Artists

Artists face unique challenges to their mental well-being that stem from choosing to do the hardest (and potentially most rewarding) thing in the world: to display vulnerability and honesty while attempting to channel something meaningful, authentic, and unique, and put this creative child into the world with the hope that it will be appreciated. 

Having trained and worked as an actor and filmmaker I have an intimate understanding of the creative process. I have also faced severe creative blocks in my work, and as a result have read many books, spoken to other artists, and sought my own therapy to help me work through these challenges. This has not only helped me immensely in my own creative life, but it inspired me to focus my training as a therapist on how to effectively support other artists.

Some of the challenges that I feel confident in supporting you through include:

  1. Uncovering a creative process that is most conducive to your specific way of creating.

  2. Understanding and working through creative blocks.

  3. Working effectively with the anxiety and depression that comes from the inevitable fallow times of a creative life.

  4. Working effectively with the fears of putting a creative project out into the world.

  5. Working effectively with the many challenges that can emerge from success.

  6. Helping you to connect with and tap into your unique artistic voice and vision and align you with unconscious creative forces.

  7. Supporting you in developing healthy coping strategies and resilience in dealing with criticism and rejection. 

  8. Assisting you in navigating the challenges of balancing commercial success with artistic integrity.

  9. Encouraging self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout.

  10. Moving you from a desire for validation through fame as the driving factor behind your art towards a process of self-discovery where you learn to tap into your inner wisdom and create from a place of authenticity and wholeness.

My hope is that in working together we can help you overcome the difficulties of your creative journey and live a fulfilling life as you bring your unique gifts to the world.

"The artist must be willing to confront the shadow and the light within themselves, to bring forth the gifts of their soul."

- Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Therapy for Artists FAQs

  • A creative block is a mental or emotional barrier that hinders an individual's ability to access their innate creativity, imagination, and inspiration. It is a common phenomenon that can affect anyone who engages in creative pursuits, such as visual artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, architects, dancers, actors, advertising creatives and designers.

    A block may manifest as feeling stuck, lacking motivation, experiencing self-doubt, being unable to express oneself authentically, or being unable to generate new ideas.

  • Yes, therapy can be a valuable resource in addressing and overcoming creative blocks. Psychotherapy can help explore the root causes of creative barriers and provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to work through challenges. A tailored therapeutic approach addressing specific needs and goals can be effective in cultivating a healthier relationship with your creativity.

  • Therapy can be a very helpful tool to enhance creativity. I aim to work with my clients to provide them with the tools and techniques to cultivate a more open, flexible, and creative mindset, as well as address any underlying emotional or psychological issues that may be impacting their ability to create.

    Therapy can help individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, such as self-doubt or fear of failure, that can limit creativity. It can also help individuals to develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience, which can be beneficial in overcoming creative obstacles and setbacks.

  • There are many potential causes of creative block, including stress, burnout, perfectionism, fear of failure, and external pressures or distractions. Addressing these underlying factors with the help of a therapist can help to overcome creative block and get back to a more productive and fulfilling creative process.

  • The duration of a creative block can vary widely, depending on the individual and the underlying causes of the block. For some people, a creative block may last only a few hours or days, while for others it may last for weeks, months, or even years.

    It's important to remember that experiencing a creative block is a normal part of the creative process and that it can be overcome with patience, persistence, and a willingness to experiment and try new things.

  • Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's emotional and psychological well-being, and can manifest in a variety of ways, including creative blocks.

    Trauma can cause feelings of fear, shame, and self-doubt, which can in turn impact an individual's ability to create. Creative work can be a vulnerable and deeply personal process, and trauma can lead to a loss of confidence, motivation, and inspiration. Trauma can also lead to negative self-talk, self-criticism, and a fear of failure, which can contribute to a creative block.

    Working with a therapist to process the impact of the trauma can be essential to help reengage an individual in their creative work.

  • Depression can hinder an individual's ability to engage in creative work. It can lead to a loss of motivation, inspiration, and enjoyment in the creative process, as well as a loss of confidence in one's abilities. The energy required to mobilize when engaging in a creative process can be depleted as the psyche becomes overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness, despair, and disconnection.

    Working with a therapist to address the root causes of depression can help alleviate the symptoms, allowing the individual to re-engage with their creativity.

  • Dreams offer a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of our psyche, where the creative potential resides. They are manifestations of our unconscious mind, a realm that is not bound by the constraints and limitations of conscious, rational thought. By working with dreams, we can access the reservoir of untapped creative energy that lies within the unconscious.

  • I recognize that being an artist can mean financial instability, and for many affording my rate can be a challenge.

    I am working on creating a group for artists struggling with blocks to their creativity which will be more financially affordable than weekly individual therapy. Group work can also provide the unique advantage of being able to give and receive support and insight to peers.

    If you are interested in joining this grou, please send me an e-mail and we will work together to find you the support you deserve.