The 9-Year-Old Who Called Out Her Parents Without Saying a Word

Sometimes it isn’t the child that needs fixing. Sometimes, they’re just the loudest voice in a household silently screaming for change. This is a story about a client I once worked with - a little girl who, at just nine years old, was carrying the emotional weight of her entire family on her shoulders. What looked like a mental health issue was, in truth, something much more tangled. When It’s Not the Child Who Needs Help She came to me after being thrown out of her after-school club. Her screams were so intense that neighbours had called the police more than once. You might assume she was emotionally unstable or had a condition that needed urgent intervention. But as is often the case in the work we do within this coaching franchise, the surface symptoms were only part of the story. This wasn’t just a child struggling. This was a child surviving in a deeply dysfunctional home. Mum was disengaged, a self-confessed workaholic barely involved in her daughter’s life. Dad wanted to leave the marriage but couldn’t afford to - financially and emotionally. He felt manipulated, discouraged, and trapped. And all of this simmered under the same roof every day, infecting the atmosphere that little girl lived in. "The child won’t move forward until the parents do." She had learned to communicate the only way she knew how - by mirroring what she saw. Her parents spoke to each other with contempt, and when she copied that same tone, they didn’t like it. But unlike them, she had no adult filters, no coping mechanisms, and no escape hatch. Children Can’t Thrive in Chaos - and Neither Can Therapy The truth is, the little girl’s behaviour wasn’t caused by a broken mind. It was the by-product of broken parenting. I had to walk a delicate tightrope. This was no longer just a therapeutic session for a child - it became a family intervention. I coached the father on how to be more cooperative with his estranged wife, and I sent her my recommendations too. Because while they weren’t emotionally together, they were still co-creating the world their child lived in. So often, parents bring their children to therapy hoping for a magic fix - a solution that means they don’t have to change themselves. But the real work begins when they realise the child is not the anchor... they are. Why This Matters to Our Practitioners Stories like these are why I believe so passionately in the work we do at NLP4Kids. It’s why our coaching franchise has grown into something more than just NLP sessions for children - it’s a movement toward healing families from the inside out. When you become part of our coaching franchise, you’ll likely encounter cases like this - messy, multi-layered and emotionally complex. And that’s not a reason to be put off. That’s the reason to lean in. You’ll help families see themselves more clearly. You’ll become the mirror they can’t avoid and the support they didn’t know they needed. And sometimes, you’ll be the first person who gently but firmly holds up a hand and says, “Actually, it starts with you.” The child in this story? She improved. But only once the adults did. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

25 Years Later, She Remembered Me, As the One Who Never Gave Up

When Jemma first came into my life, she was just three years old. She was one of my key children at a private nursery, and it quickly became obvious that she was selectively mute. She wouldn’t talk to me, the other staff, or even the other children. But she could speak, she just chose not to. That’s when I made it my mission to help her find her voice. From Silence to Connection Each day, I greeted her with the same warmth and lighthearted questions, even though I knew she wouldn’t answer. Instead of putting pressure on her, I’d make wrong guesses and watch her face frown with frustration. She knew the answers. I knew she knew. But we played this game until one day, sitting in the book corner while the others had tea, I was rambling about how my mum bought the wrong beans with sausages in them. And out of nowhere, Jemma blurted out: “My mum shops at Tesco’s.” The silence had broken. And in that moment, I knew I’d done something important. “Sometimes the most powerful breakthroughs come from the gentlest forms of persistence.” The Unexpected Reunion Fast forward 25 years. I received an enquiry for therapy, and saw a name I could never forget. It was Jemma. But she wasn’t coming to see me for mutism this time. She’d been through something else. Something far worse. Jemma has a rare birthmark condition, one that, unbeknownst to her, made her vulnerable to a dangerous blood clotting disorder. When she caught COVID during the pandemic, she collapsed. Within hours, she was in ICU, unconscious and fighting for her life. She could hear the doctors discussing how little time she had left. She wasn’t supposed to survive. But Jemma, the stubborn, silent, strong little girl, refused to die. It turns out, the same determination that kept her silent is the same force that saved her life. How the Past Shapes the Present Now, she’s working with me again, not as a child struggling with mutism, but as an adult working through trauma. The recovery, the diagnosis, the ICU experience, the fear… it all left scars that no one else could see. She came to me because she remembered I never gave up on her. That I sat beside her every day. That I made her feel like she mattered. To hear that, from someone I hadn’t seen since they were three, it was beyond humbling. And it reminded me why I chose this niche. Why selective mutism became more than a topic of interest, it became my mission. This Is What a Children’s Coaching Franchise Can Give You If you’re part of our NLP4Kids coaching franchise, or thinking about joining, know this: This work goes beyond techniques and sessions. It’s about planting seeds that might not grow for years. But when they do, they bloom into something breathtaking. Children you work with now might grow up and remember you as the one person who made them feel safe, seen, and heard. And you never know when they’ll return, not as a client, but as a testament to how powerful your work really was. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

