NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a set of communication tools, techniques and methods that can help people improve their performance in nearly any field of endeavor. From improving sales performance, to golf swing, to ending phobias and much more, NLP is popular among self-help professionals such as life coaches, hypnotherapists, sports coaches and therapists.

Given its effectiveness in helping people make rapid, positive change in their lives, it's no surprise that NLP training is in demand. But with tuition ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, how can you choose an NLP training seminar or instructor that's right for you?

Here are six tips to help you find an affordable, effective NLP training and certification program that's right for you.

1. Find out who trained the trainer. NLP was co-created in the 1970s by computer specialist and mathematician Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder. Essentially, they're the fathers of NLP. When considering a trainer, find out how many "degrees of separation" there are between the trainer and the founders of NLP. You may get better results from a trainer who is "closer to the source."

2. Look for a trainer licensed by The Society of NLP- Richard Bandler. Dr. Richard Bandler created the Society of NLP to exert quality control over those training programs, services, and materials claiming to represent the model of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Contact The Society of NLP directly at (973)-770-3600 to confirm that a trainer is in good standing with The Society of NLP-Richard Bandler.

3. Ask for references. Experienced NLP trainers should have a list of satisfied clients you can speak to. If the trainer cannot provide references, you may want to move on. That could mean that they're just starting out (in which case, you'd expect to pay considerably less than you would pay to work with an experienced trainer). Or a lack of references may indicate that the trainer needs NLP training as much as you do!

4. Ask previous students about the training. Once you've called the trainer's references, ask them about the quality of the NLP training they received; the pace of the training (was it too fast? Too slow?); the trainer's ability to connect with students (was the trainer available after the course to answer questions or give advice on using NLP?) and the trainer's personality.

5. Look for a guarantee. NLP training can be very valuable—but like anything of value, it can be expensive. When considering an NLP trainer, find out about the trainer's refund policy. Look for a 100% satisfaction guarantee that lasts the whole length of the training, not just the first day or two.

6. Talk to the NLP trainer. Find out how easy it is to reach the trainer. Do they teach the NLP training themselves, or do assistants do the bulk of the work? Do you "click" with the trainer on the phone? Do you feel rapport? Does the trainer even take your calls? (If the trainer can't make time for you before the training, how much time will he or she have to support you afterwards?)

NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner Training is an investment that can pay huge dividends in your life, whether you use your NLP skills for self-improvement or in a private practice to help others. And like any investment, it pays to do your research before you spend your hard-earned money. These six tips should help you find an NLP training course and trainer who's right for you.

About Kevin Cole
Although he learned NLP and hypnosis to improve his own life, Kevin Cole soon realized that helping others with NLP and hypnotherapy was deeply fulfilling. Kevin Cole is a Purposeful Empowerment Guide™, NLP, Life Coaching and Hypnosis Trainer. Kevin has trained with some of the best teachers in the world, including—but not certainly not limited to—NLP co-founder Dr. Richard Bandler, and Gil Boyne, Master Hypnotist and pioneer in the field of Hypnotherapy.

About NLP
NLP was co-created in the 1970's by computer specialist and mathematician Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder. The two were investigating the work of Virginia Satir, known as the "mother of Family Therapy," Fritz Perls (founder of Gestalt Therapy), and Milton H Erickson, legendary clinical hypnotherapist, to discover—and attempt to model—what made these three therapists dramatically more effective than other therapists. NLP has grown beyond family therapy to become a popular self-improvement methodology in sales training, behavior modification, sports performance and interpersonal communications, among many other applications.