As a former opera singer and lifelong musician, I bring lived understanding, deep respect, and heightened empathy to my work with performing artists. Having immersed myself in the performing arts for most of my life, I recognize that singers, actors, musicians, dancers, comedians, and artists across disciplines frequently encounter unique challenges that can deeply impact their well-being.

Music, theater, dance, and the arts are incredible conductors of emotions, and prior to coming to therapy, many artists have harnessed the therapeutic potential of art, music, movement, and storytelling to navigate the complexities of their human experience.

The journey of a performing artist is frequently defined by a profound longing for connection, visibility, and understanding.

Paradoxically, these artistic realms are frequently fraught with systemic barriers and intense competition. Over time, many performing artists find themselves losing sight of the intrinsic therapeutic aspects of their craft. The genuine joy and healing potential that initially fueled their artistic pursuits often become overshadowed by the demanding stressors inherent in navigating fiercely competitive markets.

My goal is to create a safe and nurturing space where performing artists can explore, heal, and thrive. Whether you are a singer, actor, musician, dancer, comedian, or a visual/aural performer working across diverse disciplines, I invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and well-being. Together, we can navigate the challenges inherent in the performing arts world, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and your craft.

With a focus on nervous system regulation and trauma, I provide therapy for performing artists in the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas. I have had the privilege of providing therapy to opera singers, musicians, dancers, actors and models. Artists, creatives, and performers experience unique pressures and challenges in their fields. While performing artists are not monoliths, they often come into therapy with a level of openness, right-brain comfortability, imagination and vulnerability that allows us to lean into depth work with abandon.

SYSTEMS OF TRAUMA

While strides have been made in advancing diversity, equity, and trauma-informed practices within the Arts, there remains considerable ground to cover. Performing artists frequently encounter significant challenges, where the pursuit of financial stability and career advancement often takes precedence over their holistic well-being. Tragically, instances of abuse from individuals in positions of power persist, leaving singers, musicians, actors, and other performing artists feeling trapped, unable to assert their needs or maintain boundaries safely.

Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ artists, in particular, encounter marginalization, microaggressions, and systemic oppression within the performing arts community, leading to profound impacts on mental, physical, and emotional wellness. Therapy serves as a vital resource in navigating these experiences, offering avenues for processing trauma, fostering solidarity, and developing effective strategies for boundary-setting and self-advocacy.

PERFORMANCE ANXIETY

Performance anxiety is a common hurdle for many performing artists. It manifests as waves of anxiety, varying degrees of dysregulation, or sudden bouts of stage fright that can strike without warning. These experiences can be profoundly distressing, evoking feelings of dread, fear, and terror surrounding the performing process.

Contrary to popular belief, performance anxiety is not exclusive to novice performers. Even highly seasoned professionals may grapple with it silently, burdened by shame and the weight of crippling performance anxiety. In therapy, performing artists can learn to navigate their internal dynamics, including protective parts that may trigger dissociation, panic, freeze, or collapse during performances.

Therapeutic interventions often take a holistic approach, addressing both the nervous system and cognitive processes underlying performance anxiety. By employing techniques such as a “bottom-up” approach, therapy aims to support performers in understanding and empathizing with the root causes of their anxiety while providing practical strategies for managing and overcoming it.

COMPARISONITIS & SCARCITY

The performing arts industry demands a level of excellence that often leads artists to focus solely on their craft, effectively “monocropping” their lives. Understandably, the pursuit of perfection in their chosen field becomes all-consuming, leaving little room for exploration or fulfillment in other aspects of life. In therapy sessions tailored for performing artists, we dedicate significant time to employing Narrative Therapy techniques. This approach allows us to unravel and deconstruct the dominant narratives surrounding their roles and identities as artists. By examining these narratives through a critical lens, individuals can gain insight into the limitations they impose on themselves and explore alternative perspectives.

IDENTITY & WELL-ROUNDED LIVING

By embracing a more holistic approach to life, performers can cultivate a sense of balance and well-being. Therapy encourages individuals to seek out diverse experiences and engage in activities that nourish their mind, body, and spirit. This may involve pursuing hobbies outside of their artistic pursuits, connecting with nature, nurturing relationships, or exploring avenues for personal growth. Ultimately, the goal is to help performing artists feel fulfilled and satiated in all aspects of their lives. Through Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy, “parts work,” Narrative Therapy and a commitment to exploration and self-discovery, individuals can break free from the constraints of monocropped identities and embrace a more expansive and enriching existence.

WHO AM I AS AN ARTIST? AND WHY?

In addition to delving into identity exploration and nervous system regulation, a significant aspect of the therapeutic journey with performing artists revolves around understanding the underlying motivations behind their artistry. Through collaborative exploration, we uncover the root causes of any obstacles hindering their path to self-actualization and fulfillment. My overarching objective is to empower my creative and artistic clients, guiding them towards a journey marked by stability, holistic well-being, balance, and renewed energy in their relationship with their career and identity as performing artists. Together, we strive to cultivate a profound sense of authenticity and alignment, enabling them to thrive both artistically and personally.

Ways to Work Together

If you are interested in working together

I also run a music therapy processing group for trauma,

that is accepting year-round referrals!