Before I started working with Gemma I felt pretty overwhelmed with no end in sight. I was taking on far too much and small things were making me spiral a bit. Since working with her I feel a lot more prepared and feel like my emotions are more regulated. People talk about having an emotional toolkit and I never knew what they were talking about, but I genuinely feel as though I’m better able to cope with life now. I also feel like I’m getting better at merging my work and personal lives in a healthy way. I’m getting better at taking a step back and seeing other options. Rather than just powering through, I feel like I’m a better problem solver a lot of the time now. I have had realisations through our work that have made me a different person.
I have told friends about working with Gemma and my exact words were “Gemma changed my life” and “Gemma is a magician”. I honestly don’t know what it is you do, but whatever it is- it works. It doesn’t feel like traditional coaching. When we speak, it feels like a conversation with a very wise friend.
My hesitations have always been around whether a therapist or coach would ‘get’ me. I have always dreaded having to ‘explain myself’ to someone, but I think we clicked right from the beginning.
Estée Lalonde, Content Creator and Founder and CEO of MIRROR WATER
After experiencing a pretty low year, I was desperate for a change. My mental health had taken a battering and talking therapy had left me feeling more upset than I was when I started. Gemma came *highly* recommended and I’m honestly astounded and how different I feel in just six sessions. I genuinely feel like a new human being.
Together we worked on shifting my perspectives around all aspects of my life; from motherhood to work, and even did a hypnosis session on my fear of vomiting which has changed the game. As someone who has always feared travel, being around people vomitting and vomitting myself, I’m now able to confidently deal with all aspects of being unwell – whether it’s myself or with others. It’s just amazing and tackling that huge road block in my life has had such a positive effect on other areas that I was struggling with too.
I now have the tools I need to think logically whenever I’m not feeling 100% and know what I myself need to do in order to fill up my tank again.
If you’re on the fence just do. It’s the best investment I’ve ever made in my mental health. Thank you Gemma! x
Anna Newton, founder of The ANNA EDIT
My concerns before working with Gemma was the financial investment and the concern that the sessions would not create the change I desired. Also, being vulnerable and open was very difficult for me.
I felt like a shell of myself. I was constantly anxious and in a depression, where I as ruminating on past experiences as a form of self-punishment, and every day was difficult – with some days struggling to get out of bed
I was struggling with severely low self-esteem and high levels of anxiety, socially and particularly related to work. I was ruminating on past mistakes at work without any self compassion or ability to move forward.
Since we worked together, feel like myself again. My confidence and self-esteem has significantly increased, and I feel stronger, more capable, and self-compassionate. I feel less anxious and experience depression less often, and I am able to feel joy and excitement in every day life again! I have also had the confidence to make real, tangible changes to my life to shape things to suit me and what I want. I have gone down to part-time in the NHS, and am currently setting up my own independent practice. I have also recently interviewed for and got a promotion for a specialist role – a particular role that I have coveted and been working towards since I qualified and was in my first job. Earlier this year, I would not have had the confidence or self-belief to even interview or go independent with my work, so thank you for helping me get to that point. I cannot tell you how much happier I am, and how my life feels more in control.
I have learned tools to change feelings of anxiety, and the ability to kinder to myself and acknowledge who I truly am in my core, and how I can protect that. I have also learned to soften and be compassionate and rational with my thoughts.
I recommended you to a friend and simply said “I feel like myself again”, which I think is what everybody wants.
I now live with more softness, both towards myself and also when interpreting others’ behaviours towards me. I am moving forward with my life exactly in the way that I want it to be, rather than being in what felt like an endless cycle of being anxious, depressed, self-loathing, and in a job that was spreading me too thin.
Thank you so much Gemma for everything. I really cannot believe how much of a change there has been from January to now. Life was very, very difficult this time last year, and I am so grateful for our sessions together as they really pulled me out of that hole.
