These seminal works in neurolinguistic programming (NLP) help therapists understand how people create inner models of the world to represent their experience and guide their behavior. Volume I describes the Meta Model, a framework for comprehending the structure of language; Volume II applies NLP theory to nonverbal communication.

The Origins of NLP brings together the recollections and thoughts of some of the main protagonists from the very early days of NLP. In 1971 Richard Bandler and Frank Pucelik were students at Kresege College at the University of California Santa Cruz. They had a strong mutual interest in Gestalt Therapy, Frank because of his traumatic time in Vietnam and because he had been working with some disaffected and drug-addicted kids, and Richard because he had been working with Science and Behavior Books on transcribing and editing Fritz Perls' seminal work, The Gestalt Approach and Eyewitness to Therapy. They started a local Gestalt group and ran 2-3 sessions a week collaborating and experimenting with the language of therapy. They started achieving some brilliant results but were having problems transferring their skills to others and so Richard invited one of their college professors, John Grinder, to observe what they were doing in order that he would, hopefully, be able to deconstruct what they were doing that was so effective. John was a professor of Linguistics and was instantly impressed with the work that they were doing. He was able to add more structure and in due course the three of them formalised what is now known as the Meta Model. NLP, or Meta as it was known then, was born.

This wonderful book is for anyone interested in making their life significantly better. It is a goldmine of insights and techniques from one of the greatest geniuses of personal change. As you use the techniques in this book, you will exponentially increase your ability to make dramatic life-enhancing differences. It is by far one of the most entertaining and professionally stimulating books I have read. It will change your life!"--Paul McKenna, Ph.D, author of I Can Make You Thin and host of The Learning Channel's I Can Make You More than thirty years ago, Richard Bandler set out to discover how some therapists managed to effect startling change with their clients, while others were arguing about theories as their face patients waited in vain for help. Now widely regarded as the world's greatest hypnotist, Richard Bandler observed and developed patterns which became the foundation of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), arguably one of the most profoundly effective approaches for self-development and change. Since coauthoring the internationally influential books, The Structure of Magic Volume 1, and Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton Erickson, M.D. Volume 1, Bandler has traveled the world, honing his skills and helping people solve problems and achieve goals when other "experts" have been unable to help. Richard Bandler's Guide to TRANCE-formation, he returns to his roots: hypnotic phenomena, trancework, and altered states to provide a highly compelling prescription for personal change. According to Bandler, "trance" is at the very foundation of human experience. People are not simply in or out of trance, but are moving from one trance to another. They have their work trances, their relationship trances, their driving trances, and their parenting trances. Some of these states are useful and appropriate; others are not. With his signature wit and contrarian approach to therapy, Bandler shows how anyone can reset or reprogram problem behaviors to desired alternatives, with lasting and life-altering results. Peppered with case studies and more than thirty exercises, Richard Bandler's Guide to TRANCE-formation, is an intriguing, engaging, and often amusing, read for anyone, whether they are new to NLP, want to further their NLP training, or simply want to make a positive difference in their own lives.

This is an exploration and development of the meta-model, which lies at the heart of communicational excellence in neuro-linguistic programming.

Transcriptions of video tapes by the originator and co-founder of Neuro-linguistic programming.