Neuro-linguistic programming (or NLP) is an interpersonal communication model and approach to psychotherapy initially co-created by Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder in the 1970s. The originators claim it draws from aspects of neurology, linguistics and computer science. Critics consider the field of NLP to be highly controversial.
Tension exists between several divergent groups within NLP reflected in various definitions, training and professional standards. NLP has often been promoted as an art and science of effective communication and 'the study of the structure of subjective experience'. Others have tended to define NLP as a methodology for effective communication or modeling excellence as it was originally created.
NLP has enjoyed little support within the psychological profession following research reviewed in the Journal of Counseling Psychology in the early 1980s. This led some skeptics and psychologists to dismiss NLP as a pseudoscientific or New Age form of psychotherapy. A recent survey of mental health professionals rated NLP as having questionable validity as a psychotherapeutic technique. While there have been some efforts within NLP to improve its practice, recent research is spread thinly across various disciplines and the field remains splintered.
An off-shoot application of NLP: Neuro-linguistic psychotherapy, has been recognized by United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). There has also been a recent University of Surrey sponsored, vendor neutral, NLP Research Conference to encourage practitioners to engage in research.