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PhD

This user has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology.

This user is a psychologist.

This user is a mental health provider.

This user is American; recognized ancestry ends at the border.

This user is near sighted.

This user enjoys playing chess.

This user is interested in the history of the Cold War.

This user accepts evolution as a biological fact.

This user is addicted to travel.

This user does not smoke.

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This user is an atheist.

Intro

I've earned my Bachelor's Degree in community psychology from Syracuse University in 1989. I earned my Master's Degree in clinical psychology from Dalhousie University, Canada in in 1993. I earned my Doctorate Degree in clinical psychology from Adler School of Professional Psychology British Columbia in 1999. My graduate experience has encompassed hypnosis, biofeedback, rehabilitation psychology, PTSD among other disciplines.

My areas of interest include: hypnosis, health psychology, biofeedback, habit management (smoking, drug, alcohol, weight reduction).

NLP

I began private counseling as a Hypnotherapist in 1994 during my doctoral studies. Over the course of my practice I've taken numerous adjunct trainings in different Hypnotherapeutic methodologies as well as many seminars in Neuro-Linguistic Programming from Practitioner to Master Practitioner, and have observed debate and controversy in the community for over 10 years.

That being said, I by no means consider myself a so-called "Neuro-Linguistic Programmer." I'm primarily a Clinical Psychologist who uses some techniques of NLP within the context of Hypnosis.

While I'm quite aware of the scientific criticisms around NLP, I've also seen 1st hand the tremendous effect of some techniques on my clients. As have many other clinicians and many other studies

As far as studies of the opposite opinion, in the past evidence-based scientists denounced areas of Hypnosis as 'bunk', and yet today with modern brain imaging and better studies, we have a clearer picture that Hypnosis is a real and verifiable phenomenon.

Scientific studies in the past have 'proven' subliminal influence and learning to be 'bunk' and yet new studies within the last two years indicate that subliminal learning and influence may be a real and verifiable phenomenon.

Often there is a gap between what is demonstratable under laboratory conditions, and what works within a clinical session.

Humans respond differently in the laboratory setting versus the clinical setting.

That being said, NLP has much to be criticized for.

Criticism of NLP

While many techniques and principles used within the system of NLP, particularly those borrowed from Erickson, et al, to have real and valuable effect, there is plenty which surely deserves to be relegated to the trash bin of history.

Furthermore there are a number of problems with the so-called NLP community, as in:

Rampant commercialism and marketing driving trainings and materials
The lack of an "overseeing authority" in NLP, which has allowed for numerous fallacious practices.
The attraction of a large number of unqualified and frankly unbalanced/unethical practitioners
Certain practices and techniques based on faulty models
Oversimplification of complex problems within mental health

Overall, in regards to the NLP community as a whole and their practices today, my personal belief is the bulk apple has turned rotten, however, I believe there's much to be learned from the model and phenomenon of NLP and I believe that the article on wiki should be presented fairly, without rampant promotionalism and without the persistent POV Warrioring by Headleydown and his many socks.