There are many different applications of NLP but here I will specifically focus mainly on how it helps with phobias and on the particular technique known as The Swish Pattern.
One of the foundations of NLP is that in order to achieve maximum potential as human beings we can learn to match and model the verbal and non-verbal communication styles of others, we can tune into their view of the world and see things as that person does, as well as being more self-aware which would enhance all relationships in our life personal and professional.
In my role as a hypnotherapist, probably the most common problem a person comes to me for is phobias. In the next part of the article, I will explain how NLP can be a useful tool in helping someone overcome this type of problem.
The formal technique I frequently use is called the Swish Pattern and primarily involves replacing an unwanted fearful provoking thought of a situation with a positive one. It sometimes can be difficult to apply if a person is unsure of their triggers and the connections between the thought and their emotional response, in this situation a hypnotic approach may be more beneficial as your unconscious mind will know.
However, in applying Swish, I get my client to visualise the phobic situation they would like to change, then create a picture of themselves free from the problem. In your relaxed and happier state, change the size and intensity of this image, then bring back the old picture and fully associate it in 3D. Then bring in the other more positive desired image in a corner like a photo on the wall and shrink the state you are associated in and grey out and darken it whilst at the same time expanding and increasing the desired you.
t is important to do this quickly and to repeat it a number of times, as the brain processes information quickly.
Feel free to leave comments below on what you think and whether you think this may help you. Iain
