If you’ve heard about Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and you want to learn more, this is a great source-book. If you haven’t heard about NLP, I would not suggest starting here.

This book is actually a transcript from a live seminar that Bandler and Grinder gave to therapists in the 1970′s (the book was first published in 1979, but I’m not sure the dates of the seminar). For me, I really like short chapters so that it’s easy for me to stop and digest a book while I’m reading it. So, this book was a format challenge for me as it was a a lot of small print with only three chapter breaks.

Nevertheless, there’s great content, great examples of NLP in action, and great NLP processes that you can use and adapt for yourself and anyone you want to do NLP with. It’s not nearly as complete as taking an NLP training course, but the book does relay the philosophical approach of the NLP founders, Bandler and Grinder. All in all, I’d say it’s a “get-it-from-the-library-book” more than a “have-it-on-my-bookshelf-book” (besides, it seems to be out of print, so a library copy is a much more efficient way to go).

So where do you start if you’re new to NLP and want to learn more?

Personally, I started with Chris Howard trainings because I experienced his techniques first-hand and really liked how much sincerity and heart he put into the process. He was also very honoring of letting me choose what I wanted to release and what new strategies I wanted to install. I’ve heard of other NLP practitioners who start to act a bit too much like “God” by telling you exactly what new beliefs and strategies you should have, instead of letting you choose for yourself what resources would be best for you.

The sad news is that Chris has postponed offering his Breakthrough To Success workshop in the US this year.

The good news is, I still have some CD sets of the workshop, so just contact me if you would like to purchase a set. The sets are $50 (including shipping to US/Canada) for 7 audio CD’s, 1 DVD, a workbook and a gift certificate for two tickets to the live event once they become available again. I have a limited supply – so first come, first serve.

I’ll let you know if/when I find a book that is a better introduction to NLP. In the meantime, consider just trying it out with a practitioner (I know a great intuitive coach who even offers free sample sessions over the phone). I’ve not found any better tool than NLP for quickly removing obstacles and empowering your inner resources so that you can easily create the life you want to live.