Saturday, 31 May 2025

Hypnotherapy Franchises: A Commitment to Emotional Wellness

Hypnotherapy franchises represent a commitment to emotional wellness, offering individuals the tools they need to overcome mental and emotional challenges while providing franchisees with a rewarding career path. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact while building a profitable business, investing in a hypnotherapy franchise could be the ideal choice. The hypnotherapy industry is thriving as more people recognise the importance of mental health and well-being. From managing stress and anxiety to overcoming phobias and improving self-confidence, hypnotherapy provides a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of challenges. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can position yourself at the forefront of this growing field, offering clients the support they need to thrive. One of the key benefits of franchising is the structured support it provides. When you buy a franchise, you gain access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing guidance from experienced professionals. This framework allows you to focus on delivering exceptional results for your clients without the uncertainties of starting a business from scratch. The demand for mental health services continues to rise, making this an ideal time to enter the hypnotherapy sector. By investing in a franchise, you can tap into this growing market while benefiting from the credibility and recognition of an established brand. This can help you attract clients more easily and build a successful practice quickly. Franchise ownership also offers the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded individuals. By sharing insights and strategies with fellow franchisees, you can enhance your skills and grow your business more effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and support that is invaluable in the entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the financial rewards, owning a hypnotherapy franchise can be deeply fulfilling. The ability to help clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges provides a sense of purpose that is often hard to find in traditional employment. By aligning your career with your passion for helping others, you can create a business that brings both personal and professional satisfaction. As you consider investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, remember that this is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. By empowering clients to achieve their full potential, you can contribute to a healthier, happier society while building a rewarding career for yourself. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Friday, 30 May 2025

Is AI Coming for Your Therapy Practice? Here’s the Truth

If you’ve ever sat at your desk wondering whether your career is about to be eaten alive by robots – you're not alone. AI is creeping into almost every industry, and therapy and coaching aren’t immune. But while some professionals are panicking, others are quietly building something extraordinary. With help. The Truth About AI in a Coaching Franchise Let’s get something straight: AI is a tool, not a threat. Used well, it can enhance your work, streamline your practice, and make you more of who you already are – not less. But fear travels fast. And I’ve heard all sorts of concerns bubbling up from coaches, therapists and business owners about what artificial intelligence might mean for their future. So, let’s dismantle five of the biggest myths doing the rounds in the mental health world, especially if you’re in – or considering – a coaching franchise like People Building. 🧠 “AI isn’t replacing you – it’s reflecting you. And with the right guidance, it can scale your wisdom, not steal it.” Myth 1: AI will take my job It won’t. AI can replicate patterns, but not presence. Connection, empathy, and nuanced therapeutic insight aren’t programmable. Your clients aren’t buying ChatGPT’s cleverness – they’re investing in your humanity. What AI can do is take care of your admin, support your marketing, and even help you draft brilliant session resources. So you have more time to be the powerful human you were trained to be. Myth 2: It’s not safe – my clients’ data will be leaked Only if you’re careless with it. Just like you wouldn’t share client notes in a café, you shouldn’t use unsecured platforms. But OpenAI offers a pro-level plan (ChatGPT Team or Enterprise) where your data is not used to train the model. You can keep your therapy session notes, article ideas and practice documents private, encrypted and entirely yours. We’ll even walk you through it if you need help setting it up. Myth 3: If I use AI to create content, someone else could get the same thing This one’s tricky – but manageable. Yes, public queries may create generic responses. But once you’ve trained your AI with your tone, your style, and your specialisms, it becomes like a ghostwriter with a sixth sense. You can protect your intellectual property, and with the right prompting methods, the ideas it produces will feel uniquely you – because they are. Myth 4: It’s going to make me (and everyone else) stupid Only if you let it. AI is like a sat nav – helpful, but only if you’ve got somewhere you want to go. If you blindly follow it, yes, you’ll lose your edge. But if you ask intelligent questions, challenge its responses, and use it to deepen your research or write stronger content – your intelligence will grow, not shrink. “Used wisely, AI becomes a mirror to your expertise – not a replacement for it.” Myth 5: It can’t capture my personality or values Actually, it can – if you teach it how. You can train your AI to reflect your beliefs, tone of voice and niche knowledge. I’ve done it myself. Our system now knows what People Building stands for, the language we use, and what makes our coaching franchise different. And every practitioner we support gets guidance on how to do the same. In fact, we recently ran a live session called “AI in Your Therapy Practice”, packed with demonstrations, myth-busting, and tools you can use to make AI your ally instead of your adversary. Whether you’re tech-savvy or terrified, this session will open your eyes to what’s possible. 👉 Join the Ai in therapy webinar here - It's £5 to attend, but all our licensees can join for free: And if you're thinking of launching or growing a coaching franchise, there’s never been a better time to learn how to blend technology with heart. Because the future isn’t therapist or AI – it’s therapist with AI. And that therapist could be you. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

