Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy: A Postmodern Perspective (Advancing Theory in Therapy): A Postmodern Perspective (Advancing Theory in Therapy)

"You may have stumbled across the title of this book and wondered like me what is NL(P) Psychotherapy, let alone what is NLP? Possibly sceptical from what you have heard about NLP in the past? Then if so, let the fusion of NLP with psychotherapy, the professionalism of Lisa Wake, and a relatively short well researched and exquisitely written guide delve you into this blossoming world..!!!

Aligning her work with Erickson's students and contemporaries in the main (e.g. Gilligan and O'Hanlon) and also notably Gawler-Wright, Wake asserts that Erickson's success (and Satir's and Perl's to a lesser degree) was based on an unconscious reading within the "relationship" or therapeutic presence. Unconscious communicative aspects in the client-therapist system influence change, which is not a primary motive in behavioural modelling. Instead this takes a meta-perspective, and the relationship can remain at a secondary or a superficial level, possibly making it such an attractive approach in short-term coaching.

Out of a renewed acquaintance with the creative shaping of the healing space (the intuitive artist/dance partner, not performer), reference is made to the integrity of the Neurolinguistic Psychotherapist. After all, as it stands at present, NLP practioners have no formal regulations placed upon them for a regular quota of health check "hours". Healthy ego integration, self individuation and horizontal alignment that would lessen judgements and unhealthy projections in the client space are rarely seen as governed prerequisites, leaving superficial approaches of NLP open to some dangers. For example, behaviourist modelling could bring to consciousness unconscious material without the holding space of counter-transference.

Wake's commitment to incorporating rigorous modes of self-understanding as are normalised in the psychotherapeutic tradition, should alleviate doubters (like me) who are not so keen on the commercial and carnival side show trappings (e.g. pattern interrupts), sometimes touted by NLPers.

This book firmly places NL Psychotherapy right in the centre between constructivism, Ericksonian psychotherapy and behaviourism, but with a strong leaning towards the client's subjective reality as paramount, even to the point that their resistances and personal outcomes 'control' the session - which was a real insight. The therapist is encouraged to go with the flow and work around the blocks rather than knock them down.

The book structures the subject into key strands - a chapter in turn is devoted to linguistics, neurology, and programming patterns. Then re-framing internal belief structures as a topic is considered, followed by therapy in practice, which includes some of Wake's candid and absorbing case notes. Topping and tailing her research (heavily quoted as you'd expect) are a consideration of the major debates within the profession, as well as a cursory look at current research areas. Though you are expected to have some NLP fluency, I found this book to have any easy communicative style.
"
~ Written on 2008-10-03

"Lisa's book brings together robust research and thousands of hours of practical experience with clients. It's comprehensive, practical and a clear handbook on the benefits and techniques of NLP within the psychotherapeutic approach."
~ Written on 2008-08-01

"There are many books written about NLP, many of which present tools and techniques and add value to the wealth of knowledge about how to use NLP. As far as I am concerned this book is in a different league. It offers an academic and researched perspective on NLP and presents beautifully how it fits alongisde other 'therapies'. It offers a background to the origins of NLP and links that to other techniques which already existed at that time, giving a much needed history and past perspective on which to base therapeutic practice as well as offering an up to date theoretical basis for current practice. The book is exquisitely written and while presenting material at a very high level is easily accessible to all readers. I would strongly recommend that this becomes a 'must have' on every shelf for people studying or practicing NLP."
~ Written on 2008-05-07

"Lisa has written a book which is ground-breaking and takes the field of Neuro Linguistic Programming and Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy into new arenas. This book will be of huge interest to therapists and 'NLPers' interested in broadening and deepening their knowledge of the field. "
~ Written on 2008-05-07

" There are many books about NLP,but this is the first one
about neurolinguistic psychotherapy,and whilst incorporating
the tools and techniques of NLP,goes beyond this to describe
a distinctive way of doing psychotherapy.It should remain a
standard work for some considerable time.The author outlines
the development of NLP,and highlights influences from elsewhere
which are used in neurolinguistic psychotherapy.Included
in the book are chapters on personality,language,neurological
processes,programming and reframing.Interspersed in these chapters
are several illuminating and sensitive case studies involving
the author's therapeutic work. This book should be read by anyone
who seeks to use NLP tools in their psychotherapy or counselling,and is highly recommended for anyone with a general interest in either NLP or psychotherapy. "
~ Written on 2008-05-03