Talk:Neuro-linguistic programming/HeadleyDown cites

This is a list of cites introduced to the article by blocked user user:HeadleyDown and his sock/meat ring, as a reference source for use and verification, and which appear prima facie to genuinely exist. Source version: June 30 2006.

Usage:

To allow editing and replacement of current article without losing cites
To list facts claimed (which may be accurate or misrepresentative) and cites stated in support
To clarify what exactly was being claimed amidst all the cites added.
To allow reconstructed versions of the article which replace sections of the old article, to double check any possibly valuable resources from sections replaced.

They are struck out as they are found to be misrepresentative, not worth inclusion, or get incorporated in the reconstructed version. Please de-bold and strike out using <s> ...</s>, with :::: (Explanation) ~~~~ signature.

Intro

~~Based upon language patterns and body language cues derived from the observation of several world-renowned therapists~~

<ref name="frogs">{{cite book | author=Bandler, Richard & John Grinder | title=Frogs into Princes: Neuro Linguistic Programming | location=Moab, UT | publisher=Real People Press | year=1979 | id=- | url=- | pages=p.15,24,30,45,52. }}</ref>

Basically just confirms that NLP pays attention to language patterns and body language cues. Add back if ever needed from some summary. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 18:51, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

NLP focused on areas such as how subjective reality drives beliefs, perceptions and behaviors, and therefore how behavior change, transforming beliefs, and treatment of traumas is often possible through appropriate techniques based upon how known experts worked with this relationship.

~~<ref name="frogs " />~~

No specific cite, generic reference to a book, needs new citation.FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 22:00, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

<ref name="reframing">{{cite book | author=Bandler, Richard & John Grinder | title=Reframing: Neurolinguistic programming and the transformation of meaning | location=Moab, UT | publisher=Real People Press. | year=1983 | id=- | url=- | pages=appendix II, p.171}}</ref>
<ref name="structure1 " />

The techniques distilled from these observations were metaphorically described by the original developers as "therapeutic magic," with NLP itself described as 'the study of the structure of subjective experience".

<ref name="sharpley87">{{cite journal | author=Sharpley C.F.| title=Research Findings on Neuro-linguistic Programming: Non supportive Data or an Untestable Theory | journal=Communication and Cognition | year=1987 | volume=Journal of Counseling Psychology, 1987 Vol. 34, No. 1 | pages=103-107,105 | url=http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal?nfpb=true&_pageLabel=RecordDetails&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ352101&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=eric_accno&objectId=0900000b8005c1ac}}</ref>
<ref name="nlpvol1">{{cite book | author=Dilts, Robert B, Grinder, John, Bandler, Richard & DeLozier, Judith A. | title=Neuro-Linguistic Programming: Volume I - The Study of the Structure of Subjective Experience | publisher=Meta Publications, 1980. . | date=1980 | url=. | id=. | pages=pp.3-4,6,14,17}}</ref>

~~They are predicated upon the principle that all behaviors (whether excellent or dysfunctional) are not random, but have a practically determinable structure~~

<ref name="structure1">{{cite book | author=Bandler, Richard & John Grinder | title=The Structure of Magic I: A Book About Language and Therapy | location=Palo Alto, CA | publisher=Science & Behavior Books. | year=1975a | id=- | url=- | pages=-}}</ref>
~~<ref name=purenlp>[http://www.purenlp.com/whatsnlp.htm].</ref>~~

Incorporated in new version FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 00:01, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

~~A wide range of credible bodies worldwide have given strongly worded support for its use, if taught by a skilled and competent trainer and used appropriately.~~

~~<ref>[[As of 2006]], notable examples of NLP usage includes: - (LIST OF USERS) </ref>~~

Incorporated in new version FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Overview

Philosophical stance

Druckman (1988) comments: "The system was developed in answer to [why] particular psychotherapists were so effective with their patients. Rather than explore this question in terms of psychotherapeutic theory and practice, Bandler and Grinder sought to analyze what the therapists were doing at an observational level, categorize it, and apply the categories as a general model of interpersonal influence. NLP seeks to instruct people to observe, make inferences, and respond to others, as did the three original, very effective therapists."

~~<ref>Druckman, ''Enhancing Human Performance: Issues, Theories, and Techniques'' (1988) p.138 [http://darwin.nap.edu/books/0309037921/html/133.html]</ref>~~

Incorporated in new version. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Theory

Robert Dilts says that "NLP is theoretically rooted in neurology, psychophysiology, linguistics, cybernetics and communication theory".

