Many people meet NLP through a coach rather than a course. Coaching is different from therapy: it focuses on goals, skills and performance, and it is aimed at people who want to move forward, not people who need treatment. So how does NLP coaching stack up?
What happens in a session
Sessions vary, but typically:
- Goal setting. You describe what you want, and the coach helps you make it specific (NLP part 13).
- Exploring the situation. Questions about what’s happening, using tools such as the Meta Model (NLP part 12) or logical levels (NLP part 17).
- Techniques. Reframing, visualisation, anchoring or “parts” work.
- Actions. What you’ll do before the next session.
- Review. What changed, what to adjust.
A good session is mostly a structured conversation with a supportive, curious person.
What a critical review found
In 2019, Jonathan Passmore and Tatiana Rowson reviewed NLP research and its use in coaching in the International Coaching Psychology Review. They concluded that NLP’s unique practices are poorly supported by research evidence.
That doesn’t mean coaches who use NLP are useless. It means that if coaching helps, the benefit probably comes from the general ingredients rather than from NLP-specific methods.
What probably does the work
Across coaching, the likely helpful ingredients are:
- A trusting relationship with someone who listens
- Clear goals (backed by goal-setting research, NLP part 13)
- Accountability for taking action
- Reflection that helps you see the situation differently
- Practice and feedback
Coaching in general has a growing evidence base, mostly for structured, goal-focused approaches, though quality varies. (This is a general statement and wasn’t separately checked here.)
When coaching fits
- Building confidence for a presentation, interview or new role
- Clarifying career options
- Improving communication or leadership
- Making a plan for a personal goal
When it doesn’t
- Depression, anxiety disorders, trauma or addiction. These need a qualified clinician.
- Persistent low mood or panic. See your GP.
- Serious relationship or family difficulties. Counselling or therapy is better placed.
A good coach will know the boundary and refer you on.
Choosing an NLP coach
Apply the checklist in NLP part 11. In particular:
- Ask about their coaching training and supervision, not just their NLP certificate.
- Look for membership of a recognised coaching body, such as the International Coaching Federation or the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and check what its accreditation actually requires.
- Agree goals and a number of sessions at the start.
- Expect them to welcome questions about evidence.
Signs it’s working
- You can say what is different, in specific terms.
- You are taking actions you weren’t before.
- You feel more clarity, not more pressure.
- The coach is working toward your independence.
The bottom line
A good coach can help you get unstuck, with or without NLP. Judge a coach by their training, ethics and results with you, not by the techniques on their website.
Next in the series: The 7-38-55 Rule and Other Body Language Myths in NLP Courses
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.