Derren Brown versus Richard Bandler
Derren Brown has had to back down from some of his very critical statements about Neruolinguistic Programming (NLP) and - more specifically - about Richard Bandler, one of the founders of NLP. In his book, Trick of the Mind, Brown called NLP a bit of a pyramid scheme rather than a legitimate approach to the mind and therapeutic change. He also took a swipe at Bandler, equating him to a con man.
Bandler and friends took umbrage and hit Brown with a suit. Brown has backed down and his publishers now say the passages will be edited out of future editions of the book . . . Derren Backs Down in Battle of the Mind Games . . .
Channel 4's entertaining "psychological illusionist" Derren Brown is also under the cosh over his last tome Tricks of the Mind.
Brown has recently been forced to delete text from future editions of the work in which he makes unflattering references to Dr Richard Bandler, the noted American psychologist who pioneers a treatment called Neuro Linguistic Programming (NPL), and who is close associate of the TV hypnotist Paul McKenna.
In the book, which was released last October, he describes NLP as "resembling something of a pyramid scheme, with Bandler sat cheerily at the top", and took a further personal swipe in the book at Bandler himself, stating that it's "hard to tell whether he's hugely effective or a great, brilliant, captivating con".
Brown's publishers at Channel 4 weren't available to comment last night, but are understood to have agreed not to repeat the comments in the future
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Bandler, said he was happy to now put the matter behind him.
"Dr Bambler was quite prepared to sue over the comments, but we're satisfied they now won't be repeated in future editions," I'm told.
"He's also expecting a grovelling apology from Brown to personally apologise for any unintended offence caused, otherwise it's case closed as far as we're concerned."
Yes, the horrid spelling is in the original story.
I don't think Bandler should hold his breath waiting for that apology. Bandler is a close associate to Paul McKenna so it's very interesting to see the following video with a young Derren Brown attending a training by Paul McKenna and Michael Breen . . . check at the 34 sec. mark . . .
That's a bit of interest. For those of you getting this via a stream without the videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkpQkLFDvi8 and take a look.
All the best,
Brian
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