<ref name="dilts83">Robert Dilts. Roots of NLP (1983) p.3</ref>

Other NLP proponents say it is not based on theory, it is based on modeling (and Richard Bandler states that he does not "do theory"). Dilts et al. state that NLP is more interested in what works than what is true.

<ref name="nlpvol1">(1980 p.40)</ref>

NLP and science

~~Within science, NLP bears closest relationship to cognitive science.~~

<ref>Patrick Merlevede, M.Sc., a cognitive scientist and NLP practitioner states: "Even if by today's cognitive science research standards some of the original NLP research must be called inadequate, we now can classify NLP research projects as fitting in the field of cognitive science." [http://www.jobeq.com/articles/NLP_Research.htm]</ref>

Incorporated in new version. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

By way of comparison, George Lakoff one of America's most renowned linguists, describes "the major findings of cognitive science" as (1) abstract concepts being largely metaphorical (ie "The map is not the territory") and (2) the mind being inherently embodied (ie "Body and Mind form a systemic whole").

~~<ref>Lakoff, ''Philosophy in the Flesh'', 1999, introduction [http://www.jobeq.com/articles/NLP_Research.htm]</ref>~~

Incorporated in new version. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Practitioners such as Derks, Singer, and Goldblatt theorize that NLP processes can be explained through the neurological concepts of programming and reprogramming engrams. According to Derks, NLP anchors are conditioned stimuli which work by activating engrams which are proposed "to give a patterned response which has been stabilized at the level of unconscious competence"

<ref name="derks">derks (1989) p.28</ref>

Outdated ideas

Hemispheric differences (brain lateralization'') are used to support assumptions in NLP. Robert Dilts proposes that eye movements (and sometimes gestures) correspond to visual/auditory/kinesthetic representation systems and to specific regions in the brain.

<ref name="dilts_modeling " />

For example, the left side is said to be more logical/analytical than the right side, which is said to be more creative/imaginative

<ref name="patterns2">{{cite book | author=Bandler, Richard, John Grinder, Judith Delozier | title=Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. Volume II | location=Cupertino, CA | publisher=Meta Publications. | year=1977 | id=- | url=- | pages=p.10,81,87 }}</ref>

and regions of the brain are said to be specialised for certain functions such as mathematics or language.

<ref name="oconnor">{{cite book | author=O'Connor, Joseph & Ian McDermott | title=Principles of NLP | location=London, UK | publisher=Thorsons | year=1996 | id=ISBN 0722531958}}</ref>

Historical background

~~The initial three individuals Grinder and Bandler modelled were Fritz Perls (Gestalt Therapy), Virginia Satir (Family therapy) and Milton H. Erickson (Ericksonian Hypnosis).~~

~~<ref>Source Andreas & Faulkner, 1994.</ref>~~

Stated in new version, widely enough known that cite is excessive. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Erickson and the co-founders shared the idea that conscious attention is limited and thus attempted to engage the willing attention of the unconscious mind through use of metaphor and other hypnotic language patterns.

<ref name="patterns1 " />

Other concepts and ideas surround conscious and unconscious mind were heavily influenced by Erickson.

The early group (Dilts et al. 1980) observed that people tended to give away information about their unconscious processing in the current eye movements patterns, as well as changes in body posture, gestures, fluctuating voice tone, breathing shifts were linked to sensory-based language, "I see that clearly!", "I hear what you are saying" or "let's remain in touch"

<ref name="nlpvol1 " />
<ref name="diltsdelozier2000 " />
<ref name="whispering " />

This formed the basis of the representational systems model. And in turn allowed them to develop approaches to map the strategies both successful people and clients in a therapeutic contexts. For example, the phobia reduction process involves separating (Visual / kinesthetic dissociation) that is supposed to reduce the negative feelings associated to a traumatic event

<ref name="frogs " />
<ref name="carbonell_figley99"> ::* '''<nowiki><ref name=cancer>[http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Neuro-Linguistic_Programming.asp?sitearea=ETO]</ref>

and submodality change work which involved altering representations of memory, for example, size, brightness, movement of internal images, in order to affect a behavioural change.