Empowering the Next Generation: The Franchise Model That Makes an Impact

The next generation holds the key to the future, and children's education franchises are empowering them to reach their full potential. By offering a franchise model that combines innovation with accessibility, these franchises are making a lasting impact on young learners. One of the key advantages of the franchise model is its ability to scale. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, enabling them to deliver consistent results. This scalability is crucial in meeting the growing demand for quality education. Another advantage is the focus on holistic development. Children's education franchises recognise that education is not just about academics; it’s also about social, emotional, and physical growth. Programmes are designed to nurture all aspects of a child’s development, creating a strong foundation for future success. Gemma Bailey’s NLP4Kids programmes are a testament to the power of empowerment. By using innovative techniques like neuro-linguistic programming, she has helped children overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Similarly, children's education franchises are empowering the next generation, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For entrepreneurs, the franchise model offers a unique opportunity to be part of this impact. By investing in a children's education franchise, they can make a meaningful difference while building a successful business. The focus on empowerment and accessibility is not just a business strategy; it’s a commitment to shaping the future. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://nlp4kids.org.uk/childrens-franchise-2

How Technology is Supporting Children’s Mental Health (Not Replacing It)

When you think about children’s therapy, the first word that comes to mind probably isn’t technology. In fact, when AI tools like ChatGPT first entered the scene, I said, “You can use it for inspiration, but it’s never going to be able to do your admin.” I’m here to tell you… I was wrong. Because today, the thoughtful use of AI and automation is helping our NLP4Kids practitioners support children more efficiently, consistently, and compassionately, while creating the space they need to focus on what really matters: your child. The Smart Systems That Let Us Focus on Feelings Our journey into tech began with a simple aim, give practitioners more time to do what they do best. That’s where YouCanBook.Me came in. It allows parents to book therapy sessions online, at a time that suits them, without the back-and-forth of emails or waiting for office hours. It’s immediate, easy and makes accessing help simpler than ever. Then there’s Infusionsoft, our central nervous system for communication. This clever tool keeps everything organised, from appointment reminders to progress notes. It means you’ll never be left chasing information, and your child’s practitioner always has the full picture in front of them. For sharing helpful blogs, parenting strategies, and mental health content, we use WordPress, connected to automation tools like Zapier and Make. These systems help us turn one piece of thoughtful content into social media posts, newsletters and more, ensuring that support is just a scroll away when you need it most. “The more we use technology to handle the admin, the more we can focus on the human work that truly transforms children’s lives.” How This Helps Your Family, And Our Practitioners You might be wondering, “Isn’t therapy supposed to be about people, not machines?” Yes, exactly. The tools we use aren’t about replacing the therapist. They’re about freeing them, from paperwork, from repetitive tasks, and from tech overwhelm, so they can show up fully present for your child. And that’s where the magic happens. Whether it’s ensuring session notes are up to date, or sending out carefully timed check-in messages, the goal is to support healing, not hinder it. This creates a smoother experience for you as a parent, and a deeper level of care for your child. AI gives us back our most precious resource, time, and we use that time to reconnect, understand, and heal. Part of the Support We Offer to Our Practitioners Behind every NLP4Kids session is a well-oiled machine, and that’s by design. We don’t expect our practitioners to become tech experts. We guide them through the systems, train them thoroughly, and handle the heavy lifting wherever possible. And for those who are part of our children’s coaching franchise, this support is built in. It’s not an add-on, it’s a standard. From booking systems to communication tools, our franchisees have access to an entire infrastructure designed to help them deliver world-class mental health support to children. If you’ve ever thought about joining the NLP4Kids team, or owning a children’s coaching franchise yourself, this is a glimpse into how we support your success, not just emotionally, but logistically. Because when therapists have the right tools, children get the best care. And that’s what we’re here for. 💚 by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

