In the past, I have often recommended that people who want to get some sense of what NLP is [Neuro-Linguistic Programming] write to NLP Comprehensive for their catalog of books of videotapes. I think that just looking through this catalog will counter the impression that NLP is some sort of belief system or quasi-religion. Although there are certainly some beliefs most NLPers share, NLP is primarily (at least as I see it) a collection of skills and an NLP training is not primarily an indoctrination (as some might describe an EST training, for instance) but a process of learning skills.
NLP Comprehensive, 12567 W. Cedar Dr #102, Lakewood, CO 80228 (800) 233-1657 offers a large number of NLP trainings as well as seminars on specialized topics. As a guide to those considering NLP training, they put out a free Resource Guide which also contains a ``Consumer's Guide to Good [NLP] Training.''
Up to now, I have never mentioned this in my postings and in fact I have never even obtained a copy of their consumers guide for myself, because I don't have a need for it personally and I couldn't help but be at least slightly cynical about a guide for consumers which is put out by one of the major manufacturers (as it were).
However today a copy of the NLP Comprehensive Resource Guide arrived in the mail together with a covering letter which I will quote below. After looking through it, I now think that this guide will be very helpful for those who are wondering whether they would like to become involved with NLP, especially those who are considering NLP primarily in terms of their own personal growth. And while obviously the ``Consumer's Guide to Good Training'' emphasizes those criteria in which the Andreases (owners of NLP Comprehensive) believe their own trainings excel, I think that the points mentioned are ones that anyone considering any NLP training from any of the many NLP centers should consider.
I continue to recommend that academics and practicing therapists who want to get some more objective idea of the range of what NLP really is start by looking at the NLP Comprehensive catalog of books and videotapes.
The letter I received from NLP Comprehensive follows:
``You efforts to provide a positive perspective on NLP via your communication on InterNet have recently come to our attention. We are glad you found the trainings to be valuable and are passing on the word to others. If you ever want to, you could also let people know about ``The Consumer's Guide to Good Training'' (copy enclosed), either by posting it on InterNet or letting people know they can call us for a copy. (If it's on InterNet, just be sure to credit the Andreases as authors; we could provide it on floppy diskette if helpful). We also agree that people should carefully explore their decision to invest in NLP training, and this article can be applied to any training that someone is considering.
``Connirae has asked me to send you a complimentary copy of her latest book Core Transformation, in appreciation for your efforts. It is based on her latest work in the field, currently being taught under the ``Aligned Self'' name. More than any previous book in the field, this one is written to reach the ``mainstream'' public and we are putting significant PR behind it. We hope you enjoy it. We also hope that it can put to rest some of the concerns people have about NLP being used to manipulate others, gain power, etc. etc.
``Let us know if you'd like any additional support from us; we're happy to provide whatever we can to assist you. Best wishes for continued happiness and success in Hawaii!
``Lisa Jackson, Executive Director, NLP Comprehensive.