Aberdeen June 2009

After my first day on the Practitioners’ Course, I asked myself, “Is this for me … or not?” The initial concept of ‘going with the flow’ - rather than being too inquisitive, wishing to have more details and, in my mind at the time, understanding of the processes - seemed somewhat alien.

Rosie was very reassuring, flexible (which NLP is all about), and encouraging. She backed up her comments by sharing her real life experiences – and encouraged participants to do the same.

Understanding that we all have different ‘models of the world’ and how these ‘work’ has made a huge difference to me when dealing with issues at work – including speaking with staff re redundancies and general problem solving.

My father was ill and died during the latter part of the course. NLP helped me tremendously when communicating with NHS staff and enabled me to compose and recite a suitable poem which, from feedback, I know, in some fashion, ‘touched’ most people watching and listening in the church on the day of dad’s funeral. My composure on that day was also thanks to Rosie’s NLP training. Speaking in front of so many people at anyone’s funeral would not have been an option for me prior to becoming involved in NLP and I believe the words used helped people to share in happy times and think of this as a time to celebrate his life.

Thank you Rosie.

Dianne McBain, Operations Director, Raeburn, Aberdeen

Since starting the NLP Practitioner course I have found myself doing and achieving more things. Some of these have been achieved through "Well Formed Outcomes" or just writing down what I want to do, and often have then just happened.

Through NLP I am starting to understand myself and realise that if I want to change something in my life I need to take responsibility for that change - it won't just happen, I need to make that change.

Particularly towards the end of the courses, I am starting to see how I can use some the NLP Principles in my work to improve my effectiveness - whether that be confidence in presentations, or listening to the words of others to improve rapport.

The instructors have been incredibly supportive, providing useful feedback and insights into their own experience and use of NLP. Having 3 instructors who have taught various sections of the course has shown a range of styles and for me has shown a broader view of the use of NLP.

Sarah Gay, Aberdeen, D&C Organisational Capability Lead, N. Sea SPU, BP

I had very little knowledge of what NLP was before signing up for the Diploma Course in September 2008. I had no expectation of the course and arrived with an open mind - a definite requirement.

One of NLP's Operating Beliefs is "the meaning of communication is the response you get". I wanted to know why the responses I received; particularly in the workplace were not always what I had expected. I now understand that it was me that had to change and I wanted to know how to change. Those three months gave me a taster of what, how and with whom we did, or did not do things. I was hooked!

I was now consciously incompetent, dipping into consciously competent. I wanted to be unconsciously competent.

I signed up for the Practitioner course!

Over the next six months I found out that my model of the world is unique, and has been moulded by many distortions, deletions and generalisations - a giant ball of tangled wool, waiting to be unravelled. What fun I have had, with some tears along the way. I also know that the only limitations there are, apart from the physical ones, are the ones I make for myself - who would have though I could belly dance!

The trainers with NLP Highland taught, supported, assisted and guided the group through the many aspects of NLP, which enhanced my experience immensely,

The group I have worked with have been a great bunch of folk, from all different backgrounds, it's been a pleasure working with them.

And finally, do not underestimate the power of the metaphor. The story of a banana tree "cured me" from the compulsion of buying books from a reputable website - thanks Kate!

Susan Raeper, Aberdeen, Community Leisure Officer

This was a well researched and well presented course, which successfully introduced and addressed the key concepts, ideas and processes within NLP.

It was challenging and stimulating with good use made of ‘real life' examples and applications. The course encouraged and supported personal flexibility at all times.

The structure and format provided adequate time over nine months to reflect on learning in general and to apply and integrate the various models and ‘techniques' in particular.

The outcome for me is improved sensory awareness and an ability to communicate (and influence communication) more constructively and effectively with a personal and professional context.

John Grant, Inverurie. Deputy Chief Executive, Cornerstone

"I am a work in progress..."

This course has allowed me to explore the way I see, hear, speak and feel my way through life's rich tapestry. I have made small changes in the things I do, for example I change my driving routes to and from work, I explore new routes and I don't panic if I get lost for a while. Practising flexibility will have a positive impact on other parts of my life and ensure that I can respond positively to the challenges before me.

I now better understand the term "life long learning" and I intend to keep practising.

Thank you Rosie, Linda and Alasdair for your patience and support and for your encouragement when things get tough.

Christine McClusky, Elgin. Service Development Manager, Scottish Centre for Telehealth

I would like to take this opportunity to pay testimony to Rosie and her team for the wonderfully empowering courses they provide. There really is something in every course for everyone and no issue large or small that NLP can't help with.