I Broke My Facebook Addiction (It Can Help Your Child Too)

In the middle of the pandemic, I got myself banned from Facebook and Instagram. Yes, you read that correctly. Someone reported the NLP4Kids account as being run by someone under the age of 13 (I do look young for my age! 😉) and overnight, I lost access to everything - my business pages, my advertising controls, even the ability to post content. At the time, it was a disaster. But with hindsight, it was one of the most important lessons I could have learned - not just for me, but for how we help our children navigate the hypnotic pull of social media. When Social Media Becomes an Unseen Addiction Initially, I fought tooth and nail to get my accounts back. I spent weeks chasing invisible Facebook staff (their customer service is famously horrendous even in normal times, let alone during a pandemic). Meanwhile, I noticed something troubling happening. Every time I picked up my phone, my thumb instinctively hovered over the Facebook app, even though I knew I was banned. It wasn't about checking if I could log in. It was pure, mindless habit. The muscle memory of opening that app had embedded itself deep into my brain. 📱 In the early days, the sense of loss and disappointment was real. I missed the connection, the distraction, the hit of dopamine. But as the weeks rolled on, something miraculous happened - the spell was broken. When I finally regained access, I didn’t even care anymore. Facebook became a tool for business, nothing more. 🌟 "Breaking free from the spell of social media doesn’t happen through willpower alone - it happens through a massive, unavoidable interruption." 🌟 Why Your Child Needs a Disruption - Not a Lecture If you’re noticing that your child is glued to their screen, waiting for likes, comments or DMs, you’re not imagining it - social media platforms are designed to keep them there. Their brains are being trained to seek validation, to crave updates and to feel anxious when disconnected. And here’s the painful truth: talking about it won’t be enough. You need a significant disruption to their routine. Start by modelling the behaviour you want to see. Set strict personal rules - no scrolling during family time, using the phone only for specific tasks, switching it off after work hours. 📵 Children notice hypocrisy a mile away, so if you want them to cut down their screen time, you’ll need to lead the way. Provide real-world experiences that feel richer and more fulfilling than the digital ones. Plan adventures, even simple ones like nature walks, scavenger hunts or gardening projects. 🌱 These don’t have to cost money - the point is to reconnect with the physical world. “We cannot expect children to voluntarily leave behind a dopamine-driven fantasy world unless we offer them something better in real life.” How This Links to Building Emotional Strength - And a Life Beyond Screens At NLP4Kids, our mission is to help children become resilient, self-aware and strong. That’s why our coaching franchise isn’t just about delivering sessions - it’s about being a role model. Our coaching franchise practitioners understand that mental health isn’t something you fix in an appointment - it’s something you nurture every day. The same philosophy applies here. Helping children disconnect from social media is part of their emotional growth. Yes, there will be tears, tantrums and FOMO (fear of missing out). But, just like toilet training, learning to walk, or learning to ride a bike, discomfort is part of development. The more we resist their complaints and stay committed, the stronger and healthier they will become - both online and offline. If you’re passionate about helping children thrive in a chaotic digital world, consider joining our coaching franchise. You’ll gain the skills, support and tools to make a lasting difference not just for others, but for yourself too. Final Thoughts - Teach Them to Reclaim Their Time Freedom from social media addiction isn’t just possible - it’s a gift you can give your child that will change their life forever. Show them there is a better way to live, and they will eventually choose it for themselves. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