<ref name="brain " />
<ref name=andreas1987>{{cite web | author=Steve & Connirae Andreas | title=. | url=http://www.achievingexcellence.com/p-ch_and4.html | publisher=1987 | accessdate=.}}</ref>

There are several beliefs and presuppositions that were published by the NLP developers that are still taught in NLP training that were designed to bring together some of the patterns that were shared by the successful therapists and experts in communication. Most of these area organised around Bateson/Korzybski's idea that the map is not the territory, multiple descriptions promotes choice and flexibility, people can organised personal resources (states, outcomes, beliefs) effectively in order to change themselves and achieve outcomes

~~<ref name="frogs"/>~~

Excess wordage, general idea already incorporated in new version. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Even a seemingly negative behavior or part is considered in NLP to be attempting to fulfill some positive intention (of which they may not be aware of consciously). These presuppositions may not be true, but it is useful to act as if they are in the change contexts. The last one, for example, assumes that the current behavior exhibited by a person represents the best choice available to them at the time.

~~<ref name="frogs " />~~
~~<ref name="reframing " />~~

General ideas are stated in new version, cites unhelpful, if cites needed should be added more specifically. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

All of these methods and techniques (anchoring, representational systems) require superb sensory acuity and calibration skills, considered to be prerequisites to using any of these models.

<ref name="structure1"/>

Several of the presuppositions of NLP, related directly to this, for example, from William Ross Ashby, there is no failure, only feedback - statement about the importance of feedback loops to learning, borrowed from information theory.

<ref name="structure1"/>

~~and the meaning of the communication is the response it produces.~~

~~<ref name="frogs"/>~~

Stated in new version, cite not really helpful. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Criticism

Margaret Singer (1996) says that NLP proponents make hypotheses and propose armchair theories -- for example, NLP assumes that all human behavior is neurological, and all human behavior is based on the 5 senses, rather than attitudes, reason, emotions, mind, morals or ego

<ref name="singer96">{{cite book | author=Singer, Margret. | title=Crazy Therapies. | date=1996 | url=. | id=. | pages=pp.}}</ref>

According to research reviews , the main tenets of NLP has been found to be conceptually erroneous and false

<ref name="beyerstein">(Beyerstein 1990)</ref>

Stephen Hunt, a sociologist who writes on Christian perspectives in sociology, characterizes NLP as a development with implied religiosity in the healing/self-development field and states that NLP is "an alternative to Scientology".^{[citation needed]} Hunt states “While not an alternative religion per se” NLP can be seen as “similar to new religions of eastern origin that trace themselves back through a progression of gurus, and to esoteric movements claiming the authority of authenticity through their descent from previous movements".

<ref name="hunt">Hunt, Stephen J. (2003) A Sociological Introduction, London: Ashgate p.195 ISBN 0754634094 </ref>

Barrett states that NLP "is used by some religions, and NLP as a philosophy does exhibit some characteristics which are sometimes found in some religions, but overall the balance comes down against it being labeled as a religion"

<ref name="Barrett">(Barrett p.26)</ref>

Peter Schütz, Austrian management consultant, and psychotherapist who applies NLP to his profession, outlines the issues with varying length and quality of NLP training, and the difference between the hobbyist courses and full length training, he outlines some criticism of NLP saying it has even been, "labeled in unfavorable political ways (nazilinguistic programming)"

<ref name="schutz">Peter Schütz[http://www.nlpzentrum.at/institutsvgl-english.htm]</ref>

In Crazy Therapies (1996), Singer states that "the process involves pretending that a model works, trying it, then if you don’t get results, discard it and try something else".

<ref name="singer96">{{cite book | author=Singer, Margaret | title=Crazy Therapies | location=New York, NY | publisher=Jossey Bass | year=1996 | id=ISBN 0787967416}}</ref>

Scientific analysis

On the questions of “does NLP work?” and “is NLP effective?” Singer (1996) cited the NRC research committee who stated that there was no evidence of its claimed effectiveness.

<ref name="singer96">Singer 96 175</ref>

Von Bergen et al state that "in relation to current understanding of neurology and perception, NLP is in error", and Druckman et al (1988) say that "instead of being grounded in contemporary, scientifically derived neurological theory, NLP is based on outdated metaphors of brain functioning and is laced with numerous factual errors".

