FAQ'S

What is NLSP?

Neuro-Linguistic Sports Psychology (NLSP) is both an approach and a body of knowledge, complete with associated tools and techniques, designed to improve sports performance.

Traditional Sports Psychology is now a highly academic discipline with practitioners needing to undertake rigourous and extensive training that is usually beyond the means (in terms of time, effort and money) of most people.

Yet there is still a huge demand - from sportsmen and women, both amateur and professional, coaches, managers, agents, administrators, etc. - for an increased understanding of the mental game.

NLSP fills that gap. Now it is possible to train as a Neuro-Linguistic Sports Psychologist and arm yourself with practical, tangible tools and techniques that are highly effective, speedy and easy to use.

Where does the name NLSP come from?

The term 'Neuro-Linguistic' was first coined by Alfred Korzybski and was adopted by Dr. Richard Bandler and Dr. John Grinder when they created Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). NLSP, as a discipline, leans heavily on NLP but adds some of the most useful and practical concepts from sports psychology.

Perhaps more importantly, NLSP has been tried and tested in the arena where it matters - with professional sportsmen and women at the very top of their game.

How do I qualify as Neuro-Linguistic Sports Psychologist?

Take the course! The NLSP Practitioner qualification takes just 3 days to complete; the Advanced Practitioner is 2-days - and this then entitles you to take the final 2-day programme to qualify as a Neuro-Linguistic Sports Psychologist.

Experienced coaches can take an alternative route to reach this end result - there is a 5 day course split into 2 modules that leads to Neuro-Linguistic Sports Psychologist accreditation.

What are the aims and objectives of the NLSP Association?

The NLSP Association exists to promote the development and training of practical sports psychology techniques designed to improve individual and team sports performance.

The Association has a 'Code of Practice' that certification holders are expected to adopt as part of the operating principles by which they conduct their work with clients.

The Association remains committed to developing new tools and techniques to improve sports performance in the widest context - i.e. regardless of age, sex, sport, level of competition, type of participation or involvement.

Why is Neuro-Linguistic Programming so appropriate in the sporting context?

NLP has been described as 'the study of excellence' and a central theme in NLP is the idea that if we can systematically analyse how peak performers achieve excellence consistently we can model the key elements to replicate their results.

The NLP methodology and approach has been successfully employed in many different areas - especially business, education, therapy and health for example. Although some people have adopted a few NLP principles to sport, this is the first time NLP and Sports Psychology have been woven together to create an approach that combines the best of both worlds.

Why should I believe that NLSP will take me to new sporting heights? NLSP has been used in some of the toughest sporting arenas - for example, professional football, cricket, rugby, squash, athletics and countless others. The fact is - it works! Here's what Gary Rees, ex-England rugby international had to say about its effectiveness:

"I have been both fascinated and intrigued by the NLSP elements that I have learnt so far. This is the kind of mental approach that all ambitious sports people should be following if they want to gain the mental strength and resolve that's needed to succeed at the very top of their sport. And any serious coach would do well to arm themselves with this knowledge to pass it on to their athletes."

And here's what former World squash champion, Sarah Fitz-Gerald had to say on her experience of NLSP delivered by NLSP trainer, Ken Way:

"Much of what I have achieved at the British Open was down to Ken Way. Although I have only known him for a short while, I have been much impressed with his understanding of what makes sportsmen and women tick. Ken kept me focused so that I could achieve the dream of winning the World title in my home town of Melbourne... I will always be indebted to him for everything he has done in helping me achieve my dream."

How long has NLSP been around for?

Although the official embodiment of NLSP has only happened relatively recently, the key elements of the programme have been used and tried and tested at the highest level of professional sport over the last 6 years.

What is included in the Course price?

The price includes the training itself, a detailed course manual and a full year's membership of the Association of NLSP.

Who will be doing the training?

The training will be led by NLSP Trainer Ken Way, a sports psychologist and NLP Trainer; Ken has worked with professional sportsmen and women for over twenty years. He has worked with British, Commonwealth and World Champions and his experience includes working with two professional football clubs (Premiership and Championship levels), including international players from more than 18 different countries. Others who have benefited from Ken's work include professional and amateur rugby and cricket clubs, golfers, tennis and squash players, jockeys, fencers, canoeists.

Ken will be assisted by NLSP Master Trainer, Martin Smith - a martial arts instructor with an array of qualifications and training experience that make him a leading expert in the field of Martial Arts with black belts in 5 different disciplines. Martin is a nationally qualified Personal Safety Trainer and senior Police Defensive tactics trainer; he is also a qualified psychotherapist and NLP Trainer. From time to time other experienced NLSP trainers may be brought in to add their expertise.