The new code of NLP is a reorganization and recoding of the fundamentals of NLP. The recoding was begun by classic code NLP co-creator John Grinder with Judith DeLozier 1 and has been further developed in recent years by Grinder with Carmen Bostic St. Clair 2. A significant difference between the new code of NLP and the classic code is the specification of the roles of conscious attention and the unconscious mind.

Historically, application of classic code NLP was oriented towards conscious manipulation of internal representations (visual images, sounds, and sensations). There was no formal engagement of the unconscious mind. An outcome was chosen in isolation and a process implemented to shift from the present state to the desired state. If the outcome had unfortunate consequences to the person’s lifestyle, family or social system, this became apparent through feedback in real time.

It is useful to engage the unconscious mind when choosing outcomes and resources. The unconscious has access to a greater range of possibilities than the conscious mind. It works with patterns, in metaphor and can consider multiple time frames, logical levels and perceptual positions. The unconscious mind has the capacity to imagine future scenarios and include likely consequences. It can deliver intents, solutions and many other resources to consciousness and carries information from all our experience.

When we engage the unconscious mind in forming outcomes and choosing resources, the ensuing change respects the person’s ecology. Ecology in this context considers the broader scope of possible consequences (benefits and costs) of any action, including change. When we include consequences, we can test resources before the change and ensure the entire well being of the person and the systems in which they operate. Unfortunate consequences are identified early on so the process can be altered to fit the needs of the person.

When the classic code was developed, there was no explicit reference to the unconscious mind and no formal means of engaging with it. This has been rectified in the New Code and is an essential element.