<ref name="vonbergen">(1997 page 291)</ref>

The 1988 US National Committee (a board of 14 prepared scientific experts) report found that "Individually, and as a group, these studies fail to provide an empirical base of support for NLP assumptions...or NLP effectiveness. The committee cannot recommend the employment of such an unvalidated technique"

<ref name="druckman " />

In addition, Edgar Johnson, technical director of the Army Research Institute heading the NLP focused Project Jedi stated that "Lots of data shows that NLP doesn't work"

<ref name="squires " />

Heap (1989) says "NLP has failed to yield convincing evidence for the NLP model, and failed to provide evidence for its effectiveness"

<ref name="heap89">{{cite book | author=Heap, M. | title=Neuro-linguistic programming: What is the evidence? In D Waxman D. Pederson. I | publisher= | year=1989 | id=}}</ref>

Heap says "the conjecture that a person has a preferred representational system (PRS), which is observed in the choice of words, has been found to be false according to rigorous research reviews"

<ref name="heap89 " />

(Heap or Platt???) found "The assertion that a person has a PRS which can be determined by the direction of eye movements found even less support"

<ref name="heap89 " /> or <ref name="platt " /> ???

A single critique by Einspruch and Forman (1985) said that Sharpley's review of NLP contained methodological errors. However, Sharpley refuted this and provided further experimental evidence to demonstrate that NLP is ineffective and in error in both method and model

~~<ref name="sharpley84 " />~~
~~<ref name="sharpley87 " />~~

Incorporated into new version FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Von Bergen et al state that "NLP does not stand up to scientific scrutiny".

<ref name="vonbergen">(1997 page 291)</ref>

Thus, objective empirical studies

<ref name="heap89 " />
<ref name="bertelsen " />
<ref name="bliemeister " />

and review papers

<ref name="druckman " />
<ref name="platt " />

have consistently shown NLP to be ineffective and reviews or meta-analysis have given NLP a conclusively negative assessment, and the reiterated statement is that there is no neuro-scientific basis for any of NLP's claims, or any scientific support for its claimed efficacy

<ref name="sharpley87 " />
<ref name="drenth " />
<ref name="lilienfeld " />
<ref name="singer96 " />
<ref name="eisner " />

Efran and Lukens state that the "original interest in NLP turned to disillusionment after the research and now it is rarely even mentioned in psychotherapy".

<ref name="efran">(Efran & Lukens1990 p.122)</ref>

Eisner (2000) states that "NLP proponents have provided not one iota of scientific support for their claims"

<ref name="eisner " />

Devilly states that "controlled studies shed such a poor light on NLP and those promoting the intervention made such extreme and changeable claims that that researchers found it unwise to test the theory any further".

<ref name="devilly"/>

Beyerstein states that NLP is a pseudoscientific fringe therapy

<ref name="beyerstein">(Beyerstein 1990 page31)</ref>

and explains that "bogus therapies can be explained by the placebo effect, social pressure, superficial symptomatic rather than core treatment , and overestimating some apparent successes while ignoring, downplaying, or explaining away failures."

<ref name="beyerstein97">(1997p20)</ref>

In Brainscams, Beyerstein states that when the New Age brain manipulators such as NLP are challenged, "critics typically encounter anecdotes and user testimonials where there ought to be rigorous pre-and post treatment comparisons"

<ref name="beyerstein">(Beyerstein 1990 p.33)</ref>

New Age

Psychologists Beyerstein and Lilienfeld class NLP as a New Age development

<ref name="Beyerstein 1990">{{cite journal | author=Beyerstein.B.L | title= Brainscams: Neuromythologies of the New Age. | journal= International Journal of Mental Health | year=1990 | volume=19(3) | pages=27-36,27}}</ref>
<ref name="Lilienfeld 2002">{{cite journal | author= Lilienfeld,S.O. | title= Our Raisson D’etre | journal= The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice | year=2002 | volume=1(1) | pages=20}}</ref>,

~~Kelly says NLP was involved in the foundation of the New Age.~~

~~<ref name="Fireside">{{cite book | author=Kelly.M.O | title=The Fireside Treasury of Light | location= | publisher=Simon & Schuster. | year=1990 | id=0671685058 | pages=p.25,182</ref>~~

Not very useful information, not needed. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

According to Dilts, Grinder developed NLP rituals from the shamanic teachings of Carlos Castaneda, such as the NLP double induction process, and perceptual positions, designed to move attention or energy to other realities.