How to Use Free AI Tools to Save Time and Grow Your Practice

If you’re anything like most coaches and therapists I know, you’re already stretched for time. Between client sessions, marketing, admin, and trying to actually live a life outside your practice, there’s very little breathing space. Meanwhile, companies are launching “AI therapy assistants” at dizzying prices – charging you to do what free tools like ChatGPT can already do (often better), if you just know how to ask. Free Webinar – Integrating AI Into Your Therapy Business (Without Paying a Penny More Than You Need To) On Tuesday 17th June at 12:00 midday, I’m running a live webinar that’s free for all People Building practitioners. If you can’t make it live, I’ll send you the recording – no problem. This isn’t a webinar about replacing you with robots. It’s about showing you how to use AI as a tool – to amplify your voice, automate your admin, and free up your brain for the work that truly matters. 🎯 AI isn’t coming to take your job – but it is coming to make your life easier. If you know how to harness it properly. Here’s What We’ll Cover (No Silicon Valley Sales Pitch Required) How to train ChatGPT (and other tools) to understand your business, therapy model, and voice How to keep your work private and secure while still getting accurate responses The best AI tools for different functions: from marketing to client notes to content creation Writing high-impact prompts to get exactly what you need, every time Using AI to generate client files, social media posts, session summaries and resources Setting up basic automations to streamline your systems How to use ChatGPT’s memory feature to create your own digital assistant Making sure AI content still sounds like you and reflects your ethos This will be a hands-on, jargon-free session built specifically for therapists and coaches – especially those running their own coaching franchise or private practice. Why This Is Worth Your Midday Let’s be honest: the admin and marketing load of running a coaching franchise can be overwhelming. AI can take the heavy lifting off your shoulders – but only if you know how to direct it. I’m not here to sell you another system. I’m here to show you how to use what’s already at your fingertips – smarter, faster, better. Most coaches spend hours every week doing things AI could do in seconds – this webinar will show you how to get that time back. Book Your Place Now 🗓 Tuesday 17th June, 12:00 midday 💻 Live on Zoom 🎥 Can’t attend live? I’ll send the recording to everyone who registers. This session is free for all People Building practitioners, but I’ll be charging others to attend. So this is your insider access – and it will give you a genuine edge. If you’ve been watching AI from the sidelines, or feeling like you’re missing something… you’re not alone. But now’s the time to act. Your clients don’t want a robot. They want you – calm, clear, and confident in your systems. Let’s use AI to get you back to doing the work you actually trained for. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Saturday, 24 May 2025

