(Source: Introduction to NLP)
It has been said that the mind is a powerful thing – “Mind over matter” as they usually say. A lot of people have claimed that “The mind has the ability to heal all kinds of sickness as long as you think of it”.

There have been documented accounts that cancer patients have been healed through positive thinking.

Understanding NLP Comprehensive

In health care, it is not enough that a sick person only takes medicines and receives treatment. The patient must also have a mindset that he is really going to get well. But unfortunately, this is not what usually happens to patients stricken with terminal illnesses. They usually get depressed and think only of negative things. And as they continue doing this, the worse their conditions become. NLP then comes into play.

Modeling NLP

Models of NLP, fitting for the subject, are incorporated. First, the subject is made aware of his negative behaviors. Once awareness sets in, the model is then slowly incorporated to the subject. For example, a patient has been diagnosed with cancer. Upon hearing this, he becomes depressed and thinks that he has no more chances of living. He verbalizes this and shows a great state of depression. (see also: Modeling NLP)

If this continues, then it is inevitable that he would spend his last days in sorrow. NLP tries to prevent this from happening and tries to improve the well being of the patient. He is first made aware that he has been thinking of negative thoughts about his condition and that it should not be the case. A model, which was patterned from a person who has successful combated his condition, is gradually taught and incorporated to the patient.

NLP is a fusion of science and art. A science since it makes use of different scientific methodologies especially in “modeling.” It is an art because it deals with people which are such dynamic beings.

Even with NPLs popularity and how it is being widely used in different areas of life and by different professionals, it is still considered to be outside the core of academic thinking.

Is it really effective or not? It depends on the person under NLP. Some may claim it works some say it does not. But with the benefits Neuro Linguistic Programming has to offer with no side affects, what have you got to lose if you try it.