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Neuro-Linguistic Programming Training (NLP)

neuro linguistic programming training

Developed in the early 1970s, neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is based on the premises that behavior has structure and that the words we use reflect our subconscious perception of our problems. In other words, our attitudes toward past experiences directly affect how we behave today and in the future.

Through careful analysis and close attention to the verbal and body language that patients use, neurolinguistic therapists help patients remodel their thoughts and mental associations.

In turn, patients can overturn their preconceived notions or attitudes toward their problems and achieve success in areas of their lives that they’d struggled with in the past.

Career Overview

As a form of psychotherapy, neurolinguistic programming involves one-on-one sessions with patients where practitioners listen carefully not only to what patients say but the precise words and phrases they use.

Facial expressions, posture, body movements—neurolinguistic therapists scrutinize these signs and more to determine the root causes of the problems in a patient’s perceptions.

In terms of natural health care, neurolinguistic programming can be used to help patients suffering from a range of health conditions, including chronic pain, heart conditions and cancer.

NLP therapists look at how people see themselves and their attitudes toward illness, which directly impacts the body’s self-healing ability. Helping patients see their condition in a different light can induce self-healing and reverse what they’d perceived as a hopeless situation.

Learn how neurolinguistic programming is related to hypnotherapy.

Training and Education

What You’ll Study in Neurolinguistic Programming School

You can learn neurolinguistic programming in advanced training seminars available through NLP training schools. Although classes will vary from school to school, you can expect NLP training course work to cover the following:

  • History and origins of NLP
  • Subjective experience
  • Understanding how the brain learns
  • Association/dissociation
  • NLP communication model
  • Changing personal history
  • Perceptual positions

Average Length of Study

Depending on the program, you can learn neurolinguistic programming in one to two weeks of seminar time. Some schools may offer different levels of NLP training for advanced practitioners and life coaches looking to learn specialized neurolinguistic programming skills.

Average Tuition

Tuition for neurolinguistic programming school ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 per one- to two-week seminars. Schools typically offer seminars through the course of the year and in different regions of the country to allow students to learn neurolinguistic programming on a more flexible schedule.

Neurolinguistic Programming Certification

Certification in neurolinguistic programming is available through seminar programs, several of which offer certification in both NLP and life coaching.

Career Outlook

Under the category of mental health counselors, the closest match for NLP professionals (and even life coaches), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) current Occupational Outlook Handbook shows a much faster than average job growth rate (18.4% through 2032, much faster than the 5% job growth rate for all careers).

The public’s increased emphasis on mental health and finding natural healing alternatives to conventional medicine will be the main contributing factors to the increase in employment for this job category.

Neurolinguistic Programming Salary

NLPs are part of the larger field of mental health counselors. If you practice NLP as a psychologist, your annual salary may be more. You can research salaries and job growth by state or nationally here:

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

National data

Median Salary: $53,710

Projected job growth: 18.4%

10th Percentile: $36,700

25th Percentile: $44,600

75th Percentile: $70,130

90th Percentile: $89,920

Projected job growth: 18.4%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $44,890 $30,090 $70,010
Alaska $70,860 $46,430 $103,590
Arizona $58,640 $35,030 $82,740
Arkansas $56,730 $29,240 $113,520
California $58,080 $39,160 $108,070
Colorado $58,110 $37,900 $92,360
Connecticut $58,710 $36,850 $91,390
Delaware $45,810 $34,090 $71,210
District of Columbia $64,270 $40,930 $96,040
Florida $52,260 $35,520 $80,370
Georgia $48,290 $31,990 $80,020
Hawaii $46,740 $45,950 $99,290
Idaho $58,360 $39,290 $79,120
Illinois $57,500 $39,440 $98,920
Indiana $45,510 $35,550 $73,670
Iowa $59,000 $38,570 $82,620
Kansas $50,990 $35,610 $75,790
Kentucky $47,060 $30,910 $84,630
Louisiana $36,430 $27,750 $61,690
Maine $53,900 $35,150 $83,570
Maryland $54,460 $38,640 $86,320
Massachusetts $54,920 $39,900 $80,840
Michigan $56,160 $36,220 $82,540
Minnesota $51,130 $41,060 $69,680
Mississippi $42,010 $29,640 $63,980
Missouri $48,130 $34,000 $77,470
Montana $52,490 $33,600 $75,800
Nebraska $58,320 $37,350 $82,490
Nevada $57,580 $36,790 $86,810
New Hampshire $54,470 $39,130 $80,540
New Jersey $60,250 $37,220 $102,710
New Mexico $62,120 $39,950 $98,270
New York $59,740 $39,810 $99,700
North Carolina $51,790 $37,000 $79,440
North Dakota $61,240 $37,770 $82,680
Ohio $50,580 $37,060 $81,500
Oklahoma $57,190 $32,990 $95,790
Oregon $62,070 $42,260 $99,380
Pennsylvania $50,450 $36,490 $82,350
Rhode Island $46,030 $36,140 $75,730
South Carolina $47,480 $30,480 $75,670
South Dakota $48,520 $37,440 $67,060
Tennessee $45,490 $30,050 $75,330
Texas $52,190 $35,370 $79,440
Utah $62,870 $32,820 $106,390
Vermont $56,980 $44,960 $77,800
Virginia $54,590 $38,430 $80,150
Washington $58,540 $41,400 $92,970
West Virginia $44,140 $28,540 $74,450
Wisconsin $58,740 $38,800 $97,450
Wyoming $62,990 $36,840 $104,000

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

NLP practitioners who are self-employed enjoy a higher degree of flexibility but also must account for the costs to operate their business.

Is a Neurolinguistic Programming Career Right for You?

A career in neurolinguistic programming requires advanced training in language, brain processes and communication. Earning a living as a neurolinguistic therapist takes compassion, understanding and the ability to market your practice in order to continue to build a client base.

If you want to learn neurolinguistic programming, take a closer look at NLP training courses. Then choose the neurolinguistic programming school that meets your personal and professional needs.

Sources: Global NLP Training, Holisticonline.com, Neurolisticprogramming.com, NLPTraining.com