Hypnotherapy Franchises: A Future of Emotional Strength

Hypnotherapy franchises offer a future of emotional strength, providing individuals with the tools they need to overcome mental and emotional challenges while offering franchisees a rewarding career path. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can make a meaningful impact on your community while achieving your own professional goals. The hypnotherapy industry is thriving as more people recognise the importance of mental health and well-being. From managing stress and anxiety to overcoming phobias and improving self-confidence, hypnotherapy provides a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of challenges. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can position yourself at the forefront of this growing field, offering clients the support they need to thrive. One of the key benefits of franchising is the structured support it provides. When you buy a franchise, you gain access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing guidance from experienced professionals. This framework allows you to focus on delivering exceptional results for your clients without the uncertainties of starting a business from scratch. The demand for mental health services continues to rise, making this an ideal time to enter the hypnotherapy sector. By investing in a franchise, you can tap into this growing market while benefiting from the credibility and recognition of an established brand. This can help you attract clients more easily and build a successful practice quickly. Franchise ownership also offers the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded individuals. By sharing insights and strategies with fellow franchisees, you can enhance your skills and grow your business more effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and support that is invaluable in the entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the financial rewards, owning a hypnotherapy franchise can be deeply fulfilling. The ability to help clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges provides a sense of purpose that is often hard to find in traditional employment. By aligning your career with your passion for helping others, you can create a business that brings both personal and professional satisfaction. As you consider investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, remember that this is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. By empowering clients to achieve their full potential, you can contribute to a healthier, happier society while building a rewarding career for yourself. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Friday, 23 May 2025

Why Your Coaching Franchise Needs a Strategy for Zoom Sessions

Most of the People Building practitioners today are working with clients exclusively online. And why wouldn’t they? It’s flexible, cost-effective, and you can wear pyjama bottoms without anyone knowing. But there’s a side to remote therapy no one tells you about – a side that, if left unconsidered, could compromise your results, rattle your confidence, and even cost you your clients. The Challenges of Online Therapy Most Practitioners Overlook Let’s start with what you miss when you’re not in the same room: body language. If a client has a foot twitch that betrays their anxiety levels, you’ll never see it over Zoom. Rapport-building, which usually leans heavily on physiology, now leans almost entirely on tone of voice and the precision of your language. It’s doable, but it requires intentional adjustment. Then there’s the technical gauntlet. At People Building, we train our practitioners with a full Zoom protocol before they even hit 'start' on a call. We cover everything from wired internet connections to sound and video testing, even what to do if the internet drops mid-hypnosis. If your client doesn’t have a backup plan, their transformation could come to a screeching halt. 💡 Clients don’t care how the service is delivered. They care that they get better. The burden of making that happen – technically and therapeutically – falls on you. The Illusion of Control – and How to Reclaim It Working from home gives you control over your own space – no surprise fire drills like the one I endured in a serviced office mid-session. But what you can’t control is your client’s environment. Dogs bark. Partners walk into the room. Doorbells ring. And you can ask them to manage these things, but the reality is, your authority doesn’t extend beyond your webcam. That loss of environmental control is one of the hardest aspects to reconcile when you transition from in-person to online work. It’s one of the subtle, slippery problems that erodes the quality of a session if you’re not equipped to compensate. A tight schedule is one of online therapy’s greatest perks – but also its biggest trap. The Myth of Lower Value Online Sessions Some new practitioners assume clients won’t pay as much for Zoom-based therapy as they would face-to-face. But this is rarely true. Your clients aren’t thinking about your rent, your overheads, or whether your office smells like lavender or last night’s stir-fry. They’re thinking about results. If you’re delivering outcomes, they’ll pay. They’re not buying your time, your office, or your format – they’re buying your transformation. So if you’re questioning whether to charge less online, stop. You’re delivering the same skilled time and, if anything, managing more unpredictable variables. That’s not worth less – it’s worth more. Let’s also bust the myth that Zoom sessions are financially inferior. When clients arrive in-person, they’re often 10–30 minutes early, wanting to “just wait quietly.” And while that’s polite, it takes up your space and energy. Online, you start at the top of the hour, end on the hour, and there’s no chatting about their weekend on the doorstep. It’s sharp, efficient and saves you precious time. How This Shapes Our Coaching Franchise Model This is why our coaching franchise doesn’t just give you the tools to deliver sessions – we train you to think strategically. We show you how to prepare clients for online delivery, maintain professionalism, and preserve therapeutic power through a screen. Working from home is a viable, even valuable, part of our coaching franchise model. But only when you treat it with the same rigour as face-to-face work. If you’re going to be visible only from the shoulders up, your preparation, delivery, and technical savvy have to be working at full-body capacity. So yes, you can wear your slippers. But never, ever let your standards slip. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

