Book Report: Neuro Linguistic Programming Vol. 1, by Dilts, Grinder, Bandler, DeLozier (c) 1980

Neuro Linguistic Programming Vol. 1,  by Dilts, Grinder, Bandler, DeLozier (c) 1980

This book may be too dry and technical for the curious layman, but for the experienced practitioner, it is an invaluable resource, and highly recommended. It is so full of engaging perspectives and techniques that my biggest frustration was not having enough people around to try everything out on. 

I came to this book after having learned and done NLP professionally for a number of years, and even though this dates back to the early days of NLP, it really is a treasure chest! 

The NLP that I've learned from a lot of different sources and teachers is a big amalgam of thought and technique based on so many different things that I usually refer to it as a kind of "toolbox." For nearly any situation, I can reach in and pull out just the right thing tool for the job. But being able to go back to the early days of the science, I could really clearly see how, at the root level, it really is all about defining the existing patterns of behavior that the client is currently employing both internally and in their interactions with the world.
"...how to..unpack and repack behavior..into efficient and communicable sequences that will be available to every member of the species." (P.2)

Being a book who's partial purpose is to introduce a new science to a critical audience, they are careful to offer rational, scientific explanations of everything they discus. If you're a practitioner and you've had to deal with people who are critical of the science behind NLP, here you may find answers to back you up if you've been needing them. 

Utilizing the basic sensory modalities of Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (VAK) as the things through which we interact with our world, the book shows us how structures are built up into strategies, and how to work with them. The TOTE (Test, Operate, Test, Exit) model is very much used as the basic logical structure, and you find the kind of VAK/thought diagramming of processes that was the hallmark of those early years, and betrays the cybernetic thinking that went into it. 

Of course you'll find all the techniques you know and love, anchoring, modeling and so forth, all clearly delineated within the framework, and there's a big emphasis on ecology checks. 

There just so much practical and theoretical material, as well as tips and tricks, that it's a book worth whatever you pay for it.

Book Reports!

Science library of Upper Lusatia in Görlitz, Germany. Photo by: Ralf Roletschek

Hypnotists love to read material that we can apply to our practices, right? I'm no exception. 

Now, there seem to be two types of material we love to read: one is the latest scientific research and material, the other is historical material and pop-psychology. I like both, but I have to say the second category is my guilty pleasure. Sure, some of them are downright silly and unworkable, but they are extremely positive and often have really useful metaphors and perspectives that I can use with my clients.

I often find these selling inexpensively in used book stores, and how can you resist a book that promises to grant all your wishes?

As time permits, I wanted to share some "book reports" on some of my favorite titles.

Self-Hypnosis Basics

Here's a great way to get started in self-hypnosis. The attached PDF is very basic, but really all you need to get started. It's based on the note from two successive sessions we did on the topic. The first page describes the method to bring yourself into a hypnotic trance, and the second describes a good way to get started in crafting suggestions to yourself. I recommend practicing the self hypnosis method for at least a week, or until you feel you can bring yourself into a comfortable, relaxed trance state reliably. Take your time! you'll know when you have it because you'll really enjoy the trance state when you achieve it. Once you've got the self-hypnosis down pat, you can explore crafting suggestions that are right for you. Remember that the suggestions should feel good, and out you into your goal. Don't say "I want to stop smoking," say "I enjoy being a non-smoker." Try one suggestion for about 2-3 weeks, or until you feel good results. You can play with different suggestions until you find the ones that work best for you, and remember, it's different for everybody! I love feedback, so feel free to share questions, comments and experiences. Self Hypnosis Basics (You'll be able to read it, or download it as a PDF or word doc).