Fran, NHS
Working with Gemma has had a such a big impact on my core relationships and has helped me to remove obstacles and create space to truly be myself. After my sessions with her I feel lighter and more free. I wasn’t expecting to experience such a big mental shift in such a short space of time, but her simple tips and tricks and reframing of situations have made big feelings so much more manageable and I noticed a difference in my behaviours and overall mental state almost immediately. I’d highly recommend her to anyone looking to make a change or who needs a bit of help in figuring out how to be the best version of themselves.
Genie, HR
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When I started working with Gemma, I was struggling with society I suppose and wondering how I fitted, if I fitted, if I even wanted to fit. Now I don’t really care because it is no longer important. The important thing is to be happy and then everything else falls into place. I look at what happened as my learning and having come through, I can now shed all that pain and trauma and move into better times. I will not over obsess over the silly little things any more. Or worry about what people may or may not think. I am better able to internalise and rationalise it all without the need to vocalise.
What I have learnt through working with Gemma is how to not worry about what happened before. That was not my story. What matters now is my story and my journey and that that story and journey is happy. And also understanding why I allowed what happened to happen and why, and never let it happen again.
I have learnt to love myself, warts and all. And I have realized that I don’t have to please everyone. If you are thinking about working with Gemma just do it.
Anon
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I decided to see Gemma for hypnosis after struggling with extreme claustrophobia for over two years. I was having issues with any form of feeling trapped – from getting on the tube to sitting in the backseat of a car. This anxiety was impacting my day-to-day life and stopping me from doing the things I enjoy. After just one session, I haven’t hesitated once to get on any form of transport, and even managed to sit comfortably in the middle of an extremely busy tube carriage without a second thought. Nor have I had any panic attacks or feelings of anxiety since our session.
Gemma helped me to clearly understand the psychology behind why I was feeling this way and was more than happy to answer any concerns I had. The session was a far cry from anything stressful or invasive I had imagined hypnosis to be, and I felt fully in control for the entire time. I cannot recommend Gemma enough and would encourage anyone struggling with any form of phobia or anxiety to give it a try. After the session, it felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I would have no hesitation to come back to Gemma in the future.
Genuinely life-changing!
Jennifer Wales
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“Coaching was new to me so I didn’t really know what to expect. What I did know is I’d had been feeling really unhappy, small and stuck for months and needed something to change. I was ready to start living differently, but every time I tried, I kept falling back to my old patterns of stress and insecurity.
The first call with Gemma was such a joy! She instantly made me feel comfortable and important, despite the initial awkwardness of opening up over zoom to practically a stranger.
The biggest change between before and after working with Gemma is that I saw how change can come in tectonic shifts. I can’t say exactly what happened between our first and second session, but what felt like overnight I was able to create distance to the things that used to send me to chaotic stress spirals and pits of anxiety. As a result, I feel much more at ease with myself and more confident professionally, and it’s made a huge difference. It’s hard to explain but my my brain feels more spacious as a result of working with Gemma, and that space is incredibly filled with joy and calmness. Trial and error and it’s something I’m working on, but life has got much more fun after our sessions.
I have actually already recommended Gemma to someone I don’t think he’s ready yet but my words were so thing like ‘she was what I needed to shake myself out of the spiral of stress and feeling of being stuck. I was ready to start living differently, and she helped me to get started.I’m actually getting a bit emotional writing this! Makes me realise just how much has changed between early august and now. Thank you and thank Stack.world for the impeccably timed article. ”
Jannika Aalto, Sustainability Consultant and Author
When i was considering working with a coach/you my number one hesitation was that I was scared of opening up and being vulnerable with someone. I have always really struggled with communicating how I am feeling internally with others as I was scarred that I would be judged negatively, but from the moment I started speaking with you i felt at ease and in a safe space.
Before we started working together i had not been feeling myself for a while. I reached out for us to work together as I was at a crossroads in my personal life, and I needed help with moving forward. I felt stuck and the thought of taking control of my life and potentially making the wrong decision and living with regret was overwhelming.