What A Dream Can Teach Us About the Mind

What do your dreams really mean? Not your aspirations or life goals—but the ones that arrive at 3 a.m., strange and surreal, sometimes with unexpected celebrity cameos. Those weird nighttime visions that leave you wondering, what on earth was that about? Working in adult mental health and running a coaching franchise that teaches tools like NLP and hypnotherapy, I’ve seen how the unconscious mind works in mysterious but meaningful ways. That’s why, for a time last year, I kept a notebook by my bed and scribbled down every dream I could remember. I was curious to know if my dreams were trying to tell me something deeper - or if they were simply mental clutter. Here’s what I discovered: dreams can be metaphors. They can be nonsense. But when you pause to reflect on them, they often hold insights that can help you grow. Let me share two that have stayed with me. The Spice Girls and a Lesson in Living Fully One dream involved me on tour with none other than the Spice Girls. Yes, really. Mel B was debating whether to have plastic surgery. Victoria Beckham was too busy to show up. And I found myself deep in conversation (dream-style) about ageing, self-image, and whether we should enjoy life now or save everything for later. Did the dream mean anything? I’m not sure. But it did prompt me to reflect on how often we put off joy in the name of being sensible. How we judge ourselves and others. How the fear of future lack can prevent us from embracing what we already have. As someone who works with adult mental health daily, this dream highlighted just how deeply these themes live in our subconscious. We carry worries we don’t say out loud, and sometimes, those worries come out to play while we sleep. A Client’s Second Chance The second dream wasn’t mine. It came from a client after a breakthrough session - what we call a turning point, a single extended session designed to bring clarity, healing and momentum. She emailed me days later to share that she had dreamt of walking her dog on a stormy hilltop. Suddenly, the clouds parted, and a giant hand reached down from the sky. To her, it was a divine sign—a message from God that she had a second chance at life. Was it divine intervention or a symbolic expression of change? That doesn’t matter as much as what she took from it. That image gave her strength. It became a truth she could hold onto. And that’s what our work is about: giving people new meaning, new language, and a new way to move forward. This is exactly the kind of transformation that makes our coaching franchise different. We teach our practitioners how to work with clients at both a conscious and unconscious level. Whether they’re working in adult mental health, personal coaching, or hypnotherapy, understanding the symbolic nature of thought, behaviour, and even dreams is part of the toolkit. So the next time you wake up from a strange dream, ask yourself: Is this just nonsense? Or is it my mind telling me something I’ve yet to say out loud? Either way, it might be worth listening to.  By Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/nlp-coaching-franchise/

Saturday, 17 May 2025

Hypnotherapy Franchises: A Pathway to Inner Peace

Hypnotherapy franchises offer a pathway to inner peace, providing individuals with the tools they need to overcome mental and emotional challenges while offering franchisees a rewarding career path. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can make a meaningful impact on your community while achieving your own professional goals. The hypnotherapy industry is thriving as more people recognise the importance of mental health and well-being. From managing stress and anxiety to overcoming phobias and improving self-confidence, hypnotherapy provides a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of challenges. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can position yourself at the forefront of this growing field, offering clients the support they need to thrive. One of the key benefits of franchising is the structured support it provides. When you buy a franchise, you gain access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing guidance from experienced professionals. This framework allows you to focus on delivering exceptional results for your clients without the uncertainties of starting a business from scratch. The demand for mental health services continues to rise, making this an ideal time to enter the hypnotherapy sector. By investing in a franchise, you can tap into this growing market while benefiting from the credibility and recognition of an established brand. This can help you attract clients more easily and build a successful practice quickly. Franchise ownership also offers the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded individuals. By sharing insights and strategies with fellow franchisees, you can enhance your skills and grow your business more effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and support that is invaluable in the entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the financial rewards, owning a hypnotherapy franchise can be deeply fulfilling. The ability to help clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges provides a sense of purpose that is often hard to find in traditional employment. By aligning your career with your passion for helping others, you can create a business that brings both personal and professional satisfaction. As you consider investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, remember that this is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. By empowering clients to achieve their full potential, you can contribute to a healthier, happier society while building a rewarding career for yourself. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Friday, 16 May 2025

