Several years have passed since the original publication of this Framework. Research has come to light that disproves, or at least questions the validity of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). After reading the research, Social-Engineer.org is in agreement with these doubts regarding the scientific nature and effectiveness of NLP.  However, we do see value to presenting the historical significance of NLP in regards to social engineering. With this in mind, we will  include this page in Framework for discussion and general interest.

This study shows how the usage of eye cues in NLP has been disproved.

In addition, this website has a lot of research into how NLP has not been proven to be effective.

History

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) was developed in the 1970’s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder with the guidance of Gregory Bateson. They studied some of the most successful therapist of the time. Therapists such as Fritz Perls, Virginia Satir, and Milton Erickson to see why they were so successful. As a result of this initial research they developed the “code” concepts of NLP. This early research led to the development of a meta model which recognizes the use of language patterns to influence change. Their work with Virginia Satir, a renowned family systems therapist led to their early works: “The Structure of Magic” Volume I and Volume 2 (1975 and 1976).

Bandler and Grinder later worked with Milton Erickson, the founder of clinical hypnotherapy. The pair used their modeling technique to develop the Milton Model, the use of imprecise language to enable patients to work through issues at an unconscious level. Bandler and Grinder started using the title of “Neuro-linguistic programming” in lectures across the country. Attended by psychotherapists and business managers, NLP expanded its popularity throughout the late 1970’s. Indeed, one of their more famous book, Frogs into Princes, is a transcription from their 1979 lectures.

1980’s – 1990’s

1980 brought the dissolution of the Grinder / Bandler partnership. Richard Bandler wife divorced him and his company Not Ltd filed for bankruptcy in 1983. Bandler was charged with the 1986 murder of Corine Christensen who was an alleged prostitute, NLP student of Bandlers, and cocaine abuser. He was acquitted January 1988. The murder of Corine Christensen is currently unsolved.

Legal maneuvering during the 1980 – 1990 saw multiple lawsuits brought by Bandler against Grinder and almost ever prominent person in the NLP community. Bandler claimed he had sole use of “NLP” and all others were in trademark infringement. The US Superior Court in February of 2000 ruled that Bandler had misrepresented himself to the public and found NLP a generic term rather than intellectual property. NLP had been trademarked in the UK but was overturned making NLP intellectual property everywhere.

1990’s – 2000’s

NLP became the new buzz word again for managers, driving rapid growth of trainers, classes and experts. Without any regulating body the field grew. People saw this as an opportunity to learn how to control others. To lie with impugnity. Or to solve all their psyche problems. Practitioners did not receive licensing, so each group taught their own form and concept’s of NLP. They were also issuing their own certifications as experts. This fragmentation of certification continues today.

Currently

Experts no longer view NLP as scientifically accurate.  Indeed, the concept that eyes serve as cues. as well as “magical” touches is scientifcally false.

NLP has been reduced to street magician usage.