NLP is a very powerful tool that can assist in any aspect of your life whether it's personal, business or family related. I would instantly recommend finding out how NLP could benefit you!

Kate Wemyss, Office Manager, G5 Technologies Aberdeen

Quote from Aberdeen Practitioner participant November 2008

I had a great example this weekend of using the meta –model. My friend was getting herself stressed over breastfeeding her 6 week old son (her husband having gone away for a weeks diving). The baby was feeding almost constantly and she wasn’t getting to eat or sleep. When talking about giving the baby a bottle of formula she was saying ‘they say it’s the start of the slippery slope’ - so using appropriate questions like ‘who say’s’ and ‘the slippery slope to what?’ - I was able to get her to think through a lot more rationally about what she wanted to do. Through the subsequent discussion it actually transpired that she had set herself a ‘well-formed outcome’ to feed the baby herself for a minimum of 8 weeks and so she contacted the midwife for help and advice. The baby’s feeding more regularly today and she is much calmer, it has been very interesting to reflect how the words she was using at the time were driving her into a downward spiral and distracting her from her own positive outcome.

Sarah Gay, Aberdeen

Testimonials from Aberdeen - June 2007

I have enjoyed this course immensely as I have learned the reasons behind the way I communicate and how taking control of these reasons and using the skills from the course I have been able to improve my communication – which was my ultimate aim. While this aim was originally surrounding social settings, I have found that it has also benefited me in my work environment. Travelling from Thurso to Aberdeen for each weekend was physically and emotional tiring, yet the benefits that I have experienced on a personal and professional level have far outweighed those aspects.

NLP Highland is an excellent training provider with Rosie and her assistants caring about the well being of course participants in their own way, in addition to passing their extensive NLP knowledge.

Nicola Miller, Project Engineer, Dounreay, Thurso

NLP is fascinating and I definitely will be practising and learning more. The format over weekends was challenging enough and enabled some level of filtering of information before the next weekend. I did not realise the level of work or commitment required outwith the weekends. The group of people that I been privileged to meet are great and they have supported and assisted enormously during the course. I have met a few life long friends.

Yvonne Reid, Orchardtown Management, Alford

Captains Log 8

Star Date May 07

Regan Owen

Durris.......the Final Frontier. These are the voyages of Regan Owen. Her nine-month mission: to explore strange new learnings, to seek out new ideas and write new log sheets, to boldly go where no Owen has gone before.

My journey began as an introductory exploration of an uncharted region of learning but I was soon to learn I was locked on a different course. It became clear that I was to meet with many alien life forms on my journey and that I would gradually learn to build rapport with them. I would learn that each Galaxy had it’s own language and way of sensory representation and I would learn to identify these so as best to know how to speak to every race in the Federation. I would come to see that however varied the species in our solar system we each operate by a set of higher level programs that we use to run our consciousness.

I would learn an array of techniques to help each race to effect changes within themselves and their galaxies. These could range from: Simple Belief Change to Timeline, from Change History to Dealing With Difficult People – this however was not successful with The Borg, an evil and merciless race.

My journey through Deep Space has had many effects. It has broadened my horizons, taught me new skills, increased my options, taught me new behaviour patterns and given me the confidence to deal with any lifeform in the galaxy. I have had to use much Vulcan mind control, frequently felt like teleporting home with the landing party or vapourising the more uninitiated aliens with my phaser.

This is the beginning of the voyages of

Regan Owen, Charity Administrator, Ellon

Quotes Aberdeen 2005

My initial objective for attending the practitioner course was to develop my communication skills, particularly with others. The course has certainly given me some very practical tools to enable me to do this. However, in addition to this, I am much more able to communicate more positively with myself and therefore have more successful interactions with others. I have been able to use what I have learned from the course on a daily basis and am continuing to learn more about myself and others each day. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and was very impressed with the presentation and tuition we received.

Alison Paton, Aberdeen

The NLP Practitioner course was both enjoyable and challenging, in a safe and respectful environment. At the end of the course, I feel better able to understand myself and to support others in their own self-empowerment. Highly recommended!

Alasdair Bothwell Gordon, Life Coach and Change Agent Aberdeen

"I was fortunate to have been introduced to NLP at the start up of my business and without the mind tools and presuppositions I would not have accomplished as much as I have in creating an international coaching practice. However, it’s NLP Highland and working with Rosie and her team that has enabled me to take my business to the next level. Effective communication and the ability to quickly build rapport with my clients are priceless skills to anyone in business. As a result of NLP I have been able to construct an effective plan that supports my vision and provides my clients with superior service."

Joanna Pirie, Property Essentials, Aberdeen