The One Client I Couldn’t Help – Until I Walked Away

Early on in my therapy career, I had a client who, on paper, had everything going for him – a decent job, supportive parents, friends, hobbies. He wasn’t in crisis. But he also wasn’t really living. He was simply… dissatisfied. And that made him one of the hardest clients I ever worked with. The Most Dangerous Place for a Client to Be He was in his early 30s and still living at home. He came to me because he felt like something was missing, even though there was nothing specifically wrong. It wasn’t unhappiness. It wasn’t discomfort. It was just… a low hum of discontent. It was what I now call “the Dissatisfaction State” – and that’s the name of my cat, because it’s that annoying to deal with 😼 He didn’t know what he wanted. Just that he wanted more. So, I suggested goals, new directions, things to explore. He nodded. Took the ideas away. Came back… unchanged. "The most difficult clients aren’t those who are in crisis – they’re the ones who feel just fine staying stuck." I wasn’t dealing with a refusal. I was dealing with a lack of desire. And I found myself doing the very thing we’re warned against – I was more motivated for his success than he was. When Wanting More for a Client Backfires Week after week, we’d meet. I’d ask what action he’d taken. And week after week, the answer was: none. I gave him space. I adjusted my strategies. I made suggestions with varying degrees of effort attached – from simple tweaks to big changes. Still… nothing. Eventually, something shifted – in me. I realised I’d lost something essential: my belief in his ability to change. And as soon as that happened, I knew I couldn’t be his therapist anymore. When Letting Go Is the Right Thing to Do I sat him down and said, “I don’t think this is going to work.” It wasn’t a ploy. It wasn’t reverse psychology. It was a moment of truth. He needed either enough pain to move away from where he was or enough desire to move toward something better. And he had neither. Without that fuel, therapy was just a polite conversation on repeat. As a practitioner in our coaching franchise, you’ll come across this dynamic. You’ll care. You’ll hope. But you can’t do the work for them. That’s not your job. Your job is to believe in your client’s potential – until they give you good reason not to. And when that happens, sometimes the most therapeutic thing you can do is let go. Letting go doesn’t mean failure. It might just be the very thing they need to wake up. Inside the People Building coaching franchise, we talk about these nuances. We don’t sugar-coat the work. It’s rewarding, yes – but it’s also emotionally complex. It takes discernment, boundaries, and above all, clarity on when to push forward and when to step away. And if you’re looking to develop those skills in a real-world way, this is exactly the kind of learning our training and community offers. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

What a Room Full of Pacemaker Salespeople Taught Me About Influence

There are moments in business that stretch you so far outside your comfort zone, it feels like your skin doesn’t fit anymore. One of mine came when I was asked to deliver training inside a medical device company that builds… pacemakers. Yes - actual, life-saving equipment that keeps people’s hearts beating. No pressure, right? When Your Audience Could Probably Save a Life (But Still Needs Help Selling) I’d been brought in to deliver a two-day workshop to their sales team. Not on medical knowledge, of course - these people already had years of experience and a deep understanding of their product. But the issue was… they were losing sales. Despite offering the highest quality technology on the market, competitors were undercutting them. Lower quality pacemakers were being bought by the NHS because they were cheaper, even though they weren’t as effective. The team were frustrated. Their value wasn’t shining through - and that’s where I came in. "Even life-saving products need the right message - and the right mindset - to get through the door." When I arrived, I was greeted by a lobby display that showcased the evolution of pacemakers across the decades - from huge, clunky devices to sleek, miniature marvels of modern science. It was awe-inspiring. But stepping into that training room, I’ll admit it… I had a wobble. Here I was, about to teach communication and rapport-building to a room full of sales experts working in one of the most technical and emotionally charged industries in the world. Cue: Imposter Syndrome. What I Taught Them Wasn’t in Any Medical Textbook But here’s the thing I’ve learned from years of running a coaching franchise and teaching NLP - human connection doesn’t change. Whether you’re selling a luxury car, pitching to a boardroom, or offering a pacemaker that might literally save a life, the principles remain the same. We’re still driven by trust, by emotion, by relationships. We explored hypnotic language patterns and how they influence decision-making. We practised pacing and leading. We looked at embedded commands and how to build subconscious rapport. And do you know what happened? They lit up. Not just because the strategies were effective, but because they finally felt empowered to communicate the real value of what they were offering - not just the price tag. How This Applies to You You might not be selling medical equipment - but if you’re working in coaching, training or people development, you are in the business of transformation. That’s exactly why I created the People Building coaching franchise. This work is about helping people understand themselves and others better - in relationships, in the workplace, and in life. And sometimes, you’ll work with highly skilled professionals who, like those salespeople, just need that final push to unlock a new level of confidence and impact. We teach those tools. Whether it’s through our NLP practitioner training or the upcoming hypnotherapy diploma in October, you’ll learn how to build trust quickly, deliver change powerfully, and speak in a way that shifts minds. It’s not about knowing your clients’ industries. It’s about knowing people. And that’s where you’ll always have the edge. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Saturday, 10 May 2025

