me. In the end I found walking down some really attractive London streets, appreciating the buildings, listening to the muted weekend sounds and feeling the warmth of the spring sunshine more appealing - however many appeared to enjoy her sessions.

In summary the course gave:

• Some useful distinctions in using NLP

• Good techniques to practice/use

• A model of excellent NLP training

• A chance to talk to John himself

Some useful distinctions in using NLP

The key point I remember was John's view of not setting specific conscious outcomes in personal change work. The idea is that the unconscious is much better at this, and therefore the emphasis is on providing additional resources to help the unconscious choose the best outcome*. (*Note you need to set outcomes in business work!!)

In 'true' NLP modelling, the modeller takes on board the new skill set without consciously working out what he/she should be doing - Too much conscious thinking will create filters which interfere with the process. The test and initial feedback loop is that the modeller carry out the new skill on a third party.

Good NLP techniques

We covered 'new code' NLP when I took my own practitioner course several years ago, however it was only after this course that I understood some of their strength and have included them in some of my own trainings. Two examples include 'stalking' and  'physiological walking'.

These are just two examples are what I've taken on board and use, what follows is what I remember and use - it may be different to what was actually demonstrated:

Stalking

For use when a client  slowly 'sinks' into a less than useful state without noticing it. By the time he's noticed it its hard to get out.

Practitioner ask client to develop a 'resource' or 'sanctuary' state and anchor it to a specific location on the floor. Practitioner asks the client to take a step to a different position.

Practitioner asks the client to imagine the 'less than useful state' in a position on the floor away from the sanctuary state. He is asked to notice what he sees and hears in that state. (Without actually walking over to  that position).

Practitioner asks the client to walk towards the 'less than useful' state as if he was stalking it. As soon as he starts to be influenced in any way by that state he is to rush back to the 'sanctuary state'. Repeat two more times. (ie he will not actually reach the negative state.)

In the future the client is likely to notice the approach of the 'less than useful state' and can choose to avoid it.

Physiological walking

For use when a client wants more resources in any situation.

Practitioner asks client to see and hear himself in the situation he wants more resource in,  in a location a few feet away. He is then asked to come up with 3 additional states to help him.

Practitioner asks client to walk and coaches client to release any tension and move his physiology to achieve the 3 additional states. Walking as many times across the room as needed. NB pay particular attention to breathing.

Practitioner asks client to look at the situation he needs more resource and notice what he sees and hears differently.

In the future the client is likely to find he has more resources in the original situation and can use this technique himself in many other situations.

NB in both techniques the practitioners main role is to be aware of the clients physiology and state and coach as required.

Model of excellent NLP training

John has obviously learnt a lot about NLP training over the last 30 years and it shows. I was taken by the similarity to Richard rather than the difference. In the way he used anchoring, voice tone and stories, and the way he worked with the audience.

A chance to talk to John himself

John was extremely approachable and eager to answer individual questions in breaks and coffee time. In fact an ideal model for anyone wanting to socialise in business gatherings. 

The seminar was put on by the NLP Academy, who will be organising future programmes.

Michael Beale is a Richard Bandler SNLP accredited NLP trainer and Director of PPI Business NLP Ltd and can be contacted through michaelbeale@ppimk.com