<ref name="diltsdelozier2000">(2000 p.143)</ref>

Corballis states that "NLP is a thoroughly fake title, designed to give the impression of scientific respectability. NLP has little to do with neurology, linguistics, or even the respectable subdiscipline of neurolinguistics".

<ref name="sala">Corballis, M. in Sala (ed) (1999) Mind Myths. Exploring Popular Assumptions About the Mind and Brain Author: Sergio Della Sala Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons ISBN 0471983039 p.41</ref>

Sharpley, Druckman, and the National Research Council have criticised NLP in research reviews which conclude that its claims are unsupported and that it has failed to show its claimed efficacy in controlled studies

<ref name="singer99">{{cite book | author= Singer, Margaret & Janja Lalich | title=unknown | publisher=- | year=1999 | id=-}}</ref>
<ref name="heap98">{{cite book | author=Heap, M. | title=Neuro-linguistic programming, In M. Heap (Ed.) Hypnosis: Current Clinical, Experimental and Forensic Practices | location=London | publisher=Croom Helm, pp 268-280. | year=1988 | id=}}</ref>
<ref name="lilienfeld">{{cite book | author=Scott O. Lilienfeld, Steven Jay Lynn, and Jeffrey M. Lohr | title=Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology | publisher=Guilford Press, New York. | year=2003 | url=http:// }}</ref>

Several reviews have characterized NLP as pseudoscientific and mass-marketed psychobabble

<ref name="drenth " />
<ref name="williams">Williams, W F. general editor. (2000) [http://www.techdirections.com/html/pseudo.html Encyclopedia of pseudoscience: From alien abductions to Zone Therapy,] Publisher: Facts On File, New York.</ref>

NLP is identified by many scientists as charlatanry and fraudulent

<ref name="heap91">Heap 1991 unknown title</ref>
<ref name="dryden">Dryden. W. 2001 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103324026 Reason to Change: Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)] Brunner-Routledge 0415229804</ref>

Beyerstein, Lilienfeld, and Eisner express concern over the verification of certain aspects of NLP.

<ref name="beyerstein">(1990 p.30)</ref>
<ref name="lilienfeld">(2003 p.133)</ref>
<ref name="eisner " />

NLP "Therapy"

Dilts and Grinder (1999) have proposed that healing is facilitated by 1; Ritual 2; Prayer, and 3; Relationship to an authority or guardian angel. They propose that this applies equally throughout every healing situation.

<ref name="diltsdelozier2000"/>

Experts such as Beyerstein (1990p31) consider NLP to be a fringe or alternative therapy .

The Handbook of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies classifies NLP as a "dubious therapy".

<ref name="dobson">Dobson (2001) The Handbook of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies p.438</ref>

False claims to science

Singer (1996) states that "NLP often associates itself with science in order to raise its own prestige"

<ref name="singer99"/>

As with any other science, theory is central to behavioral science ^{[citation needed]}. However, Gregory Bateson in the introduction to Structure of Magic Volume I writes, "The behavioral sciences, and especially psychiatry, have always avoided theory..."

<ref name="structure1 " />

The co-originators have also stated, "We are not psychologists, and we're also not theologians or theoreticians"

<ref name="frogs " />

However, proponents claim that the Milton model is based on the behavioral patterns of Milton H. Erickson and that if these patterns can be 'formalized it will make a solid foundation for a science of communication'

~~<ref name="patterns2">(1977 p.81)</ref>~~

general idea is in article, rest isn't adding much beyond speculation. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

~~Grinder & Bostic St Clair (2001) say that "the coding phase of NLP modeling is at present an art"~~

~~<ref name="whispering " />~~

NLP as art is in new version with cites. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Singer (1996:172) states that "none of the NLP developers have done any research to "prove" their models correct though NLP promoters and advertisers continue to call the originators scientists and use such terms as science, technology and hi-tech psychology in describing NLP".

