At NLP Tool Up, all real life case histories are confidential. The following is a simulation. It has not happened. It gives you an idea what might happen in a client session:

Robert is a junior partner in an expanding global lawfirm. He has good business sense and is often asked to contribute to key strategy decisions within the firm. Robert enjoys client work and feels frustrated when his time is taken up in internal planning meetings.

Session 1: It becomes clear that Robert does not have time management problems. He is organised and efficient. Instead he is concerned whether he can remain authentic as he finds himself changing from a lawyer into a businessman and senior manager.

Session 2: Robert is guided through a specific NLP exercise that helps him formulate what is important to him. Although the exercise is brief (20 minutes), it is a profound experience for Robert as he considers core questions about his life. Being an exceptionally talented legal expert is very important to him. He also values the way his clients trust him and depend on him.

He does feel that the growth and success of the firm are vital. His client skills have allowed him to become a partner but the future will require a different set of priorities.

Session 3: During the third session Robert is guided through a targeted NLP exercise which in his mind, quite literally, makes his new set of responsibilities more important. This is NLP at its best. His “hierarchy of criteria” and his “submodalities” (to use NLP terms) are adjusted to allow a new mode of working.

Session 4: Robert reports that he is becoming more at ease with strategic work and that he no longer itches to speak to clients instead. He is prompted how he might delegate client work to senior associates and recruit juniors who require less guidance. Finally, he is asked to future pace ie. fast forward in his mind to check if he feels authentic with his new work focus. Robert seems to like his future self a lot, his features are relaxed, his face looks optimistic.

After these four sessions Robert is asked to come back for three further sessions, spaced out over six months, to ensure that his short term NLP learning converts into long term habits and to see how happy he is with his new set of priorities. During these sessions Robert will have opportunity to discuss in confidence whatever arises in his work and private life.