Publications such as Psychology Today and Frontiers in Psychology have explored how what we perceive and how we perform is wholly tied to what we believe. When people have limiting beliefs such as, "I’m not good enough or smart enough," or "I’ll never find a new job in this economy," they seldom test that limit. People that think they’re not attractive may never ask for a date.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a psychological approach to reframing communication and thinking to change limiting decisions, emotions and beliefs. The process involves the study and development of exceptional communication with the self, our thoughts and communication with others to identify an authentic purpose and create powerful goals.

Through a technique called “anchoring” — activating a positive, resourceful state from within to feel motivated and energized—NLP helps users remove mental and emotional blockage that prevents them from doing, having or changing what they want. Users apply techniques to set and enforce boundaries for healthy, happy and fulfilling relationships. The approach includes tools for letting go of negative emotions, limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors, and teaches users to communicate with others in a way that creates a deep sense of connection, acceptance and trust.

NLP was developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler, a student of mathematics and gestalt therapy, and John Grinder, a professor of linguistics at the University of California-Santa Cruz. Bandler and Grinder were inspired by the esteemed communicators and therapists of their time and modeled NLP after their techniques. Over the years, many therapists have contributed research and expertise to help grow NLP.

Dr. Matt James and the professionals at Empowerment, Inc. will host an Integrative NLP practitioner certification training from May 5 through 8 at Doubletree by Hilton Houston Greenway Plaza, in Houston. The interactive and experiential program teaches tools and techniques to communicate more effectively, build rapport easily, reprogram the mind for success and release limiting beliefs and behaviors. Participants will learn to overcome procrastination, lack of motivation, depression and phobias.

Cost: $144 with promo code NATURAL. Location: 6 E. Greenway Plaza, Houston. For more information or to register, call 1-800-800-6463 or visit NLP.com.