Investing in the Future: The Potential of Children's Education Franchises

Investing in a children's education franchise is not just a business decision; it’s an investment in the future. These franchises offer a unique combination of social impact and financial reward, making them an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs. One of the key benefits of investing in a children's education franchise is the growing demand for quality education. Parents are increasingly looking for programmes that go beyond academics, focusing on holistic development and 21st-century skills. Children's education franchises are meeting this demand, offering a comprehensive learning experience that prepares children for the future. Another benefit is the proven business model. Franchisees receive comprehensive training and support, enabling them to deliver consistent results and build a loyal customer base. This support is crucial in navigating the challenges of the education sector and achieving long-term success. Gemma Bailey’s NLP4Kids programmes are a prime example of the potential of children's education franchises. By addressing both academic and emotional needs, she has helped children build a strong foundation for success. Similarly, children's education franchises are making a lasting impact, shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators. For entrepreneurs, investing in a children's education franchise is a way to contribute to this future. By providing high-quality education, they are not just building a business; they are shaping the future. The focus on social impact and financial reward is not just a business strategy; it’s a commitment to making a difference. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://nlp4kids.org.uk/childrens-franchise-2

Anxiety: The Invisible Lodger in Your Home

When anxiety first shows up in a child’s life, it’s natural for parents and carers to go into full "rescue mode". We change routines, soften our tones, and loosen our rules, hoping to wrap them in a bubble of safety. But what if, in doing so, we are actually making things worse? Today, I want to bust a critical myth - the idea that adapting to a child’s anxiety is the kindest thing we can do for them. The truth is much harder to swallow, but far more empowering once you know it. Why Adapting to Anxiety Is a Dangerous Game When a young person develops anxiety, every instinct in us says, “Help them! Make it easier!” We change our daily routines, help them get dressed, speak differently, even bend household rules. 🏡 It’s completely understandable - especially when you’re racing against the clock to get them to school and they’re mid-meltdown. Initially, these adjustments might seem harmless. But if they continue, you’re not just helping your child - you’re helping the anxiety move in, unpack its suitcase and start living rent-free in your home. Instead of validating the child, we inadvertently validate the anxiety. Every time we bend to accommodate it, we strengthen it. We turn it from an invisible fear into a fully furnished guest room nobody asked for. 🌟 "When you adapt your life around a child’s anxiety, you give it form - you validate the anxiety, not the child." 🌟 The Power of ‘Business as Usual’ As soon as we recognise there’s an anxiety issue, the antidote is simple but bold: carry on as normal. Business as usual. Why? Because when your child’s nervous system begins to calm - and it will - they need to step back into an environment that is already steady, stable and familiar. If the world around them has twisted itself into knots, they now have two battles to fight: fixing themselves and adapting to a warped reality. Keeping life ‘normal’ acts as a silent reassurance. It says, “You are okay. The world is okay. This feeling is temporary.” It reduces the power of anxiety without ever having to confront it directly. Of course, some days will need sensitivity. Some plans will need changing. But starting each day expecting anxiety to show up - and planning your life around it - keeps you stuck in its shadow. “Expect recovery, not setbacks. Expect normality, not chaos. Expect your child to heal - and give them the space to do so.” How This Links to Building Resilience - And Why It Matters You may have noticed that at NLP4Kids, we don't just help young people overcome challenges - we build resilience for life. 🛡️ Resilience comes from not allowing a temporary feeling to dictate permanent change. This philosophy is the heart of our NLP4Kids coaching franchise model too. Those who join our coaching franchise are equipped not only to deliver these life-changing lessons to children, but to embody them in their own professional lives. When you learn to hold steady in the face of challenge, you show others how to do the same. If you’re passionate about mental health, about helping young people thrive, and about creating a career that actually matters, our coaching franchise could be the perfect fit for you. It offers flexibility, purpose and the joy of seeing real transformations take place - not just in the children you help, but in yourself too. The Final Word - Your Calm Is Contagious Every time you stay steady, every time you expect normality, you chip away at anxiety’s grip. Anxiety cannot survive where it is not fed. 🧠✨ Stay strong. Stay normal. And watch the miracle unfold. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

