Quite a few people ask our advice about NLP so in order to make it as easy as possible to pick our brains on the wonderful world of Neuro-Linguistic Programming we thought we'd put together this FAQ on the subject.
What is NLP?
NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a form of applied psychology used in business, health, sales, education and personal development. It began in the 1970’s when Richard Bandler and John Grinder became curious about the difference that makes someone truly excellent at something. What they came up with is basically the science of excellence and achievement. You could think of NLP as a magic box of techniques, exercises, tools and principles to help you get the best out of yourself and others. NLP’s approach is fast, practical, creative, curious, non-judgemental and focused on solutions rather than problems. It’s pretty remarkable method of understanding how your and other people’s minds work, overcoming things that hold you back from the past, and generally becoming stronger, sharper, brighter and shinier. NLP really gives you the edge in business, sport, music etc – and that’s why people are prepared to pay so much for it (most trainings are in the £2,500-£3,000 range). People have different styles of NLP and therefore it makes a big difference who you train with.
What is Coaching?
Coaching forms the heart of what Kikass is and does. It’s a support method which uses questions, exercises, active listening and feedback to help people get to where they want to be in life, ‘leading out’ solutions instead of teaching or imposing them by creating a space in which the people being coached come up with the goods themselves in order to find then reach their goals, aspirations and dreams.
How can NLP help me in my career?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is the psychology of excellence. It is based on the practical skills that are used by all good communicators to obtain excellent results. These skills can therefore be invaluable for personal and professional development.
Employers of previous participants of the Kikass NLP Practitioner Programme have reported that course graduates:
§ Are more willing to take responsibility for results
§ Are better able to understand and contribute to corporate objectives
§ More readily take leadership than their peers
§ Take action and inspire fellow team members
§ Are able to confidently embrace and manage change
§ Communicate effectively – both internally and externally
§ Apply their coaching skills elegantly within the team and with clients
§ Have more confidence and personal power
NLP is a highly effective tool for getting results, be it communicating, influencing, goal setting, managing change or understanding the use of effective language.
What made the Kikass NLP Practitioner Programme so special?
Kikass is a charity committed to bringing transformational development experiences to 16-26 year olds. Our NLP Practitioner Programme was created to train a network of young people with industry standard coaching skills; our hope has always been that these skills will then be used to assist other young people – either through Kikass or within partner organisations.
The Kikass NLP Practitioner Programme is unique in its design. Whilst it’s primary focus is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to be able to coach or make therapeutic interventions with clients we also aim to give participants a unique personal development experience – allowing them to take on and transform something during the programme that has previously held them back in life.
Is the course trained to recognised standards?
The Kikass Practitioner certification offers a worldwide recognised NLP qualification. The course is accredited by The Professional Guild of NLP (which offers one of the highest quality benchmarks for NLP trainings). As part of our commitment to quality the course is assessed by two Certified NLP Trainers, and Kikass Guild membership is sponsored by John Seymour. As one of the originators of NLP training in the UK, a best selling NLP author and respected NLP Master Trainer, John Seymour’s association helps us maintain the programme’s high standards and ensures the credibility of this training. Graduates of the Kikass NLP Practitioner Programme will be eligible for membership of the Professional Guild of NLP and ANLP and can continue their studies at Master Practitioner level with most training providers across the globe.
Who trains the Kikass NLP Practitioner Programme?
The Kikass NLP Practitioner Training is led by Neil Almond, Chair and Head Coach of Kikass. Neil is an experienced NLP Master Practitioner and Certified NLP Trainer. He holds an MA in Coaching and Mentoring from the University of Wolverhampton and is an accredited Sundoor Firewalk Instructor. He is a respected international trainer and coach, experienced at working both with young people and business clients. Participants are also supported by Kikass’ very strong team of coaches throughout this programme.
When will you be running the next Kikass NLP Practitioner course?
We're not quite sure at the moment as our full attention is on the Kikass Quest. We do hope however that we'll run another course early next year although we reserve the right to change the format in order to make it even juicier! Watch this space.
How long does it take to learn NLP?
While it’s possible to get the basic structure of NLP from a short course, tapes or a book, to really master it, feel comfortable using it as a coach, and break down old disempowering habits of thinking, relating and behaving takes more time. The applied psychology of NLP is far more than theory – you need guided practice. The allotted time has been expertly refined and gives you space to fully explore and discuss the principles for yourself without breaking your head. We therefore recommend and teach the 20 days format as we find this has the most impact (although we also know some incredible trainers and practitioners who've come through the fast track route).
I heard a rumour that Kikass might run an NLP training course for youth workers, is that true?
We certainly hope so. We're working with the NYA at the moment to develop a youth worker NLP practitioner programme. We hope it will be launched early next year. In the mean time if you're a youth worker please feel free to come along to Money Mastery which will give you a good flavour.
Who do you recommend as a NLP trainer?
There are some great trainers out there if you want to pay for an NLP course. Many have free introductions (check out our events section for dates). Some of Neil's personal favourites include:
www.john-seymour-associates.com
www.tophermorrison.com
www.itsnlp.com
www.practicalmiracles.com
Feel free to email us if you want to discuss who might be best for you.
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