Curious about NLP? Here is an honest look at what it is, what the research actually shows, and the evidence-based approaches our registered psychologists use to help with the same goals.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a set of communication and self-development techniques created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. It is based on the idea that there are links between neurological processes, language, and learned behaviour, and that changing your language and thinking patterns can change how you feel and act. Common NLP techniques include ‘anchoring’, ‘reframing’, ‘modelling’ successful people, and building rapport.
NLP is popular in coaching, business, and self-help settings, and some of its ideas — such as paying attention to language and reframing unhelpful thinking — overlap with concepts used in genuine therapy. Many people come across NLP while looking for help with confidence, communication, phobias, or changing habits.
It is important, though, to be clear about the evidence. NLP is not an established, evidence-based psychological treatment — and that shapes how we approach it at The Talk Shop.
The Talk Shop is a registered psychology practice, and we will always be upfront about the evidence. Some of our psychologists can incorporate NLP-style techniques if you would like — it is not something everyone here offers, so simply ask about availability when you book. We can also offer approaches with strong research support for the same goals.
We think you deserve a straight answer. Independent reviews of NLP have repeatedly reached similar conclusions:
If you were drawn to NLP to build confidence, overcome a phobia, change unhelpful patterns, or communicate better, our psychologists can also help using approaches that are backed by strong research:
For anxiety, unhelpful thinking patterns, and changing behaviour, CBT is the most extensively researched psychological treatment in the world.
For phobias and specific fears, gradual, structured exposure is the gold-standard and highly effective approach — the goal many people bring to NLP.
For confidence, goals, and practical change, brief solution-focused therapy builds on your existing strengths and works fast.
For changing your relationship with difficult thoughts and living by your values, ACT has strong and growing evidence.
Your psychologist will recommend the approach that genuinely fits your goals, after taking time to understand your situation.
We believe cost should never be a barrier to quality mental health care. There are several ways to fund your sessions at The Talk Shop:
Medicare Mental Health Care Plan — up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year with a GP referral. Bulk billing may be available.
WorkCover & TAC — no out-of-pocket cost with an approved claim; we bill your funder directly.
NDIS — supported for plan-managed and self-managed participants.
Private Health & self-funded — extras may apply; affordable rates from $50, no referral needed.
Not sure what you are eligible for? Call 1300 224 665 and our team will help you work out your options before your first session.
Our psychologists see clients in-person at all four Melbourne clinics and via secure Telehealth Australia-wide:
No. Independent systematic reviews have found little or no reliable evidence that NLP is effective as a treatment for mental health or other health conditions, and it is not recommended in major clinical guidelines. We are upfront about that — and while some of our psychologists can draw on NLP-style techniques if you would like, we will always also recommend approaches with strong research support.
Some of our psychologists can draw on NLP-style techniques, and some do not — it is not offered by everyone here, so please ask about availability when you book. As a registered practice we will be honest that NLP is not an evidence-based treatment, and we can also offer strongly supported approaches for the same goals.
There are well-researched approaches for each: exposure therapy and CBT for phobias, solution-focused therapy for confidence and goals, and CBT or ACT for changing habits and unhelpful patterns. A psychologist can help you choose the right fit.
NLP is widely used in coaching and self-help, and some of its ideas (like reframing and attending to language) echo genuine therapy concepts, which can make it feel helpful. Popularity, however, is not the same as proven effectiveness, and research has not supported NLP’s core claims.
Absolutely. Book a session with one of our psychologists, tell them what you were hoping NLP might help with, and they will suggest an evidence-based approach for your goals — in-clinic or via secure Telehealth, Australia-wide.
No referral is needed to book. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP lets you access Medicare rebates for your sessions.
Sturt, J., Ali, S., Robertson, W., Metcalfe, D., Grove, A., Bourne, C., & Bridle, C. (2012). Neurolinguistic programming: a systematic review of the effects on health outcomes. British Journal of General Practice, 62(604), e757–e764. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp12X658287
Witkowski, T. (2010). Thirty-five years of research on Neuro-Linguistic Programming. NLP research data base. State of the art or pseudoscientific decoration? Polish Psychological Bulletin, 41(2), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10059-010-0008-0
Passmore, J., & Rowson, T. S. (2019). Neuro-linguistic programming: a critical review of NLP research and the application of NLP in coaching. International Coaching Psychology Review, 14(1), 57–69.
Whatever drew you to NLP, our Melbourne psychologists can help using approaches that genuinely work. Book online or call — no referral needed to start.