He Thought He Was Just Forgetful - Then This Happened

When it comes to the NLP4Kids syllabus, we save something special for the end. In fact, I sometimes worry that teaching memory skills last means it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Because while it might look like a fun activity to impress parents at the end of a workshop, this technique is far more than that. It’s transformational. It Looks Like a Trick - But It’s a Breakthrough The memory skills strategy I teach isn't one I created myself. Unlike some of the NLP techniques I’ve adapted or built from scratch, this one is modelled from the world’s most successful memory champions. It’s designed to be delivered in a child-friendly, engaging way - and when we teach it in NLP4Kids training, it always creates that wide-eyed moment of shock and delight in the children who use it. One of my favourites is called the Linking Technique. I get a group to generate a list of 20-30 completely random objects, ideas, or concepts. Then, within about 15 minutes, I teach them how to recall the entire list - in order - forwards and backwards. Yes, backwards. And it works. Every time. 👉 The Linking Technique makes every item unforgettable - because we turn each one into its own “dog on the playground.” (If you read my recent email, you’ll remember the theory: nobody remembers a regular day at school, but everyone remembers the day a dog got onto the playground. The unusual sticks. The ordinary slips away.) He Believed His Brain Was Broken - Until This Let me tell you about a boy I once worked with. He was seriously underperforming in school. These days, he might have been referred for assessments around neurodiversity, but back then, those conversations weren’t happening the way they are now. So instead, the labels came in thick and fast: lazy, unmotivated, disengaged. And after hearing it over and over again from teachers and parents alike, he started believing it. He came into our first session and told me, in no uncertain terms, that the problem was his brain. It didn’t work like other people’s. He couldn’t focus. Couldn’t remember. Couldn’t learn. The worst part? He believed he couldn’t change. He thought the information just wasn’t going in at all. Not anxiety, not pressure - just a hopeless, broken sponge that couldn’t absorb anything important. So I knew where I had to start: his beliefs. I needed to show him - in real time - that change was not only possible, it was easy. His Whole World Lit Up in 15 Minutes In that very first session, we created a list of 25 random words. Then we made it weird. Wild. Unforgettable. Using the Linking Technique, we made each word memorable by turning it into a story so bizarre, so image-rich and animated, that his brain couldn’t help but remember it. At first, he rolled his eyes. No faith in it at all. But by the end? His whole posture had shifted. His energy had lifted. His eyes were wide and shining. And when I asked him to try reciting the list in reverse - and he did it - he looked stunned. Not just proud. Stunned. That single moment discredited years of disempowering beliefs. In just one session, he challenged his old narrative. And what’s more - he won. That’s the power of this technique. It doesn’t just help kids remember more. It helps them remember who they really are. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

Transforming Education: The Franchise Opportunity That Stands Out

The education sector is ripe for transformation, and children's education franchises are leading the way. By offering a franchise model that combines innovation with accessibility, these franchises are making high-quality education available to more families. One of the key advantages of the franchise model is its scalability. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, enabling them to deliver consistent results. This scalability is crucial in meeting the growing demand for quality education. Another advantage is the focus on innovation. Children's education franchises are constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern learners. From incorporating technology to developing new teaching methods, these franchises are at the forefront of educational innovation. Gemma Bailey’s NLP4Kids programmes are a testament to the power of transformation. By using innovative techniques like neuro-linguistic programming, she has helped children overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Similarly, children's education franchises are transforming the educational landscape, making learning more engaging and effective. For entrepreneurs, the franchise model offers a unique opportunity to be part of this transformation. By investing in a children's education franchise, they can make a meaningful impact while building a successful business. The focus on innovation and accessibility is not just a business strategy; it’s a commitment to shaping the future. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://nlp4kids.org.uk/childrens-franchise-2

