Choosing an NLP Training Provider is a big step. You are making an important investment and it is essential that you choose the right one for you.
Here are a few pointers to help you consider where to make your investment.
Why do you want to take NLP Training?
Before sharing some important areas to check it is worth considering your motivation. If you are starting out on your NLP journey you may have a number of different reasons for taking an NLP Training course:
- Perhaps you are looking for a way to make positive changes in your life. This may include increasing your confidence, well-being and resilience. Maybe you have become aware of limiting beliefs that are holding you back, maybe you do not feel “good enough” or feel you have “imposter syndrome”.
- You may be looking for specific tools to help you in your career such as increasing your ability to build rapport, influence others and make powerful presentations. You may even be interested to find out how NLP can be used to create Excellence in the workplace.
- You may be a Coach, Therapist or an HR professional looking for more tools to use when helping others who are struggling.
- You may be considering a career change and wanting to set up your own NLP business and have the long game in mind. You will be looking for a pathway from NLP Practitioner to NLP Master Practitioner to NLP Trainer.
- Perhaps you are an NLP Master Practitioner and you would like to run your own NLP Diploma, Practitioner and Master Practitioner programmes.
- Or maybe you are a corporate trainer or someone in business looking to take your presentation and delivery style to the next level.
- Perhaps you are a life-long learner and enjoy the journey and spending time with like-minded people.
Understanding your motivation makes it easier for you to start narrowing down what you need in an NLP Training Provider. So what is next?
Always check credentials
In recent years we have seen an increase in less than scrupulous people offering courses that are neither recognised or led by Certified NLP Trainers and for NLP Trainer’s Training level Certified NLP Master Trainers.
Be wary of any course that is making big claims, suggesting that one session will “cure” everything in clients or their training format will result in you building a successful business overnight.
NLP is very powerful and can get fast results however ethical Practitioners and Trainers understand that there are many factors that impact on how quickly change can occur. For instance a person with complex PTSD can be helped quicker with NLP however it takes a lot of training to be experienced enough to work with this kind of issue.
In the UK we have an independent Professional body called ANLP (Association for NLP) who Accredit NLP Trainers and Training Courses. Any NLP organisation that has gone through this process has demonstrated that they meet a minimum level of standards, have signed up to a code of ethics and agree to the ANLP complaints procedure.
A great question to ask providers is about how close to the minimum standard are they?
Some providers have gone through accreditation and have kept to the minimum number of hours for example. Others offer more than double the minimum hours.
Currently NLP Practitioner training courses that are 100% online are not recognised by any independent Professional body.
Ask questions about the “lineage” of the trainers involved. Good trainers are happy to tell you about their own training and background. Remember to offer NLP Practitioner and NLP Master Practitioner the trainer must be a Certified NLP Trainer. If they are also offering NLP Trainer’s Training they must be an NLP Master Trainer.
Sadly we are also seeing a rise in the number of “self-proclaimed” NLP Master Trainers. Check out “lineage” and ask how Master Trainer status was achieved. To give you an idea, it takes two Master Trainers to properly certify a Master Trainer. Therefore their Certificate should then be signed by two reputable Master Trainers. In most case there is a direct lineage back to Richard Bandler or John Grinder.
For example, in our school the lineage is as follows. Julie Silverthorn and John Overdurf were made Master Trainers by Tad James and Wyatt Woodsmall. They in turn were among the first Master Trainers created by Richard Bandler. Julie Silverthorn and John Overdurf then certified Joe and Melody Cheal as NLP Master Trainers.
In addition to the signatures Master Trainers need to have been NLP Trainers for at least five years and have delivered 10 practitioner and 10 Master Practitioner courses. They also need to have made a contribution to the field and have assisted other trainers on numerous courses.
The ANLP has a listed of recognised NLP Master Trainers in the UK on their website.
What do former students say about the training?
Checking out testimonials can be useful. If you get a personal recommendation even better. If all else fails do a general search of the trainers names on line to find out more about them. Be wary of any training provider that does not provide basic information about trainers including their background and training.
What support is provided outside of the training?
This question is important whatever your reason for training in NLP. If you are looking for personal development is there an option for you to receive personal support from a suitably training coach on a one to one basis? This is particularly important if you have major personal issues you want help with. The course may help clear an issue but sometimes you need more detailed and experienced help.
If you are wanting to build your own business it is worth checking out what kind of mentoring, coaching and supervision is offered by your training provider.
Some schools of NLP do not offer any support beyond the training.
What experience are you looking for?
It is worth thinking about what type of experience you would like to have. For example do you prefer being part of a small group or a large crowd? Some courses have very large numbers (500 or more) and there may be quite a buzz but will you get enough personal feedback and support?
We prefer to keep our courses small (8 to 24) and develop a strong on-going relationship with our students helping them reach their full potential.
We also believe people learn best when they are relaxed and having fun. So although we ensure the learning is challenging and stretching we make sure everyone feels excited, supported and ready for evaluation.
We feel very confident that our training will provide you with one of the very best learning environments, as we teach to both the “conscious and unconscious” minds. We care about you; we will answer your questions and teach you information from “behind the scenes” so that you may integrate NLP at the deepest level possible.
Different trainers have different styles. If possible find out more about the trainers you are considering. Many trainers will have audio programmes that will allow you to get a sense of their style or you may be able to attend a practice group or an introduction session. For example we have audio downloads available and would encourage prospective students to attend one of our taster events to find out more about us.
What kind of environment are you looking for? Find out more about the venue, it’s location and the atmosphere. Our venue is set on the edge of the tranquil Ashdown Forest National Park and yet is still within easy reach for both Gatwick and Heathrow. Ashdown Forest is an area of outstanding natural beauty and provides space to stop and breathe. We have almost two acres of woodland and gardens at our own purpose built learning centre. This allows us to make full use of all the metaphors of nature that surround us coupled with a friendly and professional set up.
Finally if you are a fan of Winnie the Pooh you might just see him with his friends as Ashdown Forest is the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s wonderful books.
This is an important investment in your future, it is worth making sure you make the right choice. If you would like further advice do contact Melody to arrange a free Exploration phone call.
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