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How to choose an NLP Trainer?

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There are so many offerings out there. Where do you start, and how do you know you are getting value?

As the former of Chair of both the ABNLP and the President of the ASCH I have held a unique position in this profession. I am involved with government forums on the industry and its future, and the issue of an enormous variance of standards keeps coming up. 

My obligation is therefore, not just to my school, but to the profession itself.  I want you to have a great NLP experience because the methods are exceptional. Having said that, the profession is virtually unregulated and you could end up being trained by someone with as little as 15 days training in the field. Do your homework on any provider, including me before signing up for a NLP course!

Here are some starting questions to ask

Understanding Industry Best Practice 

The following series of questions are based on many years experience of the NLP industry in Australia, the UK, USA, and beyond. This list is based, not just on my own experience, but also on consultation with numerous other trainers.
Together, we have identified the key areas where the best NLP trainers distinguish themselves from the lesser trainers and indeed those not qualified to bear their trainer title. In sharing these insights with you we hope to enable you to develop a good idea of what to look for as you add suitable trainers to your shortlist.

First, the basics. Does your NLP Trainer hold a recognised NLP Trainer's Certification and do they belong to a registered Australian Association like the Australian Society fo Clinical Hypnotherapists or the Australian Hypnotherapy Association?

If so, what level of membership do they hold? If not, why not? Membership of these associations requires only a nominal membership fee. Far more importantly, all members must adhere to a clear code of conduct, designed to ensure the highest quality training is provided in the industry. If a prospective trainer is not a member of a registered body, they are immediately questionable, as there is no way to ensure the quality of their work.

Speaking of experience, for how many years has the trainer been running NLP trainings?

Naturally the longer a trainer has been providing NLP trainings, the more experience they have, and the deeper their grasp of the subtle distinctions that comprise a good NLP education. This experience can be the key to ensuring you take away the most possible value from your training.

How much experience does the trainer have, not just as a Trainer but also as a Cliical Practitioner of NLP?

Did you know that some NLP Trainers have never seen a client yet they claim to be able to teach others to facilitate change? Again the issue of experience will mean that a trainer may not be able to teach NLP other than in a purely theoretical context. A trainer's clinical experience can help you clear away far deeper personal patterns of behaviour that may have hindered your learning if left in tact. If you want to expand your clinical toolbox - what type of clinician are they? NLP is a brief therapy - twenty minutes will show you everything you need to know. Ask for references or testimonials - maybe talk to some of their clients.

Is the Trainer really a Doctor?

Unregulated industries often suffer from the influence of rather creative marketing and your due diligence is essential. If you have been seduced by the idea that you will be trained by a "doctor", then you need to check which university they received their PH D from. Here is the first clue. There are no Doctorates in either Hypnosis or NLP in Australia.

There are a number of trainers who have gained their "Doctorate" from private companies in Hawaii, the Bahamas, and other such places. These commercial institutions sound legitimate but are not recognised by any educational institution in the world. One university is effectively a retail outlet in Hawaii. They do their courses via correspondence, and some have been caught out by the media masquerading as doctors, go underground for a while, and then continue unabated. I have been in the industry for over 8 years, was the Chair of the Australian Board of NLP, and do not know a single NLP Trainer operating in Australia who has a doctorate from a legitimate university. Ask lots of questions...

How large are the training groups they train?

This is a very important question. NLP is unlike most other trainings, not just because much of the education is experiential, but also much of the experiential component occurs beneath your own conscious awareness – at least it does with a good and experienced trainer. For this reason, there is a considerable difference between learning NLP in a large group and learning in a small group. It is impossible to sufficiently involve all the members of a large group in this unconscious learning process. Hence the recommendation is that classes do not exceed 20 people. If a prospective trainer offers classes bigger than this, then you know they're more concerned with profit than real results.

Can speak to the main trainer directly before starting the training. If not, why not?

It is vital that you talk personally with your trainer. You must be sure that there is that commitment to a one on one exchange in order for your training to be of the quality you need. You need to explain your unique needs, and you'll require a tailored response as to why they're suited to catering for those needs.

Can you talk with one of their past students to get a training testimonial.