You’ll Never Guess What He Said at His Final Session

Sometimes, the most powerful feedback we receive doesn’t come in the form of a polished Google review or a perfectly worded video testimonial. In the world of NLP4Kids, our clients are often too young to fully articulate the changes they’ve experienced or the gratitude they feel. But if you listen closely, they will still tell you everything you need to know - in their own wonderfully unfiltered, heartbreakingly honest way. The Story I Never Forgot Many years ago - well over a decade now - I worked with a young boy who had already experienced more trauma by the age of 11 than most people do in a lifetime. He’d been adopted from within his own family after suffering abuse from parents who battled substance misuse. As a baby, he had sustained brain damage due to shaken baby syndrome, which also affected his vision. He was attending mainstream school, but his learning was slower, and as he got older, anxiety began to creep in. By the time he came to me, he was avoiding the outside world altogether - no longer walking to the shops, no longer playing at the park, and self-isolating long before the rest of us ever associated that phrase with C-19. 👉 At first, it seemed like typical social anxiety. But the truth, once I understood it, was far more raw and complex. When I asked him why he avoided going out, he shared his fear of running into young people from the local traveller community. And honestly? He had every reason to be afraid. I had worked with many children from that community in schools and was well aware that their cultural norms could include a very different approach to respect, authority, and confrontation. His concerns weren’t irrational. He lived close to the site. He looked different. He was vulnerable. He knew it - and that’s what made it even more real. The Truth Behind the Testimonial At the time, I didn’t realise just how deep this ran. Looking back now, with more experience and a wider perspective, I believe that what he was truly communicating was a fundamental fear: I’m not safe in this world. And why would he believe he was? When you’ve been hurt by the very people who should have protected you, trust is a fragile, fractured thing. I don’t remember the exact techniques we used in our sessions. But I do remember what happened at the end. At our final session, I said what I often say to children when I know our time together is coming to a close: “Today is going to be our last session, because I don’t think you need me anymore - and that’s a good thing.” And he looked me straight in the eye and replied: “I think you’ve saved my life.” That’s not a review on Google. It’s not a clip for a promotional video. But it’s the kind of testimonial that lives in your heart forever. Why Testimonials Matter - Even When They’re Not Perfectly Worded When a child says something like that, it might not come with structure or grammar, but it carries more weight than any polished paragraph ever could. That’s why, in NLP4Kids, we don’t just rely on feedback from the parents - although their testimonials are always valuable. We pay attention to the little things children say. We teach our practitioners to recognise those golden moments, to hold space for them, and to treasure them as proof that change has taken place. Of course, we also help our practitioners learn how to gather testimonials in more traditional formats - from parents, schools, and yes, even the occasional brave young person who’s willing to share their story publicly. We show you how to set up your Google Business page, how to embed your reviews on your own NLP4Kids website, and how to use those stories to build trust and grow your client base. But don’t forget: a testimonial isn’t just good for your business. It’s good for your client too. It helps them own their progress. It affirms their transformation. And for that child who once lived in fear, it might be the very first time they’ve been able to say, “I’m okay now.” And that, in itself, is a beautiful form of healing. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

Dealing with Bullying: Tips for Kids to Stand Up and Stay Strong

Let's embark on a journey to explore how you can navigate the choppy waters of bullying with courage and resilience. In this article, we will uncover empowering strategies to help you rise above challenges and shine brightly ✨. In our **child therapy** clinic in **Hertfordshire**, we understand the importance of nurturing children's mental health and emotional well-being. If you're facing bullying, know that you're not alone. You have a support system ready to guide you through with a free initial **therapy** consultation and the compassionate care of a qualified **child therapist**. Bullying can cast dark shadows on your path, but remember, you hold the power to stand tall and weather the storm. By embracing techniques rooted in **Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)** and **hypnotherapy for children**, you can equip yourself with tools to fortify your mind and spirit, empowering you to face adversity with grace and strength 🌈. So, how can you stand up and stay strong in the face of bullying? Let's unravel some tips together: 1. **Speak Up**: Your voice is a beacon of light in the face of darkness. Don't be afraid to speak up and share your feelings with a trusted adult, friend, or teacher. Expressing your emotions can help lift the weight off your shoulders 🗣️. 2. **Build Confidence**: Bullies often target those they perceive as vulnerable. Strengthen your inner resolve by practising self-affirmations, celebrating your strengths, and surrounding yourself with positivity. Confidence is your shield against negativity 💪. 3. **Seek Support**: Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Reach out to a **child therapist** in **St Albans**, **North London**, or **Hemel Hempstead** for guidance and support. We also offer **child therapy** sessions **online via Zoom** for convenience and accessibility. You deserve to feel safe and supported in your journey 🧠💛. 4. **Practice Empathy**: Sometimes, bullies themselves are hurting inside. Practice empathy by understanding that their actions stem from their own insecurities. Responding with kindness can diffuse tense situations. 5. **Focus on Your Talents**: Channel your energy into activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Whether it's art, sports, music, or writing, nurturing your talents can uplift your spirits and remind you of your worth 🎨🎶⚽. 6. **Stay Connected**: Surround yourself with friends who uplift and support you. Connection is a powerful antidote to isolation. Together, you can stand strong against adversity. At our **therapy** practice, we use a combination of **hypnotherapy for children** and **NLP** to help young people rebuild their confidence and develop emotional resilience. These tools allow us to work gently with the unconscious mind, helping children to reframe negative experiences and build a positive self-image. Remember, young warriors, you possess a strength within you that shines brighter than any darkness. With the right tools and support from a dedicated **child therapist**, you can overcome the impact of bullying and step into a future filled with confidence and courage. By Gemma Bailey https://www.childtherapisthertfordshire.nlp4kids.org

