As an artist, you encounter very specific challenges in your life: dealing with creative blocks in your work, handling the uncertainty of when you will get your next job, the subjectivity of the entertainment or creative industry. How can therapy help with this?
It’s understandable to have feelings of anxiety, doubt or worry about your career in a creative field. As a former actor myself, I remember the feelings of uncertainty or self-doubt that would creep in before an audition or casting. And in the moments in between auditions, I would question my abilities or my place in the industry and wondering if I am a fool for pursuing my acting dreams. Part of what can help is talking to a therapist about your thoughts and feelings and fears. It can feel relieving to talk to a licensed professional about how to manage your fears, recognize when they are real and when they are a moment of self-doubt. By acknowledging the fears and talking about them out loud, it can also lessen the impact they have on you emotionally and help you to make better decisions for yourself. It is best to make decisions that are well thought out instead of from a place of fear or insecurity, therapy can help you discover what you truly want for yourself in a congruent and thoughtful way, giving you more confidence and increased self-worth.
My high school acting teacher was one of the most impactful people in my life and I will never forget the sign posted backstage: “Leave it at the door.” However, there can be times when life happens and, understandably, feelings can get overwhelming and take over, making it difficult to leave our life’s problems at the stage door. If we have experienced a loss, a recent break up, a sudden death of a loved one or an injury that leaves us unable to do the things we love to, we may experience feelings of sadness, depression and grief. Therapy can help process these feelings in a safe and supportive environment and help you to work through the complicated feelings of grief and loss. Therapy helps to heal in a healthy and productive way and may help with also identifying ways to cope and get the support you need during this difficult time.
Finally, it is a vital part of any actor’s process to keep your creative life alive. Creative blocks can creep up for any actor and sometimes it’s helpful have a plan to cultivate your creativity. Talking through barriers to your creative self can be a way to work through these blocks. With a therapist you can identify what helps you cultivate creativity and rediscover a space where your creativity can grow and thrive.
I hold a tremendous amount of respect for actors and artists who pursue their dreams of expression and storytelling. It is a true joy for me to work with artists and provide healing support to so you can continue the wonderful and important work you do. I feel now, more than ever, storytellers are needed to bring light to the oppressed and silenced. I would love to be a part of your creative journey.
If you feel you may benefit from therapy, phone consultations with me are always free.
With love, joy and compassion
Renee