I have always struggled with communicating how I am felling internally and showing my emotions to others, especially my loved ones and I wanted help with understanding why, and looking to improve the way I communicate.
Since working together I have noticed a huge shift in how I communicate with myself internally, I have been being kinder to myself and caring less about what others may think of me. Working together has helped me find clarity about what I would like my future to look like, and I am now excited about what the future could potentially hold for me….how ever it turns out!
I feel that I have become softer and more open with the people around me, and in turn I have noticed that others have been opening up to me more too, which has resulted in me forming deeper connections. I have learnt to put myself first and that how other people react to how I am feeling is not my problem.
The skills and techniques you have provided me with and the care and compassion you have shown have been amazing! I can’t thank you enough.
If you are reading this I would 1000% recommend you work with Gemma if you are struggling with needing direction in their life and looking to improve their communication skills. I would urge anyone to sign up to this programme, investing in myself and working with you has been the best decision I have made, as the shift that I have seen in my behaviour has been remarkable! Everyone needs a Gemma Perlin in their lives! 😉
Brooke, NHS radiologist
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The programme is transformative, helpful, unknown, thought provoking, comforting, professional, scientific and you’ll experience big shifts in feelings.
Gemma is warm, comforting and non judgemental, she will listen and be able to quickly identify the issue or feeling you are explaining and offer a technique or a way of thinking about it. You will experience big changes or shifts in feelings. It’s an opportunity to focus on yourself without it feeling heavy and allows you to look within further especially after behaviours you have had for years clear easily. It teaches you the ‘How to’ rather than spending ages on the ‘why’. Its also really interesting to see where each session takes you.
Before working with Gemma It was probably the personal investment/cost on something to help myself whilst not knowing anything about NLP/or coaching.
When I met Gemma, I felt as if I was existing, things were grey but at the same I was highly functioning with my day to day e.g work, gym, socialising, relationships but I was just doing rather than massively enjoying.
I was struggling with Negative thinking, anxiousness, built up feelings/resentment from not talking about my feelings and still an underlying sadness from loss of our family dog.
Since working together, all of the above has gone and I know how to help those feelings or behaviours if they were to come back. I feel a different person or in a new chapter. I feel more centred, happy and loving. I enjoy the day to day but also have goals & plans to achieve. I have confidence and feel more self assured. I also feel warmed up to the next big life steps; engagement and children, it’s nice to feel a warmth towards them rather than pure uncertainty.
I have learnt tools how to think in the 2nd or 3rd perspective.I’ve learnt to explain how I feel plus have a neutral discussion about it. I understand how to engage with my inner critic and allow thoughts to come and go. I think I also put myself first, to do what I want to do for myself and give myself time. I think also because of all the above I’ve not mirrored others, been a better listener and been able to hold space for others.
In the future I will apply the techniques I have learnt, listen to how I’m feeling and explain how I’m feeling (if there is a theme or an issue), if and when I go through a tricky time in life again, be aware of feelings, journal, feel and continue to do the things you enjoy & that help. I also believe this experience has opened the door to learn about NLP/coaching further and continue to use it in my life.
Natasha, Google
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“Before I started working with Gemma, I felt frustrated with conventional therapy; pressure to come up with talking points, came away without clear actions, lacked feeling of progress. Effective communication was and is a key area of focus for me.
I was interested in how different coaching would feel to therapy and how easily it would be to define goals, identify actions and track progress
Working with Gemma I have noticed, increased awareness of my thoughts and feelings; a shift in focusing on the actions and reactions of others which makes having difficult conversations easier. I also feel more relaxed about my own level of expectations which has been freeing in my personal and professional life. Recognising as well as articulating how I’m feeling was a big positive step for me.
Gemma’s approach is subtle, layered and had a ripple effect that has resonated with me in a more powerful and useful way than therapy ever did. I would recommend experiencing a session with Gemma for yourself.
Since our work together I feel empowered and have the tools to challenge my own perspective and check in with how I am feel daily.”