Why I Travelled to Bulgaria (by Coach!) for the NLP4Kids Book

Most people think creating a children’s franchise is about ideas and inspiration - but they rarely see what happens behind the scenes. The truth? Sometimes it’s cramped cupboards, endless pallets, and a coach trip across Eastern Europe that pushes every comfort zone you’ve got 😅. How One Webinar Series Became a Book - And a Mission Some of our best NLP4Kids products started small - a simple idea or a question from a parent. But one of our most impactful began as a webinar series. From that came the NLP4Kids book - and it was a project I decided to self-publish. Self-publishing might sound empowering… and it is. But it’s also a massive job. You don’t just write the thing - you design, print, store, ship, promote and distribute. And I wanted it done right. The publisher name I used? “I Blame My Age.” That’s actually an anagram of someone you probably know quite well by now 😉. 📚 “It wasn’t just a book. It became one of our biggest tools for reaching parents, professionals and schools - and it took over every inch of space I had.” Printing Problems and a Pallet Full of Perseverance Keeping costs low but quality high was my mission. So I scoured the UK printing options. But none gave me the combination of affordability and excellence I wanted. Eventually, I found a printer in Bulgaria. So off I went. By coach. Now, let me be honest - all the self-development in the world doesn’t take away my motion sickness. And coach travel? Still not my thing 🤢. But I knew I had to do this. I needed to see the product being made. At the factory, I recorded video and created a behind-the-scenes documentary. It was fascinating - the machinery, the process, the realisation that this book was actually happening. A few weeks later, a pallet of books landed on my doorstep. Literally. My house turned into a storage unit. Shelves, drawers, under the stairs - every space was filled with boxes of books. I’d bulk ordered to keep the costs low… but I hadn’t quite planned for the volume. It was a moment of chaos - but also of pride. The Book That Built a Community The NLP4Kids book wasn’t just a product - it became a gateway. We expanded into other resources: the webinar series continued, the audio content grew, and we introduced our “Parents and Professionals” membership area. It became a safe space - a place where people could explore, ask questions, and find new tools and confidence in working with young people. Some joined just for personal growth. Others wanted lesson plans, classroom support, and strategies they could use immediately in their work with children. And through that, our children’s franchise started to grow stronger - not just in size, but in impact. “It wasn’t just about getting information out there. It was about building a community around shared values, questions, and the commitment to helping children thrive.” This Is Why We Do It - And Why It Still Matters At NLP4Kids, our mission has always been about creating powerful tools that help young people live healthier, happier lives. But we also recognise that the adults supporting those children - parents, educators, carers and practitioners - need help too. Our children’s franchise doesn’t just give people a business opportunity. It provides purpose. It offers a library of resources, a network of support, and a way to create measurable change in the lives of families. And that all started from a single webinar. So whether you're someone who's looking to develop yourself professionally, or someone wondering whether the next step might be starting your own children’s franchise - know that the journey is never perfect. But it’s always worth it. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee

Cultivating Confident, Capable, and Curious Kids: The Essence of Children's Education Franchises

Confidence, capability, and curiosity are the hallmarks of a well-rounded individual. Children's education franchises are dedicated to cultivating these qualities in young learners, creating a foundation for lifelong success. Confidence is built through positive reinforcement and a supportive environment. Children's education franchises focus on celebrating achievements, no matter how small, and encouraging children to take risks and learn from their mistakes. This approach helps children develop a growth mindset and a belief in their abilities. Capability is about equipping children with the skills they need to succeed. Whether it’s academic knowledge, problem-solving skills, or emotional intelligence, children's education franchises provide a comprehensive learning experience that prepares children for the challenges ahead. Curiosity is the driving force behind learning. Children's education franchises foster this quality by encouraging exploration and inquiry. Through hands-on activities, open-ended questions, and real-world applications, children are inspired to ask questions and seek answers. Gemma Bailey’s NLP4Kids programmes are a prime example of how confidence, capability, and curiosity can be nurtured. By using techniques like positive affirmations and goal-setting, she has helped children develop these qualities in a meaningful way. Similarly, children's education franchises are creating a generation of confident, capable, and curious individuals. For franchisees, this focus on holistic development is a key differentiator. By offering a well-rounded education, they can attract more students and build a loyal customer base. The emphasis on confidence, capability, and curiosity is not just a teaching philosophy; it’s a pathway to success. By the Ai version of Gemma Bailey https://nlp4kids.org.uk/childrens-franchise-2

The Surprising Traits Shared by Our Most Successful Practitioners

Every now and then, I’m asked the question: “What kind of person really succeeds in an NLP4Kids franchise?” And to be honest, it’s one of my favourite questions - because the answer is never quite what people expect. The DNA of an NLP4Kids Practitioner Last year, at one of our NLP4Kids get-togethers, we invited a guest trainer to take us through DISC profiling - a well-known personality assessment tool with a solid scientific foundation. Each of our attendees completed a profile, and (with their permission!) the results were shared with the group. What we discovered was fascinating. There were common threads, patterns, and traits that many of our most successful licensees shared. And knowing that has been incredibly useful for me - it means I can usually tell quite quickly whether someone is likely to thrive in our children’s franchise. But instead of giving you a breakdown of their DISC results, let me paint you a picture of the kinds of people who do really well in this work… The people who succeed here are compassionate, teachable, and driven by a powerful desire to make a difference. Some come from the corporate world - high-flyers who eventually grew disillusioned or burned out, and who wanted something more meaningful in their lives. Others have walked the path of caring: for family members, as part of a formal career, or simply because they were the ones others always turned to. What We All Have in Common Many of our practitioners have personal or professional experience with mental health or neurodiversity. Quite a few were teachers or social workers, frustrated by a system that made it near impossible to create change in the way - or at the speed - they knew was necessary. What they all share is a deep-seated drive to improve the lives of young people. The Rising Pressure They see the rising pressures our children face, and they want to do something about it. Whether they have experience in business and technology or not, they’re open-minded, eager to learn, and humble enough to be taught - even when they already know a lot. They’re coachable, and they follow our roadmap. Why reinvent the wheel when we’ve been refining the system for over a decade? But they’re also independent. They don’t want to be micromanaged. They want freedom and flexibility, just as much as they want purpose. The people who thrive at NLP4Kids care deeply about their communities, their personal growth, and the world their children are growing up in. They’re not afraid to ask for help - and they offer it freely to others. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here, and our practitioners genuinely care about one another’s success. And while they’re in it for the emotional reward of transforming a young life, they’re also savvy. They want financial independence. They want freedom. They want a coaching franchise that gives them all of that - and makes a meaningful impact. They’re a good bunch. So if any of this resonates with you - if you see yourself in the people I’ve described - then maybe it’s time we had a chat. Maybe you’re next. Your next opportunity to step into this role and become part of our growing children’s franchise community is just around the corner. And if you’re teachable, passionate, and driven by purpose, then you’ll fit right in. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://nlp4kids.org/becoming-a-licensee