NLP Presuppositions

Introduction

Neuro-linguistic Programming developers and community consider NLP as a model and not theory. This is because while a theory provides explanation on why a system works, Neuro-linguistic Programming does not do this. A model is a simple step-by-step description on how to use the model. That does not indicate that NLP has no theoretical underpinnings.

NLP simply does not try to defend or validate these theories. Neuro-linguistic Programming assumes a certain set of ideology and declares the presuppositions used. The primary presuppositions of Neuro-linguistic Programming were formulated by Bodenhamer in 1995.  The presuppositions used by NLP are not proven per se, but they work with the beliefs and values of most people.

NLP Presuppositional Beliefs

As per Neuro-linguistic courses, a belief us a basic structure of our model of the world that we think is true. We may have different degrees of beliefs, some might be strong, and others could be changed easily. The beliefs that very near and dear to us, and to whom we give utmost importance are our core beliefs. The core beliefs are used for formulating presuppositions.

According to Neuro-linguistic courses, a belief is a major neurological filter that determines the way we perceive reality. Our beliefs tell us what is important and what is not, and we shape our perceptions accordingly. Beliefs are also used as the foundation for our other qualities such as introversion or extroversion, motivation by want or avoidance, gestalt or detailed thinking etc.

Operating System of Presuppositions

In some Neuro-linguistic training, NLP presuppositions are termed as the operating system of Neuro-linguistic programming. They are used to run the entire system of skills, technologies, processes and insights.

The various NLP presuppositions as described in Neuro-linguistic courses are:

1. Mental Processing presuppositions

The map is not the territory

This means that the internal perception of an event is different from the actual event. Our mind takes in information about the event using our sensory functions such as sights, sounds, smell, taste, feeling and emotions, and then creates an internal representation of the experience. This map of the event will not be same as the actual event or territory.

People respond as per their internal maps

Since our perception of the world is different from the actual world, all our responses are based on this perception or internal map of the world. Therefore, as per Neuro-linguistic courses, we cannot directly operate on the world, but on our individual representation of the world.

Meaning is context dependent

All words require some context in order to be meaningful. Words by themselves do not contain any meaning. Since meaning depends on the context or the experience, it depends on how we code the external stimuli to form the internal representation.

Mind and body inevitably affect each other

According to Neuro-linguistic courses, the mind and the body cannot function as separate entities. They are dependent on each other and form a cybernetic whole. This concept can be explained using the placebo effect, where the mind is made to believe that a drug will work for the body, and in most cases, it does.

Individual skills operate by developing and sequencing rep systems

Our skills are determined by the way we use the VAK rep systems for thought, emotions and behavior. As per Neuro-linguistic training, the developing and sequencing of these sensory information is known as strategies. By knowing how we receive, store, elicit and process information, we can develop our rapport building and communication skills.

We have respect of other person’s model of the world

We all create an internal Neuro-linguistic representation of an experience that is unique to us. Some of us may use more visual information; others might use sound. When we respect and understand each other’s model of the world, we can respect them as a person and be flexible in our communication. If we do not respect other person’s Neuro-linguistic model, we will create unnecessary altercations and misunderstandings.

2. Presuppositions about human behavior and responses

A person is not that same as his behavior

That means we are more than our behavior. A behavior of a person cannot be used to define the person or identify them. A behavior depends on the person’s beliefs, values and emotions, past experiences, feelings and thoughts at the time of the event. Sometimes factors such as stress, grief, anxiety might temporarily change the behavior but not the identity of the person.

Every behavior has a purpose in some context

As per Neuro-linguistic training, every behavior has a positive intention. Not every behavior is the correct behavior, but the inherent intention of the person is positive. Even during an inappropriate behavior, the person is trying to accomplish something good. However, our Neuro-linguistic attributes filter the intention using incorrect understanding or limited information generating a bad behavior.

We evaluate change and behavior in terms of context and ecology

This Neuro-linguistic presupposition asks us to be aware of the impact of our behavior and actions on the ecology of the system. Our behavior is not controlled using Neuro-linguistic training can harm other people of the experience or the ecology.

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