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What is NLP, MER®, and Hypnotherapy?

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) is a transformational methodology developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and Dr. John Grinder, who studied the patterns of excellence among master therapists like Milton Erickson, Virginia Satir, and Fritz Perls. Their goal was to understand how language, thought, and behavior could be decoded—and then repatterned—for rapid, lasting change.

This powerful framework was further expanded by Dr. Tad James, a master trainer who brought NLP into mainstream personal development. Dr. James developed Timeline Therapy, later called, MER® (Mental and Emotional Release®), a proprietary method for releasing stored emotions, unconscious trauma, and deep-rooted patterns at the timeline level—without needing to relive the painful story.

Today, his legacy is carried forward by his son, Dr. Matt James, founder of Empowerment, Inc., where I received my professional certification in NLP, MER®, and Hypnotherapy. Dr. Matt James continues to evolve this lineage with a strong emphasis on integrity, spiritual principles, and cultural consciousness—honoring both Western neuroscience and Eastern wisdom traditions.

Together, these modalities form a cohesive system for reprogramming the subconscious, clearing emotional baggage, and anchoring powerful new patterns into the body-mind system.

My training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Mental and Emotional Release® (MER), and Hypnotherapy was by Dr. Matt James through Empowerment Inc., I use these modalities in synergy to address the full spectrum of subconscious programming—mental, emotional, behavioral, and energetic.

  • NLP is the study of how language, behavior, and unconscious patterns shape our reality. It teaches us to reprogram our internal map of the world to create new outcomes.

  • MER® is a clinically tested process for releasing stored negative emotions from the body-mind system—such as anger, sadness, fear, guilt, shame—without needing to relive the story.

  • Hypnotherapy creates a relaxed, receptive state of consciousness where deeper truths, new possibilities, and inner resources can be anchored for lasting transformation.

 

Together, these modalities form a potent triad for identity-level change—resolving root causes, dissolving resistance, and activating a more empowered, coherent self.

Why It Matters & Why I Use It

Most people try to change their lives from the conscious mind—but 95% of our thoughts, behaviors, and triggers are governed by subconscious programming.

Old stories, emotional residue, generational trauma, and inherited beliefs can keep us stuck in loops that logic alone can’t solve. That’s where NLP, MER®, and Hypnotherapy come in.

 

These tools allow us to:

  • Identify the root causes of a pattern or symptom

  • Clear unresolved emotional residue from the nervous system

  • Upgrade subconscious beliefs and identity structures

  • Reprogram internal dialogue and self-perception

  • Reinforce powerful, aligned choices with embodied integration

 

This work is efficient, precise, and gentle—there’s no need to relive trauma, only to access what’s ready to shift and lovingly release what no longer serves.

 

How These Modalities Supports Transformation

Through NLP, MER®, and Hypnotherapy, I support clients to:

  • Release unresolved emotional baggage from the past

  • Eliminate subconscious blocks and internal conflict

  • Rewire identity-level patterns that drive sabotage or self-doubt

  • Reclaim personal power, choice, and integrity

  • Heal imprints from childhood, lineage, or past relationships

  • Reconnect to clarity, confidence, and aligned purpose

 

This is deep subconscious clearing and energetic re-patterning—anchored in neurobiology, ancient wisdom, and soul alignment.

How I Use This in My Work

These modalities are woven into nearly every session I offer. I draw from NLP, MER®, and Hypnotherapy to support clients in:

  • The Goddex Codes™ – for rewiring subconscious blocks to power, worth, and identity

  • Private Coaching – to shift emotional triggers, behavior patterns, and mental clutter

  • Breakthrough Intensives – for complete identity rewiring and core emotional release

  • Sacred Union & Polarity Work – to transform inner narratives about love, power, and intimacy

  • Leadership Alignment – to release unconscious resistance and recalibrate to higher purpose

 

I’ve been trained over 140+ hours under Dr. Matt James with Empowerment, Inc., and given authority through The Association for Integrative Psychology with mastery in:

  • NLP Integrative & Master Practitioner

  • Mental Emotional Release® Techniques

  • Hypnotherapy

 

This body of work is one of the deepest roots of my transformational coaching—it brings structure, precision, and replicable results to what otherwise feels “stuck.”

What Happens in a Session

Each session is uniquely tailored. Depending on what you’re navigating, we may:

  • Map your internal patterns using NLP

  • Identify a core emotional wound or timeline imprint

  • Use MER® to safely and permanently release stored emotion

  • Enter a light hypnotic state to install new beliefs or reinforce empowerment

  • Combine conscious coaching with subconscious re-patterning for lasting impact

  • You remain fully conscious, empowered, and aware

  • There is no need to relive trauma or explain every detail

  • You’ll be guided with care, precision, and spiritual integrity

  • This work is often fast, relieving, and tangibly felt in the body

What You May Experience

  • Immediate release of emotional pressure or tension

  • Clarity around a previously confusing or charged topic

  • Increased energy, creativity, or motivation

  • Empowered decisions and a sense of forward movement

  • Relief from looping thoughts, anxiety, or shame

  • A deep remembrance of who you truly are

 

“Your unconscious mind is always eavesdropping on your thoughts.”

— Dr. Matt James, Trainer & Founder of Empowerment Inc.

 

To learn more about these modalities or explore workshops,

visit Empowerment Inc.'s official website

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© 2025 Empowered Living, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

You can find my terms, policies and disclaimers here.

 

Images by Alexi Hubbel and Kelly Miranda Photography.

Ali Jacobs, owner of Empowered Living LLC, does not furnish professional medical services. The information on this website is informational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on my website.

 

If you think you may have a medical emergency please call your doctor or call 911 immediately.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: +1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Mental Health Crisis Hotline:  Text 988 

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