TechStuff What Do EMDR, Tony Robbins, and NXIVM Have in Common? NLP - The Story
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Mar 11, 2026 Zoë Lescaze, science journalist exploring NLP origins and evidence. Alice Hines, investigative reporter on wellness scams and cults. They trace NLP from 1970s California to therapy, cults like NXIVM, Tony Robbins’ use, links with EMDR, hypnosis origins, self-experiments, military interest, and which techniques survive scrutiny.
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Novice To Marksman In Three Days
- Zoe used NLP-derived training to learn handgun shooting over three days and hit a 75-foot target despite never having fired before.
- She notes the experiment lacked controls, so success is anecdotal rather than proof of efficacy.
NLP Works Through Expectation And Placebo
- NLP's effects often rely heavily on psychological buy-in and placebo-like mechanisms.
- Alice and Zoe found usefulness varies by goal and suspect placebo and expectation play major roles in results.
Bandler's Persona Fueled NLP's Mythos
- Richard Bandler is charismatic and controversial, blending showmanship with violent anecdotes that fed both followers and critics.
- His trial and dramatic claims amplified mystique and suspicion around NLP.