Hypnotherapy Franchises: A Vision for Emotional Balance

Hypnotherapy franchises offer a vision for emotional balance, providing individuals with the tools they need to overcome mental and emotional challenges while offering franchisees a rewarding career path. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can make a meaningful impact on your community while achieving your own professional goals. The hypnotherapy industry is thriving as more people recognise the importance of mental health and well-being. From managing stress and anxiety to overcoming phobias and improving self-confidence, hypnotherapy provides a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of challenges. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can position yourself at the forefront of this growing field, offering clients the support they need to thrive. One of the key benefits of franchising is the structured support it provides. When you buy a franchise, you gain access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing guidance from experienced professionals. This framework allows you to focus on delivering exceptional results for your clients without the uncertainties of starting a business from scratch. The demand for mental health services continues to rise, making this an ideal time to enter the hypnotherapy sector. By investing in a franchise, you can tap into this growing market while benefiting from the credibility and recognition of an established brand. This can help you attract clients more easily and build a successful practice quickly. Franchise ownership also offers the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded individuals. By sharing insights and strategies with fellow franchisees, you can enhance your skills and grow your business more effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and support that is invaluable in the entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the financial rewards, owning a hypnotherapy franchise can be deeply fulfilling. The ability to help clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges provides a sense of purpose that is often hard to find in traditional employment. By aligning your career with your passion for helping others, you can create a business that brings both personal and professional satisfaction. As you consider investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, remember that this is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. By empowering clients to achieve their full potential, you can contribute to a healthier, happier society while building a rewarding career for yourself. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Friday, 9 May 2025

She Called Cigarettes Her Old Friends, Then They Tried to Kill Her

The husband booked her in to stop smoking, not her. He’d managed to quit himself, after having a cancerous tumour removed from his leg. A scar the size of a roadmap now took its place. But she hadn’t been so lucky. Not because she didn’t want to stop. But because cigarettes had become something more than just a habit. The Emotional Weight of Old Habits She was lovely, warm, gentle, and completely exhausted. When I asked her about her smoking history, she shared something I’ll never forget. As a young woman during the war, she’d been in the Wrens, where cigarettes were part of their welfare packages. Encouraged, even. And in a voice shaking with memory, she said: “They’ve been my friends for so long. They’ve always been there for me.” That’s when the tears started. These weren’t just cigarettes. They were emotional crutches. Symbols of comfort and connection. But ultimately, they were killing her. They’d always been there for her, and now they were taking her away from everyone else.” “ The Visit That Changed Everything We did a session and she quit. For years. But years later, she got back in touch. This time, she couldn’t come to me, so I went to her. Her husband had passed. The cancer returned, this time fatal. He’d been her driver and her rock. Now she was alone. And there she was, sitting in a worn armchair, frail and connected to an oxygen cylinder. She had started smoking again. And now it wasn’t just harming her. It was visibly, undeniably, killing her. But here’s the thing: the problem wasn’t really the smoking anymore. It was the loneliness. Sometimes people don’t need to be fixed. They need to be seen. What Coaching Really Gives You I visited her four or five times in total. Some evenings we talked. Sometimes I ran a gentle hypnotherapy script and she fell asleep in the chair. Once she asked me to collect the payment from the kitchen, but eventually I stopped taking it. Because this wasn’t about protocols anymore. It wasn’t even about change. It was about companionship. Now, I’m not suggesting you work for free or run sessions out of hours. I’m not a martyr. But I am someone who has grown. Someone who 15 years ago would have never done something like this. I was too focused on my own life, my own boundaries, and my own business goals. But this work changes you. Being part of a coaching franchise like People Building isn’t just about running a therapy business. It’s about truly understanding people, and rediscovering your own humanity in the process. I count myself lucky to have been in the right place, at the right time, for someone who needed more than a coach. She needed a friend. And I’ll never forget her. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Tuesday, 6 May 2025

