PRESUPPOSITIONS OF NLP

We all know that NLP has as it’s foundations a number of commonly held presuppositions. Almost every trainer will have their own unique presuppositions and there is no one definitive list, or certain number of presuppositions that are absolutely ‘right’ or ‘true’. They are based broadly around two key ideas – 1) map/territory distinctions and 2) systems. But what are they and what constitutes them? It’s useful to use & phrase presuppositions that correspond to your lesson plans and the overall learning outcomes you intend for your students.

First, presuppositions don’t have to be ‘true’ in terms of objective scientific validity. The only truth they have is the subjective truth for the person that holds them. Science provides ‘conclusions’. Conclusions are end states (conclude/finish) and are based on prior information. There is no need to move forward from conclusions. Presuppositions are start points (pre/before) and though they may be based on proven and prior information, they don’t need to be. Presuppositions are assumptions, frames of mind; essentially just beliefs (I say ‘just’ but we all know the power of beliefs!).