Heather Gramston, Browns Fashion
“There was nothing daunting about working with Gemma. From day one I felt that our time together was a completely safe space. I looked forward to every session, and to where the conversation would take me.
For me, this process has been about looking inwards in a way I’ve never allowed myself space for. To examine and share all the private traits, behaviours and thoughts that define me, and in doing so (and with Gemma’s help), in many ways I feel free from the shackles of ‘living up to’ any of those ideals.
I am in a position where I like and trust myself more, which comes from a place of greater understanding. It’s bigger than just that though, I’ve got my own back and I am much more attuned to situations and experiences that will elevate and push me to be my best, and I know the ones that can cause anxiety or self-doubt.
You don’t need to be at a complete standstill to benefit from Gemma’s coaching, I felt like I was on a train to a destination but with no choice over the route to get there. It felt habitual, like being on auto-pilot, but in many ways, efficient. Now I get to select every stop and every field I pass through. Sometimes I even opt for the long, slow route.”
Emma McCormack, Copywriter
I wasn’t sure if I needed it or what exactly I needed, I hesitated between seeking therapy or coaching but the practical nature of our sessions were so beneficial for where I am at currently.Before we worked together, I was struggling with lack of confidence at work, not feeling equal to my colleagues, imposter syndrome, not being present enough and constantly comparing myself to others online/social media
The changes I have noticed since working together, I’ve been able to notice and acknowledge the moments in which I feel lesser than and really take the time to observe and take a step back and ask myself why? I have learnt how to settle into myself and understand myself more which really increased my confidence at work and in life generally.
The program helped me notice tendencies and parts of me I didn’t know I had – the whole process was gentle and calming. After every session I felt really grounded and at peace with myself like a literal weight had lifted off my shoulders.
I think creatives at all levels would definitely benefit from this type of program. You have a very visual way of communicating about thoughts and feelings which I found super helpful.
Amy, Designer
“It’s been a fantastic experience working with Gemma. Our work came at a pivotal time for me when I was feeling stuck at a crossroads in life with my career and finances. She instantly put me at ease despite the uncertainty I was dealing with. I have left feeling more positive about my next steps, with new perspectives and effective visualisation techniques for coping with anxiety. I appreciated her clarity, guidance, and compassion. I’m now more equipped to chip away at the mental blocks and limiting beliefs obscuring my future pathways. I’ll definitely recommend Gemma to friends looking for a life or mindset change!
Bethan, Writer
“I had no concerns working with Gemma, but mainly a concern about speaking with someone. I was worried about opening up a ‘Pandora’s Box’.
Before I worked with her I was anxious, unconfident, stressed, and out of control. Since working together, I am better equipped to handle situations that would have previously stressed me out and affected my day to day living. I am calmer and more thoughtful in my approach.
I have become more aware of how I perceive things and the ability to review situations in a less emotional manner (when required). I have gained a better understanding of me and how I react in situations and how to try and manage them. I feel like I am growing as a person which, even though I came to Gemma to help me from a career perspective, is actually having an impact on my whole life in general.
Working with Gemma is of the best things I have done. You need to really let yourself go for this to work. Once you are able to do this you almost immediately benefit from the tools and processes you work together on. Thank you for everything. “
Shelley, Sales
“After 10 years of living with anxiety I was ready to make a change. I didn’t expect that I would be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel so quickly. Gemma has given me some incredibly valuable tools to manage my own anxiety whilst being such a supportive figure to me.
Gemma has helped me to own my anxiety, she has taught me how to accept the good parts of what the anxiety has taught me about myself whilst also letting it go. I was in a constant battle with anxiety and panic before I saw Gemma and in such a short time she managed to show me how to let go of it. It now no longer dictates my days. Gemma was also able to support and coach me around a huge decision in my life, a decision I know I needed to make but fear was stopping me.
I have been able to see the anxiety and panic for what it is, and been able to let it come and go without affecting me to the point of a panic attack. I have learnt how to stop the anxiety before it gets unmanageable. I made the decision I needed to and it’s been the best thing to happen for me in a long time.
