User:Doc pato

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I've earned my Bachelor's Degree in community psychology from Syracuse University in 1989. I earned my Master's Degree in clinical psychology from Dalhousie University, Canada in in 1993. I earned my Doctorate Degree in clinical psychology from Adler School of Professional Psychology British Columbia in 1999. My graduate experience has encompassed hypnosis, biofeedback, rehabilitation psychology, PTSD among other disciplines.

My areas of interest include: hypnosis, health psychology, biofeedback, habit management (smoking, drug, alcohol, weight reduction).

I began private counseling as a Hypnotherapist in 1994 during my doctoral studies. Over the course of my practice I've taken numerous adjunct trainings in different Hypnotherapeutic methodologies as well as many seminars in Neuro-Linguistic Programming from Practioner to Master Practioner, and have participated in the community for over 10 years.

That being said, I do not consider myself a Neuro-Linguistic Programmer. I'm primarly a Clinical Psychologist who uses some techniques of NLP within the context of Hypnosis.

While I'm quite aware of the scientific criticisms around NLP, I've also seen 1st hand the tremendous effect of some techniques on my clients.

Scientific studies have in the past denounced areas of Hypnosis as 'bunk', and yet today with modern brain imaging and better studies, we have a clearer picture that Hypnosis is a real and verifiable phenomenon.

Scientific studies in the past have 'proven' subliminal influence and learning to be 'bunk' and yet new studies within the last two years indicate that subliminal learning and influence may be a real and verifiable phenomenon.

Often there is a gap between what is demonstratable under laboratory conditions, and what works within a clinical session.

While some of NLP surely deserves to be relagated to the trashbin of history, from the work I've performed, I'm inclined to believe that science will prove other techniques and principles used within the system of NLP, particularly those borrowed from Erickson, et al, to have real and verifiable effect.

I believe this to be true despite the many failings and criticisms of NLP, that I agree with such as:

-Rampant commercialism and marketing driving trainings and materials
-The lack of an "overseeing authority" in NLP, which has allowed for numerous falacious practices.
-The attraction of a large number of unqualified and frankly unbalanced/unethical practioners
-Certain practices and techniques based on faulty models
-Oversimplification of complex problems within mental health

The phenomenon of NLP has much to be criticized for.

However, I've also noted that many criticisms from so-called 'experts' are completely off-based, ill informed and irresponsible. I'm flabbergasted how it's possible that anyone with a 'degree' can write a book, make a claim, and be an 'expert', particularly when such assertions and claims are completely baseless.

Usually this seems to stem from attributing the practices of one particular trainer of NLP to the entire system, when the particular practice is marginal and sometimes unheard of in the larger NLP community. Of course, NLP is partially to blame for this as it as no governing authority.

I've an extensive library of materials on the subject at my disposal as well as training manuals from many NLP courses which may be of use, as well as 1st hand experience. Some of these materials I can make available to any Mentor on the subject upon request.

I hope to be of assistance in creating a WIKI entry which is responsible in creating a clear picture of what NLP claims itself to be, as well as including a voice for critics, which I do count myself among, in part.

[edit] Wiki style info

Hi doc,

Just wanted to thank you for your help on the NLP article.

I've reverted one of your edits due to style guidelines, and thought I'd explain how and why, so you know :) basically, in an article that has to cover a lot of ground, like this one, the best practice is to place sizable subtopics that are well defined and worth their own article, within an article of their own, within reason. Then, summarize and link. So people get the basics, and know where to look for more.

If you look at the NLP article section "anchoring", you'll see how it works. Click on edit, you'll see how it's templated. Hope this helps! FT2 (Talk) 02:11, 7 June 2006 (UTC)

Not a problem. Feel free to edit or revert where necessery. Doc Pato 05:20, 7 June 2006 (UTC)