The Client Who Couldn’t Sleep – And What It Taught Me About Mental Health in Practice

When you’re in business, you go through all sorts of “firsts.” Your first client. Your first sale. Your first scary moment. And sometimes, you get a “first” that leaves a mark—not just on your business journey but on your whole perspective. This story is one of those. You may remember me sharing that my first-ever NLP client was a heroin addict. It was a huge learning curve and, quite frankly, a baptism of fire. But that wasn’t the only wild beginning. Early on in my career, I’d transitioned from working at home to a more polished, professional setup in a serviced office. This was partly due to a collaboration with a therapy organisation that wanted to refer clients to me. The catch? I had to match their pricing structure and give my setup a bit of an upgrade—which meant no more clients at the kitchen table. So, I got myself a Regus office (which I’m not recommending—they’re notorious for slapping on extra costs for things like parking, phone lines, and internet 🙄). Still, I was proud. It felt like a real step forward in professionalism. Then came one of my first clients from this referral pathway: a university student who was struggling to sleep. That’s what the email said, anyway. He arrived at my office with his mum and grandmother in tow, which was slightly unexpected. I found out he had exams looming and had been pulling all-nighters—fueled by Red Bull, coffee, and zero sleep for three days. He’d now reached the point where he desperately wanted to sleep… but couldn’t. As we began our consultation, I noticed he seemed anxious. Actually, scratch that—he was paranoid. He scanned the room constantly and gave vague, evasive answers. When he asked if the sprinkler in the ceiling was a camera, alarm bells started ringing. Then came the real moment of clarity. He pointed at a blank space on the wall and said, “Can you see it too?” Apparently, he could see a spinning hat with a twisting spine. That’s when I knew we were dealing with something far beyond sleep issues. I gently explained that lack of sleep can really affect brain chemistry and that it was important he see a doctor who could help him get back on track—both with his sleep and the hallucinations. He was understandably frightened and worried about being hospitalised. Still, we got to a place of agreement, and I felt relieved. Until I went to speak with his mum and gran, who told me they wouldn’t take him to the GP because they didn’t want this on his medical record. It might “affect his future career.” 😳 Now, I had to switch to serious mode. I spoke to him again privately and explained, in no uncertain terms, that the real risk to his future wasn’t a GP visit—it was not getting the right treatment. I said I wouldn’t let him leave until I had confirmation that the appointment was booked. Eventually, they agreed. A few days later, I followed up and spoke to his dad, who told me that the GP had hospitalised his son immediately under the Mental Health Act. After a short stay, he was released with community psychiatric support and started sleeping again. Now, before you panic—these situations are very rare. Most of the clients our franchisees work with have moderate challenges: anxiety, confidence, and stress. But every now and then, something extraordinary walks through the door. And when it does, you’ll be so glad you’re part of a coaching franchise like People Building. Because here, you’re not on your own. You’ve got ongoing support, supervision, and someone (me!) you can talk to when those “once-in-a-decade” cases show up. Many other training providers leave practitioners to fend for themselves once the course is over. That’s just not good enough—especially for a coaching franchise that’s meant to prepare you for real-world work. At People Building, we believe in full-spectrum support. From the straightforward to the seriously unexpected, you’ll have the guidance and backup you need to stay grounded and capable. That’s what makes us more than just a coaching franchise—we’re a community of confident, prepared, and well-supported practitioners. 💪 Until next time... By Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Unlock Potential with a Hypnotherapy Franchise