The proof is in the pudding, as they say. You'll want to hear from an independent third party what affect the training had on their lives. You will want to hear or see for yourself what sort of person the past student has become – have they gained personal power, the ability to transform their lives and the lives of others, or not? This evidence will give you an indication of what you might expect as a result of training with this trainer.

How long are the courses?

NLP Practitioner training be should be a minimum of 8 days in duration and Master Practitioner training be a minimum of 8 days. This guideline is based on solid experience of what is sufficient to instill the full range of NLP tools in a practitioner's understanding. It is also worth asking if the trainer uses class time to sell products and further courses. As I mentioned previously, some trainers have been known to use up to two full days out of seven to "Up sell" to further products and services. You may request written assurance of this point and a guarantee of a refund if the agreement is breached.

What are their company policies on course payments, refunds etc.

t is quite simple – and indeed advisable – for you to check Department of Fair Trading records to ensure that your chosen practitioners are all they appear to be. If there is a pattern of complaints then you know that you are better off selecting another trainer. This thorough approach to your selection is a good exercise in taking responsibility for your own learning. As in any industry, it is a simple matter of "buyer beware".

What exactly do you receive as a result of your training?

Make sure that any offers are made in writing and that you keep a copy of documents. This is a self explanatory point, and one you are advised to follow for any service provider, regardless of their industry.

Is the trainer qualified to issue you with a certificate in hypnotherapy?

We add this point because many NLP trainers provide certifications in hypnotherapy when they are not actually trained to do so. You cannot teach someone to be a hypnotherapist in five days (as is claimed in some cases). Graduates are often disappointed when they find that their certificate is worthless here in Australia and they have to pay more money to get a recognised qualification. They often cannot even get insured. For more information about recognised hypnotherapy training visit The Australian Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy at www.aich.com.au

What guarantees do they offer, with what criteria, and what are the complaints procedures - who can you complain to if you are not happy with the training?

This is important as you may need to experience the training first hand to know that it is right for you. A more reputable course will offer a guarantee period at the beginning of the course for you to assess the training first hand. Others do not, and by the time you know it's wrong for you, it's already too late. As with any industry, a guarantee means the provider is putting their own money where their mouth is.

If the trainer utilises assistants in the training course, how are they chosen?

Our experience is that often the only qualifications required are that they've done the course, they're willing to work for free, and they can secure the time off. This does not necessarily support your learning experience, as they may play a crucial role in guiding your learning. Assistants should have solid experience in NLP, so that what they pass on to you is accurate and valid.

Does the trainer walk his/her talk?

My learning, having studied with five different schools in my time, is to look for congruence. There is a considerable difference between knowing the path, and following the path. It is sometimes hard to be convinced of the power of a technology when the trainer clearly hasn't applied it in their own life. You will achieve the most when the message and the messenger are "in synch".

Is the trainer "successful"?

If you are seeking success in life, does the trainer appear to be a "success", whatever that means to you. Is this area of their life strong? If it isn't they may not have the LOGICAL LEVEL of understanding they need to help you. eg. You are looking to clear stress and negativity from your life - is the trainer easily flustered, annoyed or angered, or is he/she calm and serene?

What is the trainer's history in the area and what is their current financial status?

If you want to apply it to business or sales or finances in general, it is a very good idea to visit them at their home! Do they rent or own? After all, they are claiming to offer a success model.

Clarifying Your Unique Personal Needs

It is important to recognise your motivation in selecting your NLP school for one fundamental reason. While there are certain 'best practice' features to look for in any NLP trainer, regardless of your objectives, there are also purpose-specific features to look for. Studying NLP can be about creating a new career in the change field, or your own development where you want to improve relationships and personal communication, and maybe your financial circumstances. For many others it is about improving one's professional prowess, learning what makes people tick and becoming more influential.

Whatever it is, it is vital that you decide what is important to you so you can identify your ideal NLP Trainer. The key is, that you want a trainer that is skilled and experienced in your area of interest. We cannot give you what we don't have ourselves. The best way to find out is to really ask. If you want to focus specifically on building wealth, go to their house and see how they live. If creating better relationships is important to you find out if they are in a great relationship before signing. They are teaching how to life a different way, not just a few party tricks - if they don't get it, you won't either!