NLP Academy Forums

I recently spent thirteen memorable days at the NLP Academy and wanted to write a short review, for anyone thinking of studying NLP with the Academy.

Firstly, the course was a ‘double track’ which meant that we got to choose the modules as we went along. Rarely have I encountered such a flexible approach and it meant that we could build our own experience to suit ourselves, in real time - that is, as we went along.

The format was also flexible. As someone who’s very comfortable with ambiguity, I really appreciated this approach - every day was like a little adventure, safe in the knowledge that we would get through all that we needed to by the end of the course. That said, each morning began with an explicit frame so that we knew roughly what the day ahead had to offer, and an opportunity to review the day before, having slept on it. Again, a very adult and flexible approach, as each day our learning was tailored to us as a group.

Each day subtly built on the prior, with some repetition (although it didn’t necessarily feel like repetition!) to enable certain core elements to be really understood, and tested. New Code NLP ran throughout the course alongside classic code and there was plenty of hands-on, experienced learning, demonstrations and exercises to take part in. Basically, we got the opportunity to test everything we learnt.

Over and above the course curriculum, several extra evening sessions were arranged as well - all excellent and very much appreciated. I’d basically stayed most nights until they kicked me out!!

Michael and Martin are great teachers. Stories, demonstrations, experiences - some more amusing than others (invisible glass doors cropped up quite a bit!) and a bit of, erm, dancing [interpretation]. Of course, there’s also the people I got to learn with, many of whom I hope will become friends.

In summary, apart from having a right old laugh, I came away realising I had learnt far more and been more entertained by the whole experience, than I ever expected. So, a huge thank you to Michael, Martin, Dave, Carl and Katrina as well as the other trainers (Hiran, Jill and Kader) who popped in and gave us a helping hand where we needed it. I’m really looking forward to November and March and May.

Now, what else can I shoe-horn in…? Practice, practice, practice, I suppose!

Suzy

Hi Suzy

Thanks for an interesting review.

There is a part of the course I’d love to know more about, the certification process. I’d be interested to hear any descriptions or comments you’ve got on it.

And congratulations on becoming a premier practitioner.

Hob

I also found the NLP Practitioner to be a great adventure - one where I could throw myself in to the unknown and reap all the unexpected benefits - quite an enlightening and enriching experience!

Stephanie

I too completed the premier practitioners course in September 2009, I must say that it was definitely a life changing experience and I didn’t need to leave the country for it. Michael and Martin were great trainers/facilitators who were able to engage with the group and escort them on a journey that encompassed a whole mind experience.

One of my favourite parts of the training has to be Michael’s stories that not only took you there in mind but also in body. Another would be Martin’s honest and upfront ways that were still somewhat diplomat and not MAP imposing.

I would definitely recommend the course and say its a worthwhile investment. NLP is always yes always with me, I really have no excuses but to face the problems that I come into contact with in my life. I am starting to feel more whole and whilst I will never yes never be a totally different person my world is forever changing.

If you’re thinking about doing it, just do it, don’t delay it, I didn’t and my world is already a more managable place.

Melissa

Hi Hob

Re the certification process: I enjoyed it, it felt like an extension of what we’d been doing all fortnight and as it was all practical (no written stuff) it felt very natural - I approached it as another opportunity to practice under the watchful gaze of very experienced people from whom you could get some decent feedback, so it didn’t feel like an exam. 

In the morning we worked as one group. We had to demonstrate our ability to build rapport (micro muscle mirroring included), create and collapse anchors, instill anchors, work with clients on several patterns utilising new code exercises. I’m sure there was more, layered in there.

In the afternoon we split into business and coaching groups. In the business groups we demonstrated patterns in the business context and the use of language patterns played a big part. You’ll have to ask someone else about the coaching track…

Thanks Suzy, much appreciate the illumination on an area you rarely hear much about.

H