How is NLP Different from Counseling / CBT?
Learn the difference between NLP and some of the most commons ways to get help
John Wiggains
2 min read
Sometimes life throws curveballs, and we feel stuck or just plain confused about why we feel the way we do. If you're thinking about getting some help to navigate through these tricky times and make your thoughts more positive and helpful, you're definitely not alone. In fact, about 28% of people have tried some form of therapy – and it's nothing to be shy about!
Now, if you're considering therapy, you might be wondering which kind is right for you. You've probably heard of counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Let's break these down into simpler terms and see what each one offers.
Counselling: Talking it Out
Counselling is like having a heart-to-heart with someone who really listens. It's been around forever and is a place where you can share your feelings and talk through what's bothering you. The counsellor's job is to understand you and help you see things in a new light. It's great for those who need a safe space to express themselves. But remember, the counsellor won't solve your problems for you; they'll help you find your own solutions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Connecting Thoughts and Actions
CBT is all about understanding how your thoughts and actions are linked. It helps you become aware of your thought patterns and how they influence what you do. The tricky part is, a lot of our thoughts are like background noise – we don't even notice them! CBT works to help you spot these hidden thoughts and change them into more helpful ones. It's like being a detective in your own mind, but it does take practice and patience.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Quick and Deep Changes
NLP, which started in the 70s, is about making changes at a deeper level – in your unconscious mind. This means the changes sort of happen automatically without you having to think about it too much. It's faster than CBT and often doesn't require you to talk about your problems in detail. NLP uses a bunch of different techniques, so if one doesn't click with you, there's always another to try. The goal is to fix the deeper issues so that you feel better without even having to try.
So, Which One Would I Recommend?
I've experienced all three types of therapy myself. But if I had to choose one for someone close to me, I'd go with NLP. Here's why: our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected and mostly come from our unconscious mind. It makes more sense to work on problems at this unconscious level, rather than just trying to tackle them with our conscious thoughts. Plus, NLP has been super helpful for me personally – it helped me overcome depression and anxiety and taught me some really cool techniques that changed my life.
What About You?
If you're considering taking an NLP Practitioner course, I say go for it. It's not just great for work; it's life-changing on a personal level. When I did my NLP course, it helped me in ways I never imagined – I let go of things that had been holding me back and transformed the way I think. It was a game-changer for me, and it could be for you too!
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