The neurologist Paul MacLean has proposed that, in effect, we have not one brain but three, each representing a different stage of our evolution. He calls this the ‘Triune’ (3 part) Brain.

The oldest part of the brain is called the Reptilian Brain. This brain keeps us alive; it's responsible food, water and temperature regulation, and also for self preservation - for fighting, running away if we are in danger. If we are frightened, cold, hungry or thirsty, this part of our brain will take over and will be more interested in keeping us alive than anything else that's happening.

The next layer of brain is known as the Mammalian Brain and is responsible for emotional safety, social behaviour. We take care of this brain through agreeing shared rules, choosing the right people to be with, and finding environments that suit us. If these things are significantly compromised, we can become upset and angry, and operate more from an emotional response rather than in a well thought out logical way.

The Neo-Cortex is the part of our brain responsible for logical thought, and for learning. It's the part that thinks rationally, detects patterns, makes connections and comes up with creative solutions. For this brain to work at its best the other two must be taken care of.

When we are under significant stress, we may respond more to our Reptilian and Mammalian brain, and find it difficult to access the best of our rational, thinking faculties. NLP offers a range of models and self help tools that allow us to understand how we are responding, and to better engage our 'thinking brain'. Once learnt, the same models and tools can be used to influence and support family members, friends, and colleagues.

'Practical Wellbeing with everyday NLP' offers lots of models and techniques that help us stay more in our neo cortex more of the time.