<ref name="singer96">(1996 p172)</ref>

CAP, a UK-based advertising body has issued an advisory in relation to "Stop smoking claims by hypnotherapists" that "references to NLP should avoid implying that it is a new science"

<ref name="cap">[http://www.cap.org.uk/NR/exeres/5BF23A13-5B07-4C56-A54D-516A9237380E.htm]</ref>

Psycholinguist Willem Levelt states that (translated into English by Drenth) "NLP is not informed about linguistics literature, it is based on vague insights that were out of date long ago, their linguistics concepts are not properly construed or are mere fabrications, and conclusions are based upon the wrong premises. NLP theory and practice has nothing to do with neuroscientific insights or linguistics, nor with informatics or theories of programming"

<ref name="drenth " />
<ref name=levelt />

Pseudoscience

NLP has been classed as a pseudoscientific self help development

<ref name="levelt " />
<ref name="williams " />
<ref name="lilienfeld " />
<ref name="drenth " />

Self-help critic Salerno associates NLP with pseudoscience, and has criticized its promotion as self-help.

<ref name="salerno " />

Psychologists such as Singer and management experts such as Von Bergen (1997) have criticized its use within management and human resources developments.

<ref name="singer99 " />

Numerous extraordinary and unsupported claims have been made by some NLP promoters. There have been claims that the heightening of perception using NLP can allow a novice martial artist to beat an expert, and that it is possible to develop photographic memory through the use of NLP

<ref name="bandler93 " />
<ref name="structure1 " />

Historically, NLP has many pseudoscientific associations such as claims to rapid cures and treatment of traumas, the use of popular new age myths such as unlimited potential, left/right brain simplicities, past life regression, and the use marketing/recruitment models similar to that of Dianetics (Scientology) and other cults

<ref name="sala99 " />

Pseudoscience is prone to certain fallacies and characteristics. These can be; Overgeneral predictions, pseudoscientific experimentation, dogmatic adherence or recycling of un-validated claims

<ref name="winn">{{cite book | author=Winn, C.M , and Wiggins,A.W | title=Quantum Leaps, in the wrong direction: Where real science ends and pseudoscience begins | publisher= Joseph Henry Press | year=2001 | url=http://books.google.com/books?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&id=PxIeWAwEsaUC&dq=Neuro-linguistic+programming}}</ref>
<ref name="baloney">{{cite web | author=Paine, Michael | title=Baloney Detection Kit | url=http://www.xenu.net/archive/baloney_detection.html | publisher=Operation Clambake | accessdate=.}}</ref>

Lilienfeld states

<ref name="lilienfeld">(2003 p.8)</ref>

"the characteristics of pseudoscience are more specifically shown thus", for example:

"The use of obscurantist language" (eg meta programs, parapragmatics, representational systems, submodalities etc)
"The absence of connectivity"

<ref name="levelt" />

"Over-reliance on testimonial and anecdotal evidence"

<ref name="krugman">Krugman, Kirsch, Wickless, Milling, Golicz, & Toth (1985). [http://content.apa.org/journals/ccp/53/4/526 Neuro-linguistic programming treatment for anxiety: Magic or myth?] Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology. Vol 53(4), 526-530.</ref>

"An overuse of ad hoc hypotheses and reversed burden of proof designed to immunize claims from falsification"

<ref name="singer99" />

~~"Emphasis on confirmation rather than refutation (eg reliance on asking how rather than why)"~~

Mistaken statement: refers to accepting positive evidence but not contradictory evidence, not "how rather than why" !! FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 17:11, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Absence of boundary conditions"
"Reversed burden of proof (away from those making claim (NLP promoters), and towards those testing the claim (Scientists))".
"The mantra of holism and eclecticism designed to immunize from verifiable efficacy"

<ref name="lilienfeld" />(Claiming that NLP is unmeasurable due to too many factors or to simplistically “do what works”
<ref name="eisner" />

"Evasion of peer review" (If claims were true, why were they not properly documented and presented to the scientific community?)

<ref name="eisner">{{cite book | author=Eisner, D. A. | title=The death of psychotherapy: From Freud to alien abductions. | location= Westport, CT | publisher=Praeger. | year=2000 | id=- | url=http://print.google.com/print?hl=en&id=hmcDl6l8uXwC&q=NLP | pages=p.158}}]</ref>

Critics point of that NLP is based on outdated metaphors of brain functioning and is laced with numerous factual errors

<ref name="druckman" />

Modern neuroscience indicates that NLP's notions of neurology are erroneous and pseudoscientific in regards to: left/right brain hemispheric differences

<ref name="sala99" />
<ref name="diltsdelozier2000" />
<ref name="drenth" />,

the association of eye movements or body gestures to brain hemispheres.

The idea that people have visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles which has little substantative evidence ^{[citation needed]}.

