Abhay Thhakkar, is an NLP Trainer and motivational speaker. He has been in this field for more than 12 years and with his passion and dedication has helped many people overcome their issues. He has a deep understanding of human behavior and believes that your perception creates your reality. The motivational speaker has been encouraging people to be more open-minded, not just believe in any preconceived notions, and make their mental health a priority.
Abhay Thhakkar as an NLP coach is qualified to catch minute clues in the behavior and communication of his clients. This enables him to comprehend them in depth. He uncovers the burdens that his clients have levied on themselves and works with them to move forward.
Icy Tales in conversation with Abhay Thakkar understanding NLP, the benefits of NLP coaching, the importance of mental health, and helping out people through his wide expertise in this field.
Q) Can you explain to our readers, what is NLP in simple terms?
Abhay Thhakkar – One of the definitions of NLP is, it’s the study of excellence. People who have excelled in their lives must be doing something different than the rest of the crowd. What is it that they do can be decoded or understood through NLP, this process is called NLP modeling. Studies in the field of NLP started way back in the 70s and through NLP modeling the co-creators of NLP decoded those behavioral patterns in terms of psychotherapy.
Q) What was your starting point, how did you get into NLP?
Abhay Thhakkar – Well, I got into NLP completely by chance. Back in 2008 when I was studying sound recording, I came across an advertisement for graphology (handwriting analysis). I enrolled in the program and started doing it as a part-time job. That’s the time when I got more curious about human behavior.
When I took up NLP, I didn’t understand it at first but continued learning it. Later I attended a bunch of programs on hypnotherapy, and regression therapy. I have spent several months in Spain and Portugal to get in-depth knowledge about NLP from its co-creators. Since then, it has been highly satisfying to help people, conduct workshops, and teach them.
Q) You have met a variety of people, how’s interacting with them? What are the kinds of issues they face?
Abhay Thhakkar – If the issues are in terms of a therapeutic approach they range from emotional issues like anxiety, or depression. We can overcome these issues with the help of new code NLP. Other than therapy, NLP can be applied professionally to enhance performance in various fields like sports, any art forms like dance, public speaking, etc.
Q) What’s your process of handling or listening to each individual, as everyone has their school of thought?
Abhay Thhakkar – The answer lies in your question itself- listening. There is a difference between hearing and listening. Listening involves being attentive and acknowledging what the person is telling you. Maybe not accepting what they are saying but making them feel considerate. When a person feels acknowledged they are more likely to express themselves. Next can be how you communicate with them and try not to contradict their feelings.
Q) How is NLP different from other techniques?
Abhay Thhakkar – While developing NLP, studies of people who have overcome certain issues were taken rather than studying the issue itself. The new code NLP differs from all the other modalities I have learned. New code NLP also involves games and fun activities through which you can access your subconscious mind. Previously practices like cathartics were used.
6) What’s the difference between new and old NLP?
Abhay Thhakkar – Actually, it’s classic code NLP and new code NLP. These terminologies are given by John Grinder (co-creator of NLP). In the new code, NLP the involvement of the subconscious or the unconscious mind is more. In classic code NLP the conscious mind chooses the tools or techniques a person requires to tackle a situation whereas, in the new code NLP, this work is done by the subconscious mind.
Q) Today, teenagers & Gen Z are going through a lot of mental stress, and anxiety. What’s your message to them?
Abhay Thhakkar – Don’t get stuck in labels. Be aware of the labels you are putting on yourself. Understand the seriousness of these labels. As what you say and believe is what you become. People these days tend to google the symptoms and think they are suffering from something. It’s good to be aware of all this but it’s always better to seek professional help.
Q) You are a website designer too, used to play Guitar. What is that like? How to take out time for yourself?
Abhay Thhakkar – The core of all this is creativity for me. It’s all about expressing myself through different mediums. Whether I’m learning, or facilitating a workshop, it’s about my priorities. If I feel that some medium like playing guitar, designing a website, or planning a workshop is the most suitable and creative option I go with it.
Q) How would you define healing?
Abhay Thhakkar – The word healing has come from words like whole and complete. We all are born whole and complete. But at times when we are going through tough times or are dealing with anxiety or depression, a part of us gets disintegrated. We find ourselves clinging to those negative thoughts or emotions. So, when someone is healing, they enable themselves to release their emotions.
Q) You have been in this field of training for 12+ years now, what changes have you seen in the mentality of people over the years?
Abhay Thhakkar – Today’s generation is very much curious. People are willing to take out time from their busy schedules to attend such programs. People’s receiving power is more as in, they are ready to listen to others and seek help. Credit should be given to people like Sadhguru who are enlightening people about spirituality, and philosophy and spreading positivity. This has encouraged people to take care of their mental health and maintain a state of optimism.
Q) Does NLP have a touch of spirituality?
Abhay Thhakkar – Well, John Grinder would say no!! NLP is much more practical, but it depends on your outlook. The contents of NLP can be viewed from the angle of spirituality.
Q) You have traveled to different countries, and conducted workshops there, how’s that experience?
Abhay Thhakkar – Facilitating workshops abroad is unique in its way. There I need a translator who’ll translate my teachings, it’s a delight to watch and experience it. But other than that dealing with people still kind of remains the same we all are humans and are always dealing with something or other.
Q) What’s the core of all the problems?
Abhay Thhakkar – It’s all about perception. Just a little shift in the perception can make a big difference. We usually focus more on the problem than on looking out for its solution. You don’t drown by falling in the water, you drown by staying there.
Likewise, imagine being stuck with a problem for months or years. And the kind of effect it will have on us. The key here is to look at those problems as a challenge. But at the same time not being overwhelmed by it but looking for the solution to that challenge. And try to find your path while looking out for the solution.
Q) According to you, what will be the mentality of future generations?
Abhay Thhakkar – Well, it’s highly unpredictable, we can just hope that people will be more open-minded. They’ll be willing to work on their mental well-being and move ahead on the path of self-empowerment. I feel that basic knowledge about mental health, practices, tools to maintain it, and techniques of self-healing should be included in our education systems. This will help future generations to be aware of their mental state and can save them from facing mental issues.
With his creativity and zeal, Abhay Thhakkar has successfully been able to conduct workshops and help people get back on track. He motivates everyone to be aware of their mental and emotional state and shouldn’t shy away from asking for help. He surely believes in living life with optimism and contentment.
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