NLP is often likened to CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). CBT is also a combination of processes that can be used in a therapy environment. It has a structured way of challenging unhelpful generalisations that children or teenagers might have about their world or their abilities. NLP differs in some ways from CBT, in that NLP is very client centred and as well as challenging unhelpful thought patterns, it has a strong focus on moving the attitude and mindset of children in a positive way, towards what they can be, do or achieve instead. Both NLP and CBT have a strong focus on taking responsibility for the thoughts and feelings a child or teenager is experiencing.

Our therapy sessions are also designed to help children and teenagers develop greater sensory awareness, which can be particularly helpful in supporting their academic achievements in education. If a young person is struggling with learning, a partial cause may be that the presentation of the learning material doesn’t fit with the sensory system they best learn with. For example, you may be someone who best learns from reading about a subject in a book, from listening to a voice explaining it, or from experimenting and going through a process.

How is NLP different to children’s counselling?

Sometimes our sessions with children and teenagers may appear more like counselling or psychotherapy because of the questioning techniques that we use to challenge unhelpful thought processes. These psychotherapy based questions help us highlight to kids where they currently are (in relation to overcoming their problem) and where they want to be instead. Counselling style interaction is usually for the purpose of helping to identify the best proactive processes to use later or to help unburden a young person from their overloaded mind.

The individualised sessions we offer to children, tend to be reactive session. They usually take place because there is a problem or challenge that they would like help in overcoming.

Our workshop based sessions are great for proactive learning. They are particularly helpful for young people who have the self discipline to apply the techniques for themselves outside of the workshop sessions, or for conscientious parents, careers and teachers who want to equip young people with skills for them to use long into the future. During the workshops, children and teenagers (who are in groups with others of a similar age) can learn ways to increase confidence, overcome exam stress or to become more motivated. We have a set programme of 9 different workshops for schools and colleges covering a range of subjects, as well as offering bespoke packages for more specialist subject areas, such as providing support for those with learning difficulties like dyslexia.

Click here to find a local therapist who helps young people to manage their emotions, overcome anxiety and improve confidence.

Workshops and sessions for parents & teachers enable them to build positive connections with their children.

You can also learn more about our work and how to join this children’s franchise.