What Is NLP For Eating Disorders?
NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming and is one of the forms of coaching we have incorporated into our eating disorder recovery programme.
NLP helps us understand and organise our thoughts, feelings, language, and behaviours. It is based on a powerful methodology full of practical tools and techniques.
Neuro: This refers to the mind or the brain, particularly how the states of mind affect our behaviours and communication.
Linguistic: This is all about our language and non-verbal communication. NLP coaches use language to access unconscious information that can support recovery.
Programming: This is about using specific tools to change our mind and body states to achieve the changes we want. It considers all of your feelings, reactions, beliefs and thoughts.
Our coaches uniquely use NLP tools, adapting them to be highly supportive and safe for eating disorder recovery.
10 Principles Of NLP – Eating Disorder Recovery
Behind the NLP philosophy are some integral beliefs. These underlying beliefs and attitudes are known as presuppositions. This is because we ‘presuppose’ them to be true to support effective changes for our clients. Below are some of the presuppositions of NLP that our practitioners embody and how they relate to eating disorder recovery.
1. There is no failure, only feedback.
When we shift from perceived failure to learning, we start finding solutions to problems.
2. Have respect for the other person’s model of the world.
We believe it is essential to recognise that everyone’s experience of an eating disorder is entirely unique.
3. There are no resistant clients, only inflexible communicators.
Instead of a rigid approach to recovery, we listen to our clients. So if someone isn’t progressing, we take on the responsibility and change our communication.
4. People respond to their experiences, not to reality itself.
Even if we all experience the same event, every person’s perception will differ. So it’s not the event itself we must focus on, but how we see it.
5. If what you’re doing isn’t working, do something else.
We are not rigid in our approach to recovery. We work closely with every client to support you to find your path. If something’s not working, that’s always okay! Flexibility is key.
6. Behind every behaviour, there is a positive intention.
All behaviours, even those we are trying to change, have positive intent. Perhaps the behaviour is keeping us safe or helping us to cope. By understanding the positive intention– we start to know how to change things.
7. The mind and body form a linked system.
The health of the mind affects the body, and the health of the body affects the mind. Successful recovery outcomes include working on the whole picture.
8. There are no unresourceful people, only unresourceful states.
So often, we turn to unhelpful behaviours when we are in an unresourceful state. We teach clients how to shift from an unresourceful state, opening up space to change deep-rooted patterns.
9. Anything can be accomplished if the task is broken down into small enough steps.
We know that recovery can seem overwhelming. We take a step-by-step approach, breaking things down to a manageable pace for each client.
10. Everyone has all the resources they need within them.
You have all the resources within you to make a true recovery. The healing process is about using your personal resources and finding the right path for you.
Learning The Language Of Your Own Mind
NLP For Eating Disorder Recovery
Many people say that NLP is like learning the language of your own mind. Not just the part we know well, but all the parts that live within. The unconscious mind has a powerful influence on us, yet we are often unaware of it. By understanding the unconscious mind– we gain much control over our world.
Furthermore, eating disorders leave us facing a constant inner battle. Through NLP, we can start to make peace with our inner critic and create a new relationship with ourselves. One that genuinely benefits us throughout life and supports long-lasting recovery.
Want to learn more about our multidisciplinary eating disorder recovery programme? Click here to read all about it and get in touch today.
