Richard Bandler and John Grinder developed neuro-linguisitc programming (NLP) after observing "the magical skills of potent psychotherapists" Frederick Perls, Virginia Satir, and Milton Erikson. They compiled the most effective techniques for building rapport, gathering data, and influencing change in psychotherapy, offering them only as an explicit set of tools which will help one to become a more effective therapist. Bandler and Grinder claim they are not theoreticians, but examinination of NLP's relationship to traditional theories of psychotherapy reveals that it is based on a well-constructed eclectic theory. Neuro-Linguistic Programming resembles work done three decades earlier by Dr. Eric Berne, who also wrote about "map and territory." Although Bandler and Grinder do not cite them, developers of transactional analysis (TA) and behavior therapy clearly set precedent for the methods of study and subsequent technical development of NLP. Neuro-Linguistic Programming is based on a highly structured, eclectic theory which combines analytic, humanistic, behavioral, and cognitive theories. The techniques of NLP are the combination and refinement of the most effective therapeutic interventions. (ABL)