I’d recommend anyone who needs some clarity, or guidance around listening to what their body/gut is trying to tell them but are unable to make any decisions to work with Gemma . For anyone who suffers with anxiety or panic. She’s so wonderful. “
Lindsey Holland, Podcaster, Influencer and Author of ‘Things you can’t ask yer Mum”
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When I was thinking about working Gemma my concern was the financial investment whether or not it would actually work.
When I met Gemma I was coming out of a pretty bad patch of mental health, probably the worst in a few years and was really struggling with overthinking. I was spiralling in my mind about a lot of things and using up a lot of energy thinking over and over again. I felt like this was really impacting my day to day. I didn’t always feel like myself and was struggling to enjoy some things I normally do. I was also struggling to trust myself and generally felt quite lost.
Since working with Gemma I am thinking less and living more in the present. I am focusing more on the here and now than the future. If I do have something that starts to send me into an overthinking spin, I know how to stop it. I have also learned how important it is to communicate with people and putting this in place has helped lessen the overthinking itself. I think also being myself from the upfront more is helping this alongside focusing on nurturing relationships with people that allow me to do this easily.
It’s completely different to working with a therapist (or anyone I have worked with in this kind of capacity) and I am not sure exactly what Gemma does but I know it works.
It’s been such a joy to work together and I am very grateful for all your help! I am so happy (and proud) I made the decision to work with you and want to say a big thanks. I really do feel different and I am so pleased to be going into this new year with a different mindset.
Elizabeth, Journalist
Before working with Gemma, I had never openly discussed anxiety before, and generally avoided talking about it because talking about anxiety makes me anxious. I was struggling with the pressure of being a 30 something woman surrounded by super successful, hyper competitive people and the expectations of me. I felt a tension, like a weight of heaviness on my chest that I was semi conscious of most of the time, but worsened when feeling low.
Since working with Gemma, I have learnt more awareness of how anxiety manifests in my body and how to get to my happy state through really helpful visual practical tools that I use frequently that bring me calm and strength. I now understand the link between the body and anxiety and how I’m carrying it, and crucially how to unwind it. I feel so much greater ability to be happy and relaxed now I have the tools to get there.
Amy Thompson, Strategy Manager
Gemma is highly effective and able to induce almost immediate, yet lasting behaviour change. I found her approach smart and considered and really helpful towards achieving goals and objectives.
Joe Wade, Co-Founder of Don’t Panic creative agency
Working with Gemma has helped me understand my anxiety more and the reasons for why this behaviour started. It has also been helpful just talking through my feelings with Gemma – often I enter a session not having anything particular to discuss and then by the end Gemma has helped uncover and overcome a mental block.
Gemma has made me realise that anxiety is a part of my bodies flight or flight mode and that it often has protective positive intentions which has helped me to accept it as part of my life. This helps me deal with it in a more positive way as I now see it as a positive aspect of my personality and how I process situations.
I am able to take time out when anxiety overwhelms me using the breathing techniques and have also been able to heal myself from past situations through visualisations. Most importantly I’ve been able to open up more to others and am slowly working on removing mental and emotional blocks that I didn’t know I had.
I would recommend Gemma for anyone with anxiety especially those who have tried CBT and found it unhelpful for them.
Emily
“After my first session with Gemma, I felt like a weight had been lifted. Gemma is both professional and adaptable: it was clear she knew exactly what she was doing every step of the way, guiding me through the NLP process, meanwhile while she was incredibly responsive, adapting to what I said and tailoring the process. As someone who typically doesn’t give myself the space to validate and feel my own emotions, I was surprised by how much I managed to open up during the session. I addressed trauma from years ago which – I realised – had continued to have a profound effect on me, my daily thought patterns and my behaviour. With Gemma’s help, I was able to acknowledge and, latterly, release myself from that bind – something I never would have been able to do by myself – which has had a lasting impact long beyond our session. I feel unburdened and calmer going forward.”
