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the Central London
nlp group

About us
An independent NLP practice group, providing a welcoming and supportive setting where you can practise and enhance your NLP skills, learn more about advances in NLP and its applications, use NLP for personal development, network and have fun.

What is NLP?

NLP is short for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It has been described in many ways, some of which are listed below: "The study of the structure of subjective experience." "NLP is an attitude which is an insatiable curiosity about human beings with a methodology that leaves behind it a trail of techniques." "The New Technology of Achievement." "Applied communications psychology." Click here to get a more detailed explanation of what NLP is, and to find out how to get training in NLP.

What is NLP used for?

It's used in business, coaching, counselling, education, health, personal development, psychotherapy, sports, training - in fact, anywhere that people want to excel at what they do. By understanding how we do what we do well, then modelling it, we can not only re-create the structure of our own excellence, but teach others how to have the same skills with the same degree of excellence. NLP gives us the tools to do this.

Group members chat during the break

A small group discussion

Where did it come from?

In the early 70s, Richard Bandler (a mathematician) and John Grinder (an Associate Professor of Linguistics) decided to model the skills of three of the world's most outstanding psychotherapists, Milton Erickson, Virginia Satir and Fritz Perls, to find out why it was that they were so much more effective at what they do than other psychotherapists. Once they found those patterns of behaviour and thinking that made the difference, they called the results "Neuro-Linguistic Programming." Now, some twenty-five odd years later, NLP is taught and practised world-wide.

What is the NLP Practice Group?

NLP is not just a theory, it's a practical skill, and as with any other skill, practice makes perfect. In many parts of the world, small groups of people get together to hone their skills. The NLP Group was formed in Paddington in London in mid-1991 by a few NLP trainees in order to enhance their training. By 1994 some 60 to 80 people were turning up at the Group. The numbers have dropped a bit since then, but it's still one of the most popular groups in England, if not the world. Two of the people who started the Group and who were very much the driving force throughout a large part of the time it has been in existence - Penny Tompkins and James Lawley of The Developing Company - have written a history of the Group which makes fascinating reading, as well as several introductory articles on NLP.

Who goes to the Group?

Anyone who has any interest in NLP whatsoever. Whether you've only just heard of NLP, or you're a Master Trainer, you'll fit in just fine. No matter who you are or what your interests are, NLP can help you become so much better at doing what you do. And the Group is the ideal way to get an introduction to NLP. One session every week is open to everyone. Others are specially put together for certified Practitioners to give them a rare opportunity to formally practise their specific skills.

Who runs the Group?

The Group is non-profit making, and is run by an organising team made up of a small group of volunteers. Any Group member can apply to join this team. At present the members are (in alphabetical order): Adrian Hope-Lewis, David Kenna, Ron Knight, David Lincoln, Michael Lovelace, and Alan Slater.

David Lincoln is host for an evening

Regent's College is in Regent's Park

Where does the Group meet?

In Regent's College, in Regent's Park. We meet in the Tuke building, usually in Room Tuke 010. See the How to find us section below, which shows you where we are and how to get there. And from there you can view a map of the Regent's College area.

How much does it cost?

If you're waged (employed or self-employed and earning money) it costs £8. If you're unwaged (a student, disabled, unemployed, and so on) the cost is reduced to £5. You don't need to book in advance; just turn up and pay at the door.

What time does the Group meet?

You can turn up on any Tuesday (except for one or two Tuesdays around Christmas) any time between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. The main part of the evening starts at 7:00 or thereabouts, with a few announcements. Then the sessions start shortly afterwards. At 8 pm we take a short break, around 10 minutes or so, then we continue until 9 pm. Some people like to get together after the meeting to continue the discussion in a restaurant or cafe until late.

What do you do at the Group?

Each Tuesday we have organised practice sessions, workshops or presentations, run (usually) by someone who has considerable knowledge and practice at using NLP. During the session there will be exercises based on various NLP techniques. As NLP is a pragmatic skill, these exercises will teach you more than any amount of theorising will. Once you become sufficiently skilled, you might like to volunteer to facilitate a session. If you feel you're qualified already, put together your ideas for a practice session then contact Niels Thomas on 020 7226 9482. If you simply want to help out at the Group, volunteers are welcome. Just have a word with Niels or any other member of the organising team. See the programme for more details of the events scheduled for the next few weeks.

Bob Janes presents a session at the Group

How can I find out what's on and when?

The Group publishes a programme every two months. You can find the current programme in an easy-to-navigate form right here on this Web site.

What do I do if I don't live in London?

There are practice groups all over England. Your best bet in finding one is to contact Caroline Coughlan at the Association for NLP Administration Office, PO Box 78, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 4JZ, Tel: 01384 449935, or visit the ANLP Web site. If all else fails, e-mail us.

If you don't live in England, try posting a request for information about local practice groups in the alt.psychology.nlp newsgroup on Usenet, or in one of the NLP-related list servers - there are a few of these on yahoo groups, for example.

Look for the sign outside Regent's College

How to find us

From Baker Street tube station (Metropolitan, Circle and Bakerloo lines; many buses).
Turn left out of the main, Marylebone Road entrance. Pass the Planetarium, and turn left into York Gate. Cross the traffic lights and bridge, and Regent's College is on the left, near the junction with the Inner Circle. The Porter's desk is opposite the main entrance and you can ask there for directions to the correct room.

In summer (before dusk), you can also approach Regent's College from Regent's Park. Turn right out of the side entrance of Baker Street station, on Baker Street itself, walk to the end of Baker Street then cross over to the park entrance. Go into the park towards the lake, turn right then left across the bridge. On the other side, turn right and follow the path until you come to the College entrance. Walk in through the gate and follow the path to the Tuke building.

The lake at Regent's Park

From Regent's Park tube station (Bakerloo line)
Cross Marylebone Road from the station and turn left. York Gate is the right turn beyond the Royal Academy of Music.

From St. John's Wood tube station (Jubilee line)
Turn left down Wellington Road and into Park Road. Enter Regent's Park by Hanover Gate. Pass the mosque and take the path on the left to the Inner Circle.

By car
Left and right turns are permitted at the York Gate traffic lights opposite St. Marylebone Church on Marylebone Road. Cross the traffic lights and the bridge. The College entrance is on the corner of the Inner Circle. Parking is available after 6:30 pm.