Owning a hypnotherapy franchise presents a unique opportunity to cultivate calm, clarity, and confidence in your clients while establishing a rewarding business. As a franchisee, you have the power to help individuals overcome their challenges and achieve their goals, making a meaningful impact on your community and beyond. If you've ever thought about entering this fulfilling field, now is the ideal time to buy a franchise in hypnotherapy. People Building empowers individuals to explore the many rewards that come with owning a hypnotherapy franchise. This franchise model provides access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing support, which ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to deliver exceptional results. The structured approach of a franchise means you can hit the ground running, making a difference in clients' lives from day one. One key advantage of a hypnotherapy franchise is the ability to create a positive impact while generating a sustainable income. With the growing awareness surrounding mental health and wellness, the demand for hypnotherapy services has never been higher. More and more individuals are seeking alternatives to traditional therapies, recognising the benefits of hypnotherapy in managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can build a business that not only transforms lives but also secures your financial future. Moreover, the franchise model offers a wealth of resources that can significantly ease the challenges of running your own business. When you decide to buy a franchise, you gain access to a network of support from experienced professionals. This includes marketing strategies, customer relationship management, and operational guidance that can help you establish a successful practice quickly. Many franchisees find that having the backing of a recognised brand enhances their credibility, making it easier to attract clients and build a loyal customer base. Hypnotherapy franchises are more than just a business opportunity; they serve as a pathway to personal and professional fulfilment. By choosing a franchise model that aligns with your passions and goals, you can create a business that resonates with your values and makes a lasting difference in people's lives. The work you do in helping clients unlock their potential and overcome obstacles can be incredibly rewarding, providing a sense of purpose that is often hard to find in traditional business ventures. As you consider buying a franchise, consider the broader implications of your choice. A hypnotherapy franchise allows you to create a thriving business and positions you as an essential resource for mental health support within your community. The skills you develop and the relationships you cultivate will enhance your business and enrich your life. Owning a hypnotherapy franchise offers opportunities for growth and transformation. By embracing the chance to help others while securing your own future, you can build a successful practice that reflects your aspirations. The time to buy a franchise in this exciting field is now, and the potential for success is vast. In summary, investing in a hypnotherapy franchise offers a unique blend of personal satisfaction and financial viability. With the right training, support, and dedication, you can create a practice that significantly impacts your clients and your community. The possibilities are endless for those ready to take the plunge and buy a franchise in the hypnotherapy sector. Embrace this opportunity to cultivate calm and confidence in both your clients and yourself, paving the way for a brighter future. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

The Secret Sauce 😋 of Our Franchisees Success (It’s Not What You Think!)

One of the standout elements of joining the People Building franchise—and something I believe truly sets us apart—is the mentoring that our franchisees receive in their first 12 weeks with us. 🎯 Each new franchisee gets access to 12 weeks of personal mentoring from me (yes, me—Gemma Bailey!). During this time, we follow a structured programme, covering a range of essential topics that equip them to build a strong and sustainable business as an NLP practitioner or hypnotherapist. Every week, we focus on a different aspect of growing and running a successful business. For example, one week we might explore how to leverage business directories to build backlinks and boost your website’s search engine ranking. Another week, we’ll look at how to use YouTube effectively within the context of your business—how to be found, how to build trust with your audience, and how to convert viewers into clients. We also dive into creating high-converting landing pages so that your marketing efforts aren’t just making noise—they’re driving results. 💻📈 These sessions are recorded and stored on our online platform, so franchisees can revisit them whenever they like. On top of that, they get access to a library of previous mentoring sessions that I’ve delivered to other franchisees over the years—because let’s face it, you don’t know what you don’t know until suddenly, you really need to know it. Once the initial 12 weeks are complete, our mentoring shifts into what I call a reactive format. That means I’m no longer proactively teaching structured topics, but I’m on hand whenever needed—to answer questions, offer insights, or help navigate whatever real-life challenges are cropping up in your practice. 🧠 Interestingly, by this point, the questions tend to shift from marketing and business setup to client-related challenges. And this is honestly the part I love the most. It really keeps me on my toes. When a franchisee comes to me and says, “I’ve got a client who’s presenting this issue,” I have to instantly form a picture of the situation in my mind. I ask questions, build a mental profile of the client, and draw on my experience to advise the practitioner on the best techniques, strategies, or conversational approaches that will help move the client forward. I don’t have the luxury of saying, “Give me a few days to think about it.” I have to come up with something effective—on the spot. And because of that, I’m constantly sharpening my own skills. It keeps me fresh and curious. I find myself diving into new areas of psychological research, just in case it becomes relevant for someone I’m mentoring in future. 📚 To me, this ongoing mentoring and supervision is one of the most valuable parts of the People Building franchise package. In many other training models, whether you’re an NLP practitioner, a hypnotherapist, or part of a coaching franchise, once you’re qualified—off you go. You’re left to figure things out on your own. There’s often no structured support or ongoing supervision, and that’s where things can start to wobble. But our model is different. You get long-term support for the life of your licence—someone in your corner who isn’t caught up in your client’s story and can offer an objective, experienced perspective. Because let’s be honest, some clients are so convincing about the size of their problem that even the most confident practitioner can start to doubt themselves. That’s when it’s crucial to have a mentor who can bring you back to a place of clarity and resourcefulness. 🧩💬 This is one of the reasons why many practitioners are now choosing our model over a traditional coaching franchise—because they don’t just want a brand name, they want real support and guidance when it matters most. So whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been working with clients for a while and are feeling the weight of complex cases, know that you won’t be facing those challenges alone. This level of mentoring and support is rare—and it’s built into the DNA of the People Building franchise. It’s what makes us not just another coaching franchise, but a truly collaborative, supportive community of practitioners. By Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Transform Lives with a Hypnotherapy Franchise