Francesca Spector, journalist, podcaster and author of “Alonement”
I was blown away by working with Gemma. I’ve had different therapies before but this was so unique, I really felt like she tapped into something that no one has ever tapped into before. It really brought out the emotions, and allowed me to understand myself, forgive myself and find compassion and even love the parts of myself that have been painful. It was so interesting, I love how she tapped into my spirituality, she could really read and feel my energy. I had something in my life I needed to deal with, and now I feel so empowered. I feel so confident and so calm after working with Gemma.
Whitney Valverde, Influencer and Creative Director of Teeka Atelier
” I was so surprised about how informative coaching was about my understanding of self. I thought it would be more practical like CBT, but it freed me in a way that therapy hasn’t and has so helped me. ”
Heydon Prowse, BBC Comedian, Director and TV presenter.
“It’s been amazing working with and learning with Gemma. She’s so passionate about making a positive change in the world and it really rubs off. I received some amazing support in a major mental barrier i was working to overcome in my life and she quickly and compassionately helped me work through it. Highly recommended!”
Arthur Kay, CEO and Founder of BioBean and SkyRoom
“I met with Gemma as, like many people, 2020 has left me feeling more anxious than ever and I was interested to see how NLP could help me approach this more constructively. From the end of our first session it was clear that Gemma has not only created a space with her clients that is safe and supportive but that she is invested in providing you with practical resources and exercises at the end of each session to help you deal with stress, anxiety and, well, anything life has to throw at you. Gemma was such a reassuring presence and I’m incredibly grateful to her for the tools she has given me. I feel much more equipped to tackle moments of crisis going forward. “
Amy Cooper, Head of Content at Bauer Media
“Gemma is an amazing coach and leader – she has a naturally calm, intuitive manner, that puts you at ease from the start. I saw Gemma to help manage my anxiety after a lot of personal life changes, and she made me feel so much calmer and more grounded through helpful practical exercises. I would recommend her coaching to anyone who feels a little lost and in need of guidance, she helps you get back on track with yourself and feel more supported.”
Angelica Malin, Editor in Chief of About Time Magazine
“My session with Gemma improved my mental health more than I could have hoped. I did an initial session to deal with issues surrounding anxiety, which provided me with coping mechanisms to take forward, and a second session after I lost my job which I also found enormously helpful in rebuilding my confidence. I’m very grateful for Gemma’s help and would recommend her to anyone who want change.”
Rebecca Reid, Journalist and Author
I received coaching from Gemma when I was at a changing point in my career and I found it very useful to be challenged in thinking about the mental and practical steps I needed to take, from an angle that I would not have thought of myself. We developed together a reference scheme which encouraged me to consider targets not only in terms of practical achievements but also in terms of gaining personal satisfaction and communal improvements.
Stefano Casalotti, Senior Lecturer in Bioscience, University of East London
“Gemma’s support allowed me to appreciate the nuances with all situations, assessing my personal situation from a different perspective. She taught me extremely powerful techniques, which has been greatly applied both personally and to my professional outlook.”
Benjamin King, Head Of Customer Services at Cubbi
“I admit that I was previously a little sceptical about NLP. But I learnt a huge amount from my session with Gemma, mainly about myself and the way I interact with the people around me. I now feel that I am better equipped to handle all sorts of situations, both professional and personal.”
Max Julius, Head of Content at Legal & General Investment Management
“Gemma provides a welcoming, safe presence when conducting a coaching session – having never done anything like this before I couldn’t have wished for a better first experience. Since the session the goals and problems talked about have felt a lot clearer – the next meeting can’t come soon enough.”
Jack Bailey, TV Producer
“My coaching session with Gemma focused on reducing my anxiety in relation to a particular work topic that has hindered my progress. I found the session invaluable and now have specific techniques which I am using consistently to help with this issue. I thoroughly enjoyed the session, Gemma put me at ease immediately and my confidence and wellbeing improved within one session. I am looking forward to further sessions to explore other issues”
Hannah Levy, Commercial Manager
