By Jackey Backman

In March 2002, I experienced the most profound learning experience of my life.

I had enrolled in an NLP Practitioner Certification program and, quite frankly, having very limited prior exposure to NLP (a couple of tidbits from a very dry book I had purchased), I simply was not aware of what to expect. The hotel was very reputable and located conveniently in the downtown [Toronto, Canada] core. I was grateful for that.

I was greeted by Elizabeth Payea-Butler, who, for the next nine days, would guide me through the adventure I had embarked upon. Elizabeth's manner was gentle and unassuming. Finding a seat, I began to review the impressive workbook I was handed. Reading through the topics to be covered I remember thinking - my goodness where have I landed??

The topics listed in the table of contents could just as well have been another language - NLP, Understanding Language & Behaviour, Process for Change, Well Formed Goals, Representational Systems, Eye Accessing Cues, Rapport, Anchoring, Accessing & Reaccessing Representations, Meta Model, Milton Model, Sub-modalities, Reframing, Pattern Interrupt, Changing Personal History, Meta Programs. It seemed to go on endlessly, and once I was satisfied that I did not recognize anything I closed the workbook and began to listen.

Elizabeth's training style was firm, precise, and deliberate. Her delivery and installation of the information was incomparable to anything I had experienced. It was to say, at the very least, extraordinarily effective and highly efficient. And as sure as the sun rises, every piece of information that was promised was systematically revealed and accepted with great enthusiasm by myself and, as a matter of fact, by all of the participants. The process was simple: information, application, debrief (I think). I experienced each piece of new information as a client, practitioner and observer - it was fantastic!

I enrolled in this program to improve my communication skills. To better serve my clients. Now when I am with my clients I see, hear and feel more than I was aware even existed. Directing them, giving them what they want is easy and completely enjoyable... by both of us.

I have walked away from this training knowing that I have served myself. I have more clarity, confidence, vision and power than I was aware I had. For every day that passes I see the pendulum swing broader and broader. The doors have been opened to a whole new world of possibilities and the best part is: the adventure has just begun!!!

Thank you, Elizabeth.