A hypnotherapy franchise presents an intelligent business opportunity for those seeking to overcome self-doubt and achieve self-assurance. By dedicating your efforts to helping clients transform their lives, you can build a fulfilling and profitable business that benefits you and positively impacts your community. Senior hypnotherapist and trainer Gemma Bailey advises individuals as they explore the numerous benefits of owning a hypnotherapy franchise. This franchise model offers access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing support. Such resources ensure that franchisees are well-equipped to deliver exceptional results to their clients, helping them navigate their challenges and reach their goals. One of the key advantages of a hypnotherapy franchise is the unique ability to create a significant positive impact while generating a sustainable income. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for mental health and wellness services, and hypnotherapy has emerged as a popular option for those seeking alternative methods of support. By investing in a hypnotherapy franchise, you can build a business that not only transforms lives but also secures your financial future, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. Moreover, when you choose to buy a franchise, you benefit from the extensive resources and support systems already in place. This means you can bypass many of the initial challenges that come with starting a new business. A recognised brand brings credibility, which helps attract clients more easily than if you were to launch an independent practice. The franchise framework allows you to focus on what truly matters—helping your clients achieve their desired changes. Hypnotherapy franchises provide more than just a business opportunity; they serve as a pathway to personal and professional fulfilment. By selecting a franchise model that aligns with your passions and goals, you can create a business that resonates with your values and makes a lasting difference in the lives of others. The work you do in supporting clients can foster a sense of purpose and satisfaction that is often hard to find in conventional business ventures. As you consider buying a franchise, consider the broader implications of your choice. A hypnotherapy franchise allows you to become an integral resource for mental health support within your community. The relationships you build with clients will enhance your business and enrich your life, providing opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. The journey of owning a hypnotherapy franchise is filled with opportunities for transformation, both for you and your clients. By embracing this chance to help others while securing your own future, you can develop a successful practice that reflects your aspirations. The time to buy a franchise in this exciting sector is now, with the potential for success limited only by your dedication and passion. In summary, investing in a hypnotherapy franchise offers a unique blend of personal satisfaction and financial viability. With the right training, support, and commitment, you can create a practice that significantly impacts your clients and your community. The possibilities are vast for those ready to take the plunge and buy a franchise in the hypnotherapy field. Embrace this opportunity to transform lives, including your own, paving the way for a brighter and more assured future. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Bridge Mind and Body in Franchising

Hypnotherapy franchises offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between mind and body, ultimately helping clients achieve holistic well-being. If you are looking for a way to build a profitable business while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others, investing in a hypnotherapy franchise might be the perfect solution. Our focus is on guiding individuals as they explore the myriad benefits of hypnotherapy franchises. When you choose to buy a franchise in this field, you gain access to proven systems, specialised training, and ongoing support. This comprehensive framework equips franchisees with the tools necessary to deliver exceptional results, enabling them to effectively assist clients in their journey toward better mental and emotional health. One primary advantage of investing in a hypnotherapy franchise is the potential to create a positive impact while generating income. The demand for mental health and wellness services has been steadily increasing as more people recognise the importance of addressing their emotional and psychological needs. By buying a hypnotherapy franchise, you can tap into this growing market and build a business that not only transforms lives but also secures your financial future. When you decide to buy a franchise, you benefit from the extensive support network that comes with an established brand. This means you won’t need to navigate the complexities of starting a business from the ground up. Instead, you can rely on tried-and-true marketing strategies, operational guidelines, and the experiences of fellow franchisees. Many individuals find that this level of support allows them to establish a successful practice more quickly and effectively than if they were to venture out on their own. Hypnotherapy franchises are more than just a business opportunity; they represent a pathway to personal and professional fulfilment. By selecting a franchise model that aligns with your values and aspirations, you can create a business that resonates with your passion for helping others. The satisfaction derived from witnessing clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges can provide a deep sense of purpose that is often elusive in conventional employment. As you consider buying a franchise, consider the broader implications of your choice. Owning a hypnotherapy franchise allows you to become an essential resource for mental health support within your community. The connections you establish with clients can be incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities for personal growth and meaningful relationships. Owning a hypnotherapy franchise offers opportunities for transformation for both you and your clients. By embracing this chance to make a difference while securing your own future, you can develop a thriving practice that reflects your aspirations. The time to buy a franchise in this exciting sector is now, as the potential for success is vast and attainable. Investing in a hypnotherapy franchise provides a unique blend of personal satisfaction and financial viability. With the right training, support, and commitment, you can create a practice that significantly impacts both your clients and your community. The possibilities are endless for those ready to take the plunge and buy a franchise in the hypnotherapy field, paving the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future. Embrace this opportunity to bridge the gap between mind and body and embark on a rewarding journey today. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise

Happy Everywhere

A couple of weeks ago NLP4Kids went into schools, offering free confidence building workshops in exchange for pupils donating to children in need. Lewis my assistant and I went into Christchurch School where we worked with four classes, years 3 to 6. Each class had over 30 children in and the workshops were performed back to back. So in short we worked with over 120 pupils in the space of four hours!

At the end of each workshops, pupils are encouraged to complete a feedback form, telling us what they enjoyed, what they found difficult and how their NLP4Kids practitioner had performed.

One little girl had written something that really got me thinking.

In the world of NLP and self development, there is a great deal of suggestion that being positive is the best way to be, ALL OF THE TIME!

However this is something that has always irritated me. It is as if we are saying that all emotions other than happiness are damaging in some way or negative. Actually this is not the case. Even anger and sadness have their place. They are a way for us to express ourselves, to release our feelings and to move on. Sometimes they allow us to set boundaries so that we are not taken advantage of. Sometimes they enable us to be aware of stresses or strains we are under that need addressing.

Those who claim to be happy all of the time are repressing the natural spectrum of human emotion. it is unhealthy and unhelpful to always try to be positive.

I remember once saying to some one something like “I’m not sure what will happen but I hope it’s this.” They (being an advocate of positivity and a freshly qualified NLP guru) responded with

“Hope is the currency of those who believe they have already failed.”

I was flabbergasted. The temptation to lie and say “actually my favourite niece is called Hope” was almost too much!

I would never claim to be in a permanent state of positivity in the same way I wouldn’t claim to always be certain about what I am doing or what I want. I think like anger, sadness and uncertainty hopefulness can absolutely have its benefits.

So I’d been thinking about the best way to maintain a good state ins realistic way. I knew that for me at least, being happy all the time would be unwanted and unachievable.

Then as if by magic, a small girl who was about 8 years old, provided me with a remarkable solution in her feedback form following the NLP4Kids meets Pudsey events two weeks ago on Children in Need day.

One of the questions on the form said “what is the most important thing you have learned today?”

Her reply was “That I can be happy everywhere.”

Wonderful! No longer must we feel the guilt of not being happy all of the time. The answer is not to be happy all of the time it even everyday, it’s to be happy everywhere. Which is a much easier task.

Child Therapy- Sensitivity

Sensitivity

It’s easy to assume that some children are more sensitive that others. That lifestyles, parenting and experiences may have a factor on their ability to cope with strength and the resourcefulness than can access in challenging situations. This is even more noticeable when working in the field of child therapy.

However I have a theory. That sometimes we can react sensitively to unexpected situations because they are exactly that – unexpected.

I remember once, as a child sitting watching TV on Saturday night. I feel almost embarrassed now to admit it, but as I sat in my semi vegetative state, glued to the TV, something unexpected happened.I knew the format of the show – I’d seen it that many times already. But all of a sudden they changed things and introduced a new element in an “oh we didn’t know ourselves this was going to happen fashion.”

I don’t remember entirely what it was that they did – maybe an unexpected guest at an unexpected moment, or a sudden “we’re going to get taken off the air!” sort of scenario.

What I do remember (with hindsight) is that years before, my Nan had told me about Morcome and Wise and how Eric Morcome had dropped dead on stage. This had stuck in my mind (more than I’d realised!)

When I sat there, unawares watching Noels House Party, the sudden change in schedule must have – totally unknown to me at that time – taken me back to my Nan’s shared memory. Interestingly I hadn’t made the connection between these two events until I began writing this article!

The upshot of it was that I ended up having a sort of anxiety attack. I had to switch off the television and compose myself. I couldn’t articulate what my worry was about and I never mentioned it again.

Generally I was a resilient, composed young person both up until and following that event. But my sensitivity was sudden and unexpected. It related possibly to something from long ago which at the time I didn’t connect.