The Power You Forgot You Had (And How to Reclaim It)

I’m currently reading a book called The Great Awakening and this morning, just a few lines knocked me completely sideways. In a world where mental health conditions are skyrocketing and more adults are experiencing neurodiversity, one symptom has become crystal clear- people are increasingly living with a profound sense of powerlessness. As if they are passengers inside a mind they cannot control, endlessly battling an invisible force. How Powerlessness Takes Hold- And Why It’s a Lie I have seen it in clients many times. On the one hand, there’s real value in working with the mind as if it were a separate part- you can negotiate with it, soothe it, and persuade it towards better outcomes. But there’s a dangerous side to this thinking too. When you treat your mind as a separate entity, you risk handing it the keys to the kingdom. If you are not your mind, then who is? Who is steering the ship? And once you believe you are not in charge, that belief grows roots. You start living like a powerless being, at the mercy of something you think you can never tame. 🌟 "The ultimate paradox- you can hold yourself in total powerlessness because of the sheer strength of your own belief." 🌟 Why True Power Comes From Ownership, Not Surrender The book pointed out something remarkable- we all possess the power we crave. We’re simply not using it. Or worse, we are misusing it against ourselves. Sometimes, people are afraid of the word power. They associate it with greed, corruption, or cruelty. But power in itself is neutral- it’s the way we wield it that matters. In our coaching franchise, we teach the principle of ecological power- using your influence in ways that are good for you, good for others, and good for the wider world. 🌎 When you believe you are powerless, you are actually using your full power to create and sustain that very belief. That is how strong you are. Imagine what could happen if you turned that power in a different direction- towards growth, joy, and contribution. “You already have the power you think you’re missing. It’s not about finding it- it’s about daring to use it.” How Our Coaching Franchise Helps You Unleash Real Power Here at People Building, we specialise in helping people reclaim ownership of their minds, their emotions, and their outcomes. Our coaching franchise is built on the idea that transformation doesn’t start with fixing something broken- it starts with awakening something already whole and strong. If you feel drawn to help others step into their true power, our coaching franchise could be your perfect next step. Through structured training, ongoing support and a meaningful mission, you’ll not only change the lives of those you work with, you’ll transform your own life too. And you won’t be doing it alone- you’ll be part of a community committed to using power wisely, responsibly, and ecologically. Final Thought- You Are Stronger Than You Know You are not powerless. You have never been powerless. You have only, perhaps, been powerfully believing in your own limitation. The moment you decide to believe differently, everything changes. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Saturday, 3 May 2025