Ethical concerns

Beyerstein states that "ethical standards bodies and other professional associations state that unless a technique, process, drug, or surgical procedure can meet requirements of clinical tests, it is ethically questionable to offer it to the public, especially if money is to change hands".

<ref name="beyersteim">(1999 p.26)</ref>

NLP is also criticised for unethically encouraging the belief in non existent maladies and insecurities by otherwise normal individuals

<ref name="salerno" />

NLP has also been described as a commercial cult, and has been criticised within the business sector for being coercive, including undue and forced adoption of fundamental beliefs and intense confrontational psychological techniques, tantamount to forced religious conversion

<ref name="singer95">{{cite book | author=Singer, Margaret | title=Cults in Our Midst : The Continuing Fight Against Their Hidden Menace | location=New York, NY | publisher=Jossey Bass | year=1995 | id=ISBN 0787967416}}</ref>

General idea is in new version, will have other cites, this one has too many straw men for comfort given other cites cover same ground. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 13:36, 30 June 2006 (UTC).[reply]

Questionable applications

Currently, there is criticism from psychotherapists about the promotion of NLP and dubious therapies within psychotherapy associations

<ref name="lilienfeld" />
<ref name="eisner" />

NLP certification for therapists in general still does not require any professional qualifications

<ref name="eisner" />

Human resources: As with other pseudoscientific subjects, human resource experts such as Von Bergen et al (1997) consider NLP to be inappropriate for management and human resource training [1].

NLP has been found to be most ineffective concerning influence/persuasion and modeling of skills

<ref name="druckman" />

There is a general view that NLP is dubious and is not to be taken seriously in a business context

<ref name="summers">Summers, Lynn. (Jan 1996) Training & Development. Alexandria, VA: American Society for Training & Development: Vol. 50, Iss. 1; pg. 30, 2 pgs</ref>. QUESTIONABLE – READ & CHECK??

Education: Winkin says NLP has no reliable neuroscience foundation, it is sometimes considered as part of "accelerated learning" or "brain based learning" [2][3]PDF

<ref name="winkin91"> ::* '''<nowiki><ref name="walberg">Walberg H.J. (2003) Improving Educational Productivity. [http://www.temple.edu/lss/ Laboratory for Student Success.] LSS.</ref>

Beyerstein states that a method should be supported using controlled studies before it is applied in education.

<ref name="beyerstein">(1990, p.30)</ref>

Cosmetic effect claims: NLP is applied to breast enhancement and penis enlargement. For example, the NLP practitioner, Goodman sells NLP audio recordings of the NLP swish pattern for enlarging penis size.

~~<ref name="goodman"> [http://www.remotehypnosis.com/nlp4men.asp]</ref>~~

Included in new version FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 16:51, 30 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Eisner states that if these miraculous effects are true, then why have they not been properly documented, nor presented to the scientific community?

<ref name="eisner">(2000 p150)</ref>

Occult and New Age practices: Winkin states that with its promotion with Tai Chi, Meditation, and Dianetics (Scientology), NLP is in the margins of contemporary obscurantism. NLP is often criticised as being a dubious new age therapy ^{[citation needed]}. Practitioners sometimes attempt to model spiritual experiences, which inherently, are lacking in scientific support.

<ref name="winkin91">(1990p45)</ref>

Cult characteristics

NLP is sometimes referred to in scientific research reviews as a cult.

<ref name="heap89" />
<ref name="singer95" />

Others have described it as a psychocult

<ref name="novopashin" />
<ref name="rekaunt">[http://www.nlp.de/presse/deutschland/eb-0298.htm](eg. NLP Rekaunt)</ref>

and in research it is often considered to be akin to a cult.

<ref name="recovery">{{cite book | author=Michael D Langone (Ed). | title=Recovery from Cults: Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse | location=New York, NY | publisher=W W Norton & Company | year=1993. | id=-}}</ref>
<ref name="tippet94">{{cite news | last=Tippet | first=Gary | title=Inside the cults of mind control | date=3 Apr 1994 | publisher=Melbourne, Australia: Sunday Age | url=http://www.rickross.com/reference/general/general756.html}}</ref>
<ref name="eisner" />
<ref name="sharpley87" />

A German educational ministry banned the use of NLP in education and stated that it has a close similarity to Scientology.

<ref name="rekaunt" />^{[citation needed]}
<ref name=landmark />