As the name suggests, CBT also strongly emphasises behaviour. Many CBT techniques involve changing the way you think and feel by modifying the way you behave. Examples include gradually becoming more active if you’re depressed and lethargic, or facing your fears step by step if you’re anxious. CBT also places emphasis on mental behaviours, such as worrying and where you focus your attention. Progressing from problems to goals A defining characteristic of CBT is that it gives you the tools to develop a focused approach.

NLP is based on the idea that we experience the world through our senses and translate sensory information into thought processes, both conscious and unconscious. Thought processes activate the neurological system, which affects physiology, emotions, and behaviour. ߜ Linguistic refers to the way human beings use language to make sense of the world, capture and conceptualise experience, and communicate that experience to others. In NLP, linguistics is the study of how the words you speak influence your experience.

No? Just as well, because we, the authors, would bet the way you held your body or gritted your teeth wouldn’t have fooled anyone. We are sure that if the person on the receiving end of the message has learned NLP, or has even some sensory acuity, they would detect the lack of warmth in your eyes, the grimace in your smile, or the snarl in your voice. So even though you don’t say ‘Drop dead’, you’re still communicating that message. This is also shown in a fascinating study, pioneered by Professor Albert Mehrabi, established that, when talking about feelings and attitudes, what you say has a very small impact compared to the tone you use and how you hold your body.