I was lucky, in that the anxiety passed and didn’t return but for some it may linger. It may keep returning until they make the connection to move on from it or let go of the trigger from the past that created it.

Something that can be useful to remember when working with young people is that they may or may not be able to trace the triggers for anxious emotions. They may or may not be able to articulate what has caused them or how they are feeling now. They may only be able to share their symptoms as a result of expressing them via their behaviour, which might not put them in the most favourable light.

Equally, they may not have had any upset of this kind and instead be “acting up” for other reasons entirely. So it cannot be assumed that every problem is related to problems from the past. The only real way to find out is some exploring with some clever questions to see what unfolds for them.

By Gemma Bailey

http://www.NLP4Kids.org

Child Therapy- CAMHS Doeasn't Work (for everyone)

CAMHS Doesn’t Work for Everyone!

The number of children and young people with moderate mental health issues is on the increase and the supply of child therapy services to help overcome these issues just isn’t meeting the demand.

CAMHS is the child and adolescent mental health service. They are part of the NHS and support children and adolescents (and their families) who have mental health difficulties, emotional or behavioural problems.

CAMHS categorises the severity of mental health issues in tiers. Tiers one and two would relate to challenges such as self esteem issues, phobias and some eating disorders. The more severe end of the spectrum is tier 4 where mental health issues would include psychosis or mental health issues that require hospitalisation or rehabilitation.

There are currently two key problems with CAMHS. The first is that the number of tier one and two type problems with children and young people is growing rapidly and CAMHS cannot keep up. There is now CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) offered on the NHS – however some boroughs are experiencing waiting lists of up to 6 months. Six months is a long time to live with a problem for any person, let alone a child who has a different sense of time scale (remember it always used to seem like ages until Christmas and now you are grown up you can’t believe how quickly it arrives?) During the time period of waiting for help, for many young people who do not have access to therapy, their problems worsen.

The second issue with CAMHS is the “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Don’t get me wrong, I know that within CAMHS there are some amazing practitioners doing brilliant work, but their approach will not be right for everyone. In the same way NLP or hypnosis are not suited for everyone, nor is the help or therapists offered within CAMHS, but currently it’s the only free help available.

So this is where we come in with our child therapy approaches. Up until now, NLP4Kids has only ever been able to provide a private service to families that approach us directly. However having recently attended the BOND consortium workshop (a “collection” of children’s charities and practitioners also specialising in children and young people’s mental health issues) I discovered that not only will CAMHS have to begin referring their cases to outside agencies (like NLP4Kids) but that they want to. Their work load is too great and they have some clients that they just can’t help because their skills are not suited to that child or there is a lack of rapport between the child and the CAMHS therapist they are working with.

Having heard this new at the event, I immediately began to consider how NLP4Kids can become more actively involved and recognised as facilitators to help children and young people with their mental health challenges.

As many of the practitioners at the event were “lone rangers” they were discussing and considering how they could had greater appeal to commissioners (who would be one of the possible decision makers in granter tender opportunities to practitioners outside of CAMHS). One of the commissioner present at the event mentioned that they look for organisations who have been accepted as member of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Consortium.

I (whilst still at the event!) hopped onto goggle on my iPhone, Googled the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Consortium and took a look at their website. I contacted them straight away and told them about our organisation and what we do, simply enquiring if there was a way in which we may be able to support the work that they do.

The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition (CYPMHC) are 14 charities with a growing base of supporters passionate about the wellbeing of the UK’s children and young people.
Coalitions are great ways for groups of people from different places and organisations to come together to change something. Supporting each other makes us each stronger and helps us achieve what we want – including making the world a better place.
The CYPMHC coalition is made up of various children’s charities and mental health charities. They are all passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing for children and young people across the UK.
A key part of the work of the CYPMHC is to influence government policy – the decisions that government make about how hospitals, schools, social services, and youth clubs should work. They want these services to work better with you – in a way that feels good for you and meets your needs.
Through the CYPMHC, charities come together and speak as one on behalf of children and young people’s mental health. The CYPMHC was launched in the House of Lords in March 2010 and some of the supporting members today include Comic Relief, Relate, the Department of Health, Rainbow Children’s Trust, The Epilepsy Foundation and now NLP4Kids.

I’m very proud and priviledged to announce that NLP4Kids has been accepted as a supporting member of The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition.

Gemma Bailey
http://www.nlp4kids.org