Is NLP In High Demand? [Movement Explained]

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a unique approach to various aspects of human behavior, such as communication and personal development.

It aims to help people reach their potential and claims it can help with a variety of different illnesses and disorders.

If you’re new to NLP or are just starting your journey into NLP, you may wonder how far-reaching NLP is and whether it is popular. This is especially important to understand if you’re considering making NLP your career.

That’s why we’ve written this article to answer whether NLP is in high demand. We will look at where NLP has come from and where it may venture in the future.

Let’s get started.

The History Of Neuro-Linguistic Programming

NLP was created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in their 1975 book The Structure of Magic. 

The basic theory behind NLP is that there is a deep connection between the three components that make up the name of the theory. These are:

• Neurological processes (neuro)
• Language (linguistic)
• Behavioral patterns (programming)

By using language the brain recognizes and understands, you can interact with neurological processes and change behavioral patterns.

This can be used to help people change their behavior and is claimed to help with a variety of conditions, especially phobias and anxiety.

NLP uses several different techniques to achieve this. These techniques include:

• Rapport – the NLP practitioner tunes into the client by matching physical behaviors. This helps to improve communication between them and establish a rapport through empathy.
• Anchoring – sensory experiences can be used to become triggers for positive emotional states.
• Visual/kinesthetic dissociation (VKD) – this works to disconnect any negative thoughts and feelings from previous experiences and events.
• Swish pattern – this aims to change patterns of behavior or thoughts from leading to an undesired outcome to a more positive one.

How Is NLP Currently Used?

There are two main areas where NLP is used.

The first of these is in counseling and therapy. This is the traditional way to use NLP and the way it was first designed for.

It has been claimed that NLP can help with conditions as varied as weight management, substance misuse, phobias, anxiety disorders, depression, and psychosomatic illnesses.

NLP has not been as subject to scientific testing as many other forms of counseling and therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT.)

The research that has been conducted suggests that NLP isn’t as effective as its practitioners claim it is but as NLP methodology can vary greatly from one practitioner to another, it is hard to test.

The second area where NLP is used is in business. So much of NLP is about improving communication to change behaviors and this has a great overlap with business.

By improving your communication, you can interact with customers and other businesses more effectively.

Is NLP In High Demand?

NLP is a continually growing methodology. There are many reasons for this so let’s look at some of them.

NLP Is Flexible

Although NLP is traditionally designed for counseling and has become popular in business, it can be applied to so many other circumstances.

The core concepts of NLP are applicable to every aspect of our lives and NLP practitioners are finding new ways to integrate NLP.

NLP Is Accessible To Study

There are many legitimate ways to study NLP online and become a qualified practitioner. As more and more people become certified practitioners every year, NLP continues to grow.

Most NLP certification courses are relatively short to complete so even if you’re working a full-time job, you can become certified in a short period of time.

Many people choose to use NLP to bolster their main line of employment instead of committing fully to becoming an NLP practitioner. Whatever your reason for studying a course in NLP, you will find it interesting and fulfilling!

How NLP Can Help Business?

We stated earlier that one of the main areas where NLP can be of use is in business and it is this sector that is driving most of the demand.

NLP is uniquely positioned to help businesses in many different ways, but let’s look at the most common methods NLP is used.

1. It Can Lead To Better Marketing

Linguistics is embedded in the heart of the term NLP and it can lead to improvements in communication.

Sales and marketing are two of the most important departments any business can have and the success of these departments often depends on how effectively a business can communicate.

It doesn’t matter how great your product is if you’re ineffective at explaining to people why they should buy it.

In many ways, NLP is very similar to neuromarketing. They both help a business speak to a customer in a way that provokes an emotional reaction and desire to own the product or service.

NLP can help you speak directly to customers and tap into their perspectives. It will help you understand your customers and their needs which then leads to better selling techniques.

It may sound manipulative but in reality, it is simply knowing your customer base and how to speak their language.

2. It Can Help You Serve Your Customers And Client Better

The role of NLP in your interactions with customers doesn’t need to stop when the sale is finished. NLP can be integrated into your actual service offerings as well.

Many people have used NLP coaching to help their customers and clients in their business as well as a form of aftercare service.

This is especially useful in business-to-business transactions. Companies can use NLP in their services and use this as a model that other businesses can use as well.

3. It Can Benefit Your Employees

When used in counseling and therapy, NLP can have many benefits such as reducing anxiety or depression. It can help make clients feel empowered and confident as it can change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones.

NLP can benefit your employees in a similar way as well. By bringing NLP practices to the office, you can embolden employees and give them the confidence boost they need before dealing with high-priority or difficult clients.

NLP can help them improve their communication skills with only a few short lessons.

Improving the communication skills and confidence of your employees will help your business achieve its goals and sales targets. Investing in people is always worth the effort and will bring in additional revenue.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we introduced NLP and answered the question of whether it is in high demand.

NLP is commonly used as both a counseling and therapy technique and also to help with business communication, and it is the latter of these two that is driving a high demand for NLP.

Businesses can make great use of NLP to improve their communication with customers and clients and increase their sales. It can also benefit the employees of a company and make them feel more confident and comfortable in their roles.

If you’re considering learning more about NLP or even becoming an NLP practitioner yourself, we hope that this article has answered some of your questions about the future of NLP and whether it is in high demand.