HISTORY OF NLP

The NLP was formed by Frank Pucelik, a Gestalt therapist, and Richard Bendler, a mathematician and gestalt therapist, to create an excellent model for achieving maximum results in human existence. Later, John Grinder (a linguist) joined them.

In “Structure of Magic I and II” (1975-1976), Bandler and Grinder identified the verbal and behavioral patterns of therapist Fritz Perls (creator of Gestalt therapy) and Virginia Satyr (internationally renowned family therapist). Their next work is ” Hypnotic Techniques Patterns of Milton X Ericsson I and II ”(1975, 1976), studying the verbal and behavioral patterns of Milton Ericsson, founder of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis and one of the most widely educated successful clinical psychiatrists.

As a result of this work, Grinder and Bendler formalized the above techniques and their individual knowledge under the name – neuro – linguistic programming (NLP), which actually symbolizes the link between the brain, the language and the body. The basics of this model are described in a series of books such as, “From Frogs to Princes” (Bandler and Grinder, 1979), “Neuro-Linguistic Programming I” (Diltz, Grinder, Bandler, De Lozier, 1980).

Over the years, NLP has developed many powerful tools and skills for communicating and achieving lasting change with a wide range of application in many fields such as consulting, psychotherapy, education, health, creativity, law, management, sales, leadership, parenting, etc.

At this point in its development the NLP has made significant progress compared to its beginnings in the mid-1970s of the last century. Over the years NLP has spread virtually all over the world touching the lives of millions.

Since the 1990s, a new generation of NLPs has been developing, creating a generational and systemic framework and focusing on high levels of challenges such as identity, vision and mission. More details on this new generation can be found in NLP II: “The Next Generation – Enriching the Study of the Subjective Experience” (Dills, De Lozier, Bacon, and Dills).

NLP is an international, universal approach, spread all over the world. People connect with each other on a deep level. We are different in content of our experiences, memories and cultures, yet the same in our structure.