Hypnotherapy Franchises: A Step Towards Emotional Clarity

Hypnotherapy franchises offer a step towards emotional clarity, providing individuals with the tools they need to overcome mental and emotional challenges while offering franchisees a rewarding career path. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can make a meaningful impact on your community while achieving your own professional goals. The hypnotherapy industry is thriving as more people recognise the importance of mental health and well-being. From managing stress and anxiety to overcoming phobias and improving self-confidence, hypnotherapy provides a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of challenges. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can position yourself at the forefront of this growing field, offering clients the support they need to thrive. One of the key benefits of franchising is the structured support it provides. When you buy a franchise, you gain access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing guidance from experienced professionals. This framework allows you to focus on delivering exceptional results for your clients without the uncertainties of starting a business from scratch. The demand for mental health services continues to rise, making this an ideal time to enter the hypnotherapy sector. By investing in a franchise, you can tap into this growing market while benefiting from the credibility and recognition of an established brand. This can help you attract clients more easily and build a successful practice quickly. Franchise ownership also offers the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded individuals. By sharing insights and strategies with fellow franchisees, you can enhance your skills and grow your business more effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and support that is invaluable in the entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the financial rewards, owning a hypnotherapy franchise can be deeply fulfilling. The ability to help clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges provides a sense of purpose that is often hard to find in traditional employment. By aligning your career with your passion for helping others, you can create a business that brings both personal and professional satisfaction. As you consider investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, remember that this is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. By empowering clients to achieve their full potential, you can contribute to a healthier, happier society while building a rewarding career for yourself. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Friday, 2 May 2025

Connection vs Addiction - The Hidden Battle for Your Mind

Johann Hari once said, “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” This powerful idea was proven in an experiment with rats. In solitary cages, rats were given a choice between regular water and water laced with cocaine. Tragically, many chose the cocaine. But when placed in a “rat park” filled with other rats, toys, and stimulation, more than 90% of them chose clean water instead. It teaches us something painful but vital - when we feel isolated, addiction thrives. When we feel connected, addiction loses its grip. Why Connection Has Never Been More Important Today, we have more ways to connect than ever before. Video calls, instant messaging, global social networks - and yet loneliness is epidemic. Research shows that chronic loneliness increases your risk of death by 26% and is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 😟 It’s not enough to virtually connect. Humans are wired for real human interaction. We need to feel the presence of another person, hear the tone of their voice in real life, and physically experience the comfort of their touch. The rise in addictions - from alcohol to technology - can often be traced back to this: a lack of deep, meaningful connection. And it’s a loss we feel in our bones. 🌟 "Physical connection triggers the release of vital hormones like dopamine and serotonin - our bodies need real-life interactions to stay healthy and whole." 🌟 How to Create Real Connection in a Disconnected World One simple but profound tip I learned on a personal development course (and I wish I could remember who to credit!) was this: if you want to change something, give it Project Status. That means making it a high priority and pouring all your "lost time" into it. And let's be honest - we are experts at losing time. 😬 We waste it scrolling social media, dithering over breakfast choices, collapsing in front of a screen for "wind down" time that doesn't really rejuvenate us. If you start reclaiming even half of your lost hours, you could easily win back half a day each week. Imagine the difference that could make. Use that reclaimed time to reconnect: Arrange spontaneous coffee dates with friends. Take your partner out for an impromptu dinner. Spend unstructured, genuine time with your kids - not taxiing them between clubs, but truly being with them. These moments aren't just nice - they are crucial. They heal us. They ground us. They protect us from addiction and despair. “Be the person who makes eye contact, who laughs freely, who shows up for others - not just online, but in real life.” How This Links to Building Emotional Health - And to Our Coaching Franchise In People Building, we talk a lot about the importance of emotional resilience and meaningful life skills. It's not theory - it’s the heartbeat of what we teach. Our coaching franchise practitioners know that thriving isn’t just about surviving the day - it’s about feeling truly alive, and helping others to do the same. Through our coaching franchise, we give people the tools to rebuild their own emotional health, while teaching others to create better, stronger connections too. If you’ve ever longed to make a real difference, to go beyond the surface and change lives for good, our coaching franchise could be your calling. Your Challenge - Audit Your Lost Time Here’s what I want you to do: Audit your life. Find where your time is being wasted - your dead time - and reclaim it. Choose one person or one group to spend real, meaningful time with. Prioritise them. And one month from now, I want you to tell me how your life has changed. 🌟 Because I promise you - it will. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise