Counselling / Psychotherapy

Adam Ficek is a UKCP Accredited Clinical Psychotherapist, MBACP Counsellor and is qualified in EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. He has been involved in the music industry for 25 years as a performing artist and DJ and toured extensively at top level (EMI/Parlophone/Rough Trade) as a solo artist, band member and as a DJ. Following his own therapeutic experience within the music industry and witnessing the struggles (and consequences) of many of his peers, he decided to train as a psychotherapist.

Adam is experienced in both the NHS and private mental health settings. Areas of expertise include Anxiety, Addiction, Depression, Fame and celebrity, Trauma, Relationships, Burnout, Self esteem, Coaching (psychological and performance), substance abuse, touring and performance strategies.

From my unique perspective as both a professional musician and a psychotherapist I am able to draw upon first hand experience in both therapeutic, and performance practice, towards the implementation and management of mental health strategies in the music industry.

Alice Louise Nicholas is a Dramatherapist with 15 years professional experience as a performer / actor, playwright and director in the performing arts. Alice has experience in working with performing artists especially actors, directors, writers, theatre makers, devisers, performers, course leaders / tutors, dancers, producers. She can help with issues relating to any type of mental health, ill health (mild to severe), anxiety, trauma, abuse, neglect, attachment disorders / difficulties stress, relationship difficulties (inter and intra-personal), self-harm, social and emotional difficulties, developmental trauma, self-esteem and confidence.

Andrea Binks is a counsellor with three years training at Performers College. As a performing artist she worked as a dancer, singer, actress and presenter. As a counsellor Andrea is experienced in working with performing artists and can help with issues relating to depression, low mood, anxiety, performance anxiety, social anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, grief and loss, and eating disorders.

Angie Knowles is a BACP registered psychotherapist and counsellor, specialising in anxiety, trauma, abuse, stress, depression, confidence, self-esteem, gender, sexuality, addiction, low mood and loss. She has personal experience as an actor and writer.

"I offer a safe, non-judgemental, LGBTQIA+ affirmative space, for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours".

Ansuman Biswas is a BACP registered Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor who brings to his therapeutic practice extensive experience as an interdisciplinary artist working in music, film, live art, installation, writing and theatre. Ansuman helps clients in the performing arts with issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bereavement, disability, identity, and relationship issues. He uses a number of modalities as an integrative therapist including CBT techniques, existential analysis, person-centered and psychodynamic therapy.

Beca Jones is a Dramatherapist and Clinical Supervisor with a background in acting and as a drama facilitator. She works both in Welsh and English and is able to speak and understand Spanish to a high standard.

Beca can help with relational issues such as attachment, trauma, learning difficulties, stress and overwhelm, loneliness and isolation, therapeutic parenting, working with highly sensitive individuals, working with empaths, identity and belonging.

Bill Key holds a CPCAB level 4 Diploma in integrative therapeutic counselling from the Counselling and Psychotherapy Training Academy. He works from a range of methodologies including person-centred therapy and psychodynamic therapy. He worked in the entertainment industry for many years and understands the pressures and stresses involved. He can help performing artists with a wide range of issues including anxiety, anger management, alcohol/substance misuse, sex/love addiction, obsession, feeling ‘different’, low self-esteem, grief, family and relationship problems.

"If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems or unwelcome thoughts or feelings I can help. I offer a safe, positive space for adults and young people where we can work together and enable you to move towards greater self-acceptance and positive change."

Caroline Chapman is a psychodynamic psychotherapist experienced in working with performing artists to help with problems including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship breakdown and bereavement. Caroline previously worked as a theatre designer and is familiar working with performing arts clients with an explorative and collaborative approach to therapy which facilitates development and change. She also trained as a Dynamic Interpersonal Therapist at the Anna Freud Centre and became an accredited DIT practitioner in 2014.

Chris Madden is a counsellor and psychotherapist whose background in the music industry gives him an informed understanding of the sector. His therapeutic experience within the creative community includes supporting many clients from the music, live events and other creative industries such as musicians/vocalists, actors, and production/technical crew. He can help address a broad range of issues including relationship problems/difficulties, anxiety, stress, trauma and depression, problematic alcohol and substance/drug behaviour, crisis intervention. Chris uses an integrative therapeutic approach. He is trained in Person-centred / relational approaches / Solution Focused therapy.

Chris has considerable experience of working with students in university settings and is the lead counsellor/wellbeing officer at a university. He is experienced in working with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Asperger Syndrome and SEND diagnoses.

He is an accredited Mental Health First Aid (England) Instructor, a therapeutic service provider for the charity Music Support, a member of Help Musicians UK charity’s Health and Welfare Advisory panel and Chair of the Board of Trustees with MAP Charity, a Leeds based charity offering creative programmes for young people at risk of exclusion from mainstream education.

Prior to retraining as a therapist, Chris worked in the music industries for over 20 years.

Colin Mitchell is a highly experienced (BACP Accredited) counsellor and clinical supervisor, who works with clients in the performing arts in Scotland. He obtained an MSc in Counselling from the University of Abertay, Dundee. He furthered his specialist training in EMDR and is a COSCA Accredited Diploma trainer. Colin has delivered post-graduate equivalent training in counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Colin can help with issues relating to low mood, depression, stress, anxiety, OCD, trauma/PTSD, addictive behaviours, disordered eating, anger, self-esteem and identity.

Daisy Duval is a humanistic psychotherapeutic counsellor trained in Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, person-centred and existential approaches. She works with parts of the self; metaphor and imagery; clues from the body, such as bodily sensations and gestures; relational patterns noticed in one's personal life and in the therapy room.

Daisy has worked with young people and students, women who have a history of trauma, and people experiencing a range of emotional and relational difficulties often at transitional points in their life. She offers counselling to professional voice users as part of a holistic vocal care centre based in Lewes. Daisy can help with issues relating to anxiety, depression, family issues, loneliness, health related issues, identity issues, life transitions, parenting issues, relationships, self esteem, self-harm, stress, trauma, and work-related issues.

Dave Chambers is a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist offering a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for musicians, artists and others.   He provides online video and telephone therapy to people experiencing a wide range of issues including;

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Low Self-Esteem
• LGBTQ+
• Stress
• Racial Discrimination
• HIV & AIDS
• Relationship Problems
• Anger

Dave specialises in masculinity issues – helping men to become more comfortable with expressing their emotions and vulnerabilities, in order to improve their performance, relationships and quality of life. He has also received additional training in working with clients from the Black, Asian and LGBTQ+ communities and uses affirmative practice.  Dave is sensitive to the needs of marginalised people and welcomes clients of all genders, sexualities and ethnicities.

Dave offers a free, no-obligation first session, giving you the opportunity to assess how he works and to help you decide whether you wish to continue.

Dr Alex Willner offers both short and long-term psychological therapy depending on the nature of the problem, individual needs, hopes and expectations, and the approach adopted, providing a responsive service that focuses on unique, individual needs to find a way forward and is dedicated to making a difference. Psychodynamic therapy is typically integrated with a focused, more behavioural approach directed at symptom alleviation.

As a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, HCPC Registered and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Dr Willner has practiced for over 20 years, working mainly with adults across a wide spectrum of emotional and psychological difficulties.

Expertise and experience to help with a wide range of issues including:

• Eating disorders including Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa and Binge-eating
• Obesity
• Relationship difficulties
• Bereavement, grief, loss or separation
• Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• Low mood or depression
• Anxiety and stress
• Coping with adjustments and life transitions
• Work-related concerns

Dr Gabriella Romano is a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in Sleep Disorders. She works with adults struggling with their sleep on issues like insomnia, stress management, anxiety, depression, irritability and low mood, and fatigue.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with a specialist interest in the non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders. I offer individual and group therapy mostly online. I work with patients to explore the route causes of tiredness, exhaustion, excessive sleepiness, mental unease and use evidence-based approaches to alleviate these, signposting to other experts in the field when needed. I also offer advanced teaching and training to staff groups seeking to enhance their knowledge on sleep and health professionals who would like to develop their clinical practice.

Gabriella uses techniques including CBTi (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia). This approach is most likely to be beneficial to someone who is in a position to wake up at the same time every day for a period of time, so it is not likely to be an effective treatment for people who are currently touring.

Gabriella has 20 years experience of working in academic, community and specialist NHS departments both as a researcher and practitioner psychologist. She is also a singer and a songwriter with experience of performing in front of small and large audiences. She has experience of touring, managing large bands, events and stage management.

CBTi is available for both individuals and groups.

Gabriella practises privately (sleeppsychologist.co.uk) and on the NHS.

The team that Gabriella works with on the NHS are based at: Insomnia and behavioural sleep medicine clinic : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (uclh.nhs.uk). To be seen as an NHS patient, you must be referred by your NHS GP.

Dr. Sidrah Muntaha is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working privately and in the NHS, with adults experiencing severe mental health difficulties. She provides individual therapy, group work and supervises/trains mental health professionals delivering psychological treatment. In her private practice, she sees performing artistes, musicians and creatives who are experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, Psychosis, PTSD and other mental health difficulties. Sidrah has over 20 years of experience working in the NHS, and is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy and Systemic Therapy. She also incorporates music in CBT (CBT-music) to support psychological formulation and treatment.

Dr. Tom Mountjoy is an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist with substantial experience across mental health, clinical health psychology, and neuropsychology settings (NHS and Independent Practice). He is also a published Composer/Producer and multi-instrumentalist, working exclusively in television and film production music, and splits his time between these two professions.

Tom has a genuine interest in the Arts and a solid understanding of many challenges faced by people working in this field. He is experienced in working therapeutically with high-performing individuals from a range of industries, and is dedicated in offering quality mental health input to working-age adults.

Clinically, Tom provides assessment and therapy services that address a variety of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, as well as workplace-related challenges and occupational stress. He has additional interests in acquired brain injury, neurological conditions, medically unexplained symptoms and neurological-like symptoms, and adjustment to living with chronic health conditions and disability.

In terms of therapeutic approach, Tom predominantly uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy informed approaches but adopts an integrative style. He offers remote consultations (nationwide) and face-to-face appointments (central Leeds). Tom sees individuals aged 18 upwards and works clinically on Mondays and Tuesdays; please expect a delay in response outside of these times.

Areas of interest:

Mental Health, including:
• Anxiety
• Depression and low-mood
• Stress and adjustment to difficult life events
• Panic Attacks
• Phobias
• Self-esteem and assertiveness

Occupational Health:
• Workplace stress management
• Developing resilience
• Managing work-life balance
• Specialist assessment and support

Physical Health:
• The psychological impact of living with physical health conditions such as neurological conditions (including acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, stroke), chronic health conditions, and medically unexplained and neurological-like symptoms (such as non-epileptic attacks and functional movement disorders)
• Living with other difficulties related to health conditions, such as chronic pain and issues relating to self-identity

Fiona Gray is a Trauma Informed Counsellor, Therapeutic Coach and Clinical Supervisor, and a former contemporary dancer. For several years, Fiona has worked within an NHS Talking Therapy Service. Fiona is also experienced in working with performing artists including actors, dancers, musicians and other creatives for a number of organisations including MIF - Manchester International Festival, ACE Dance and Music based in Birmingham. She also works with Musicians from The Royal Northern College of Music.

Fiona offers Person-Centred Counselling, long and short-term counselling and short-term therapeutic coaching, which incorporates creative visualisation, breathwork, inner child work, parts-therapy and chair work. She can help with issues relating to anxiety, depression, historical child sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment, trauma, confidence, stage fright, emotional support through the creative process, personal and professional development and creative block.

Following graduation from Central School I spent many years working in TiE (Theatre in Education). I also worked in repertory theatre, TV, commercials and extensively as a voice-over artist. I continued to work in the profession until 2011 when I began training as a psychotherapist.

I have been working with actors, dancers, musicians, writers and artists, together with production staff and technical crew, for many years. I enjoy this work immensely and it has become a special interest of mine; identifying the common issues among artists and how I might best use my own experience of the profession and my experience of counselling and psychotherapy to assist them. I have developed this knowledge and experience over the years to include “Know-How” and “Wellbeing” workshops, the most recent of which being “Understanding and Managing Performance and Audition Anxiety”.

Over the years I have been presented with issues including self-confidence, procrastination, self-esteem, perfectionism, unemployment, issues around success and failure, writer’s block, performance and audition anxieties, phobias, criticism, managing injury, issues around ageing, career change and career development. However, in my experience, not all clients present with issues relating to their career.

I have particular experience in working with performance and audition anxiety, and anxiety, depression and panic attacks in general.

More information for clients in London: www.fjmtherapy.co.uk
Clients in Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire: www.fionamackenzie.co.uk

Geoff Baxter is a psychotherapist and performance coach.

"I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (CBT) with over 15 years experience. I see clients in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and Marylebone, Central London and also provide supervision in CBT and REBT.

After initial training as a musician in Northern Ireland I moved to London to pursue a career as a professional trombonist. It was during this time that I first became interested in therapy, initially in relation to performance. After completing a Masters degree in psychology for musicians I decided to pursue therapy as a career and then went about acquiring the training and knowledge necessary.

I have worked as a CBT Therapist at the Priory Hospital and a performance therapist at Trinity College of Music. In addition to my clinical work I have also taught and supervised students on the Rational Emotive & Cognitive- Behaviour Therapy Masters Degree course at Goldsmith’s College, University of London. I currently work in private practice."

Hannah is a psychotherapist specialising in EMDR. She has worked with a variety of creative practitioners working from violinists to singers and DJs, and can help with trauma, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, bereavement etc. She also uses EMDR to support performance optimisation for those working in the arts, sport, business and science.

Heather is a dramatherapist based in County Armagh in Northern Ireland, having graduated from Maynooth University in Kildare in 2018. She works full-time as a Psychological Trauma Therapist using Dramatherapy and cognitive behavioural practice in the Trauma Centre in the Belfast NHS Trust. She has a specific interest in trauma and specialises in one-to-one sessions. Heather is also a singer, and has experience in acting and presenting, as well as working freelance for community groups and private clients.

Heather is passionate about promoting dramatherapy within the NI NHS Trusts, as well as working towards creating a dramatherapy Masters' course in Northern Irish universities. Heatheris the Vice-Chair for BADth (British Association of Dramatherapists),the NI rep for dramatherapy in AHPFNI (Allied Health Professionals Federation Northern Ireland), and is also a former council person and registered member of IACAT (Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists).

Helen Brice is an experienced psychotherapist, counsellor and skills coach who worked for 17 years in the commercial music industry as a performer, music producer & manager before going on to set up a psychotherapeutic service for performers, Stimmung Therapy. Where appropriate, clients can access the Stimmung Therapy Programme, delivered together with Miranda Jackson, who is also a BAPAM Registered therapist. Initial assessment is followed by a combination of trauma/existential/autogenic work, and skills coaching and behaviour therapy for breaking old habits and creating new ones. Helen also offers Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO DBT)-informed sessions for maladaptive perfectionism and procrastination.

Jonathan Falcone is a qualified psychotherapist with a Masters Degree (MSc) in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy, a Clinical Diploma (Cl Dip) in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy. He is certified by the European Association of Transactional Analysis (EATA) and has a certificate of accreditation in the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) endorsed ‘couples therapy for depression (CTFD)’ programme at the Tavistock Institute. Jonathan is registered as a Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), the International Association of Relational Transactional Analysis (IARTA) and the European Association of Transactional Analysis (EATA).

Jonathan has an interest in relational therapy techniques and couples work and, as a former professional musician, understands the pressures of performance, judgement and balancing creativity with financial stability. "I believe these types of pressures affect everyone, not just musicians or artists and, accordingly, I like looking creatively at our life situations and using the power of imagination to help us move toward the places we want to inhabit".

Jonathan supports musicians and people in the creative industries to explore themselves and either manage difficult experiences, feelings and behaviours, such as anxiety, depression, stress, uncertainty, inner conflict or other areas of emotional challenge. He also helps creative clients to thrive and gain more for themselves, to support them to trust their instincts more, and feel less inhibited in expressing their wants and needs.

Kasia Marzyńska is a psychotherapist experienced helping a wide range of performing artists having worked for five years at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Kasia specialises in EMDR and trauma therapy and offers mindfulness based cognitive therapy.

She works with a wide range of psychological problems including: depression, anxiety, Stage fright, low self-esteem & low confidence, sexual identity and diversity, loss & bereavement, stress, bullying, racism, relationship difficulties, abuse, trauma, intergenerational trauma, PTSD and CPTSD, childhood adverse experience and neglect, anger, shame, disordered eating, chronic illness, phobias and OCD, life transitions and isolation.

Kasia offers counselling and psychotherapy short and long term; Gestalt Psychotherapy, EMDR & Trauma Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

Kasia speaks English, Polish and Italian.

Kaylea is a person-centred counsellor, working in an integrative way to suit individual need: "I believe no two people are ever the same, so how can a counselling approach be? For that reason, my work is predominantly non-directive as I believe the client is the expert of themselves, so the approach to therapy should be whatever feels right for the client."  She has worked with artists and writers, using a creative approach as a tool for self-exploration. Kaylea is also a Lead Counsellor for an Arts based university working with students within the arts sector.

Kaylea has a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts and has worked as an actor, facilitator and voice over artist. She has also worked within the corporate role-play sector for many years. Alongside her person-centred training, she has an extensive background in the arts, using expressive arts in her counselling work when appropriate. Kaylea has also received training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is experienced at being an Arts for Wellbeing Practitioner. She is also currently working towards a Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy, exploring the use of Expressive Arts for chronic pain.

She can help with issues relating to anxiety, depression, domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma, health related difficulties, bereavement & loss, stress, self-esteem, self harm, relationship and work difficulties. Kaylea has counselling rooms in central Manchester and Boothstown.

Kristina Kennedy is an experienced UKCP MBACP, Integrative Psychotherapist and EMDR Practitioner. In addition to helping clients through Integrative and Transpersonal psychotherapy and EMDR approaches, Kristina is an ICF PCC Transformative Coach which enables her to combine coaching and psychotherapy for those seeking a more structured Coach-Therapy approach.

I help artists, actors, musicians, dancers, singers and other creative professionals work through and overcome many of the stresses and anxieties that are natural to the industry. I work daily with clients suffering from imposter Syndrome, low self-esteem, insecurities in the industry, stage- and performance anxiety. The nature of the industry can be harsh and unstable and I feel it is incredibly important to help artists stay healthy, confident and on track with their goals. I offer a holding, professional, non-judgemental safe space where encouragement, guidance, motivation and positive mindset is practised and embodied. My work is traditional psychotherapy but also experiential and I offer mindfulness techniques and creative work if appropriate and useful during preparation and prior to performing. I offer a place where it is safe to be authentic, vulnerable and truthful.

I bring together a variety of approaches and techniques that will be specific to my work with you. Areas I frequently work with are:

Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Loss, Post-traumatic stress, Trauma, Expatriate and Relocation issues, Career coaching, Development coaching, Executive coaching, Life coaching, Personal development, ADD / ADHD, Cancer, Chronic fatigue, Health related issues, Cultural issues, Men’s issues, Self-esteem, Spirituality, Women’s issues, Child related issues, Relationships, Sex-related issues, Anger management, Redundancy, Stress, Work related issues.

Lizzie Devlin is an Art Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor who works on one to one basis and in group-work.  She has ten years clinical experience working with both children and adults in specialist Counselling services in the community and in schools.

As an Art Psychotherapist Lizzie has provided support to musicians and vocalists and has extensive experience working in the arts, and in the arts in health sector for over 30 years.  Separate to her work as an Art Psychotherapist Lizzie is an Arts Development Officer with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and works with a with a diverse range of arts organisations and artists across all art-form practices including circus and carnival, theatre companies, arts in health, intercultural arts and festivals and venues.

Lizzie is keen to provide therapeutic support for practitioners, musicians, performers, production and technical staff in the Creative Sector.  She has clinical experience of supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship difficulties, autism, ADHD, developmental,  psychological trauma, PTSD and Bi-polar disorder.

Her background is in Fine Art (Leeds University) where her studio practice specialised in print-making and painting.  In her youth Lizzie was a member of an Irish Dance Ballet company which instilled a life-long interest in all genres of dance.

Lynn Marie Boudreau is an integrative psychotherapist and hypnotherapist who previously trained as an opera singer and sang professionally for 14 years, including with the Welsh National Opera. As a therapist, Lynn uses a variety of techniques to provide a holistic approach that suits the client and their needs. She helps clients with issues relating to mental health such as anxiety, depression, fear, trauma and difficult emotions. She can help with self-doubt and physiological symptoms that prevent artists from experiencing optimal performance. She can also help with lifestyle and wellbeing - such as weight management, sleep issues and unwanted habits - and with personal development such as motivation, identity and building a successful mindset. Lynn uses Hypno-psychotherapy (combining hypnosis and psychotherapy) to address internal conflict and trauma. She also provides coaching and teaches skill-based approaches to overcome challenges and achieve goals.

I have an integrative approach and combine different methods in a way to suit you best. First, we work on building awareness of which negative emotions and beliefs are keeping you stuck in a cycle of unhelpful patterns. Second, we work to dislodge the old patterns, settle internal conflicts and process the negative emotions. Third, you create new ways to think, feel and respond to new experiences, without the past baggage, all while building your confidence, strengths and resources to move forward.

Maria trained in music performance at the Royal Academy of Music (cello) and has worked as a freelance musician, teacher (currently at The Academy of Contemporary Music) and composer. She is a qualified music therapist of more than 20 years’ experience, and is a specialist in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), offering sessions in London and Stroud, Gloucestershire as well as online.

GIM is a type of receptive music psychotherapy designed to explore unconscious processes, and can help with developing inner resources and resilience, by strengthening the connection to the client’s internal world. GIM can support people struggling with depression, anxiety, and performance anxiety, and encourages relaxation skills whilst challenging unhealthy thought processes. Maria is also qualified in the Music and Care approach - a modification of GIM - which can be used where there are traumas or severe mental health issues to help with stabilisation, before progressing to deeper levels of work.

Maria has experience working with PTSD, CPTSD, depression and anxiety, and with people experiencing acute and recovery phases of mental illness. She has helped clients manage alcohol misuse, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, and also has expertise with people with living with dementia, and learning and physical disabilities.

More information about GIM can be found here: https://www.musictherapyreimagined.com/information

Martin Poole is a person-centred counsellor who brings 30 years of work experience as a professional actor, theatre director and producer, as well as experience as a band manager to his practice as a therapist. Martin has a deep understanding of the lifestyles, unpredictable working patterns, and issues encountered by actors, musicians and creative artists. He provides support with issues relating to anxiety and depression, separation and divorce, childhood sexual abuse, bereavement and loss, anger issues, health anxiety, loneliness, alcohol and drug use and abuse, weight issues and suicide.

Matthew Benjamin is a psychotherapeutic counsellor, who worked in the music industry for over thirty years before training to be a therapist. His experience in the creative realm and music world is vast. Matthew has taken the path to work in therapeutic practices, with a deep desire to facilitate helping others to learn more about themselves, to develop, and grow.

Matthew works online, helping performing arts clients with a wide range of emotional and mental health related issues. These include anxiety, depression, addiction, grief and loss, relationship, work issues, stress, and low self esteem. He worked in the music industry for over thirty years prior to training to become a psychotherapist. It has given me a wide and varied range of life experiences which I feel enhance my abilities to work in this field, including:

• a good sensitivity to boundaries
• a capacity to listen attentively over long periods of time
• understanding the importance of patience and unconditional positive regard
• the ability to listen empathically, without passing judgment
• creating and maintaining positive working relationships

"The demands of my occupation in the music industry affected my well being in many areas of my life, and I sought out therapy over fifteen years ago. The work I have done and continued to do with my therapist has shaped me, guided me, and facilitated my journey in such a positive way. It has led me to study psychotherapy, and working with others, both in the music and entertainment industries and from all walks of life."

Melanie Beer is an experienced Dramatherapist, working with adults, young people and children on a one-to-one basis. She is a founding member of a playback theatre company, The Golden Thread, and has been performing interactive improvisational theatre with the company for ten years. Melanie's therapeutic approach combines working with body, imagination and verbal reflection.

"I find that this combination is accessible to people with a wide range of needs and from varying backgrounds. I aim to offer a safe place for exploration, led by your individual needs and supported by the relationship that we build together".

Through drama and movement therapy, Melanie helps with a wide range of problems including complex health needs, relational difficulties, loss and bereavement, anxiety and depression, neurodiversity and trauma.

Melanie is also a clinical supervisor and educator and has developed and delivered a variety of creative training workshops for health practitioners, and mental health projects with a range of organisations.

Michael Read is a qualified therapist with an integrated approach to counselling. Michael has worked in theatre and entertainment for over 20 years, and continues to work as an actor, director and designer occasionally. He has experience in working with actors, musical theatre performers and technicians, and has extensive knowledge of the performing industry in the UK and US (predominantly NYC). Michael has a professional passion for integrating therapeutic techniques into the arts, with particular specialisms in:

Anxiety
Depression
Anger
Addiction
Trauma
Men’s mental health
Interpersonal Issues
LGBTQIA+

Miranda Jackson is a highly experienced psychotherapist and counsellor with over 30 years experience in the music industry as an artist manager. With her insider knowledge of the music industry, she is an expert in musicians' and other arts professionals' mental health. Where appropriate, clients can access the Stimmung Therapy Programme, delivered together with Helen Brice, who is also a BAPAM Registered therapist. This combines one-to-one trauma therapy with skills in Mindfulness and emotional containment, helping to release difficult thoughts and fears in a safe, supportive space.

Miranda works with creative professionals presenting with, for example, drug addiction and substance misuse associated with gig culture, sexual identity, stage identity, eating disorders, struggles with casting, auditions and bookings, stage fright/performance anxiety, bereavement, physical injury and illness, career and life transitions. Stimmung Therapy is based in Piccadilly, London. Miranda also practises in Wiltshire and provides online therapy.

"As a psychotherapist I specialise in working with musicians, actors, writers and performers who are experiencing overwhelming emotions and need support while keeping the channel of self-expression and communication open. I have counselled people of many nationalities, backgrounds and beliefs and all genders and sexualities. All are welcome. With considerable management experience in both the commercial and charity sectors, I have the experience to deal with workplace issues such as redundancy, unfair dismissal, workplace bullying, career development and career change. I have supported a number of survivors of abuse, both male and female and will work with offenders who show genuine remorse. I have a lot of experience in helping clients manage pain and long-term illness, especially ME and now Long Covid."

Miranda is currently only offering online sessions.

Psychosynthesis Counsellor with a background as an actor and drama teacher as well as working with the Samaritans. Lois works with clients to address problems including performance/audition anxiety, family issues, drug and alcohol use, sexual abuse, suicidal thinking, bereavement, anxiety, loss, depression, relationship issues, loss of purpose, sexuality, childhood trauma. 'I believe my careers before becoming a psychotherapeutic counsellor give me added insight into the challenges faced by individuals in the performing arts industries. These can often feel overwhelming, leaving people questioning the purpose and meaning of their professional identity given the stresses of rejection and often financial instability'. Consultations at the Psychosynthesis Trust, London SE1, or online.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy and counselling. A former professional musician. Has helped actors, dancers and musicians with issues including anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationships and family problems, sexuality, bereavement.

Has worked with a variety of creative practitioners including film directors, painters, musicians and dancers, who have presented with depression, eating disorders, anger issues, relationship issues and performance anxiety. Also works with companies advising on employees' stress. Based in both Glasgow and London.

Former professional opera singer providing individuals and couples therapy using integrative, person-centered, psychodynamic, CBT and mindfulness approaches. Helps creative practitioners overcome anxiety, PTSD, relationship issues, grief, bereavement, depression, self-esteem problems. Special interest in voice trauma. She is an Accredited Counsellor for The Foundation for Infant Loss.

Sarah Payler is an experienced psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor working from her consulting room in Charlbury, near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. She also offers sessions online and by telephone. Formerly a professional orchestral and chamber musician, Sarah understands the stresses and unique demands of the performing world and has worked with many actors, musicians, artists and creatives.

As a psychotherapist Sarah helps clients with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional trauma, perfectionism, performance anxiety, psychosomatic problems, identity issues, boarding school syndrome bereavement, relationship and family problems.

She works psychodynamically and psychoanalytically, meaning that the root causes of problems are explored. Often the issues that people struggle with in the present relate to unresolved experiences or events in the past. Feelings and thoughts, which were felt to be unbearable or unacceptable at the time, are pushed down into our unconscious, but are inexplicably stirred up in the present causing conflict. This is often accompanied by emotional and psychological distress. We find ourselves repeating patterns of behaviour and relating without understanding why. Psychodynamic therapy can help clarify these deep emotions so that we can begin to live more freely and authentically, unburdened by the past.

Patricia Connolly is a psychotherapist working within a psychodynamic approach. She focuses on early life experience and relationships to help you understand how they shape who you are in the present. When you begin to more fully explore your emotions and attitudes you can find a deeper self–knowledge, which can also transform the way you relate to others.

Patricia has worked with clients in the creative industries to explore diverse issues including: social anxiety, sexuality, self-esteem, identity and relationships, shame, relationship difficulties, disordered eating, and problems in making emotional connections. She has a Masters degree in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and is an Accredited member of the BACP. She is also an experienced educator and trainer. Before becoming a therapist, Patricia was a film-maker and freelance journalist.

As someone who has spent a long time in the creative industries I feel I have some insight into the satisfactions and the precariousness of this kind of work. Engaging with the arts - in particular music, film and theatre - has always been hugely important to me as a means of understanding how human beings relate to the world and the sense we make of it. I think of psychotherapy as a creative act for both client and therapist and I would like to be able to help performers find ways to manage the pressures of their work while exploring their own psychological and emotional worlds.

Peter Robinson is a counsellor with a PGDip in Integrative Counselling and Coaching. He draws on a range of therapeutic modalities, including integrative, person-centred, psychodynamic and existential therapies, along with CBT and acceptance and commitment therapy. Peter is experienced in working with singers, musicians, producers, songwriters and actors working across TV and stage.

Peter can help with issues relating to self-esteem, inner critic, status, identity, fame, performance anxiety, relationships with band members, colleagues and fans, burnout, social media, sexuality and gender, depression, grief and bereavement and existential issues.

Phil McQuillan was born and educated in Shipley and studied and worked for several years in London and Birmingham, before returning to West Yorkshire where he is now based.

Initially Phil trained as a professional actor and worked in the creative industries before studying Counselling and Psychotherapy. "I believe this has helped me bring empathy, creativity and an ‘outside the box’ quality of thinking to my work". He is currently completing a Masters Degree in Psychology.

Rivka Gottlieb trained at the Royal College of Music and The Juilliard School as a concert harpist, prior to qualifying as a Music Therapist. As a harpist, Rivka has had orchestral experience, worked as a studio recording artist for film and TV soundtracks, and performed with various bands. "I understand first hand the pressure that performers are under. In addition, as a harp teacher, I have found my therapeutic skills extremely valuable in helping to prepare students struggling with the mental challenge of exams and performance anxiety".

Rivka is experienced in working with musicians, actors, musical theatre performers and performing arts students. She can help with issues relating to anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, stress, interpersonal dynamics, trauma, PTSD, Autism, communication difficulties and eating disorders.

Ros Guthrie is a UKCP registered Integrative psychotherapist and Couples counsellor with over 10 years experience within the NHS, organisations, and in private practice. Ros is specialised in traumatic stress counselling and offers EMDR and Debriefing to individuals and organisations. She offers a fixed term or open ended therapy service. She has previous personal experience in the performing arts as a session singer. She is a member of the Black and Asian Therapist Network.

Ros can help with issues relating to stress reduction, anxiety and panic attacks, depression/ loneliness, bereavement /loss, relationship difficulties, effects of childhood abuse, post traumatic stress, workplace issues, fertility and IVF issues, racial and cultural identity issues, discrimination or racism, life stage issues, elderly care, and parenting.

Russell Oliver Stone is an integrative, transpersonal psychotherapist with a background as a professional studio singer, recording artist and songwriter. He works with musicians, artists and creative practitioners to address problems such as developmental trauma, bereavement, abuse, self-criticism, loss of work, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, spiritual crisis and stuckness. He aims to help individuals towards creative, emotional and spiritual growth.

"My professional work is comprised of three, interwoven strands. These are music, psychotherapy and yoga and they spiral round each other in a dance that is nourishing, informative and extremely creative."

Sarah Hinds is a BACP accredited counsellor, a singer/songwriter and musician. She originally trained in person-centred counselling. She now works integratively and has a creative approach to her therapeutic work. She often works with clients outdoors at The Garden, a centre for counselling and personal development, offering specialised support for women, performers and musicians and those affected by concerns about the climate crisis.

Sarah has worked with musicians, singers, actors and dancers. She has worked with performing artists on: self-esteem, confidence, boundaries  and dealing with rejection; creative process and blocks to self-expression; maintaining personal integrity/authenticity and finding/maintaining meaning and purpose; dealing with the effects of performing or being a high achiever at a young age; the impact of high pressure schooling/parenting and boarding school, dealing with the ‘highs and lows’ of being a performer and concerns about the environmental impact of the music industry. She also offers specific support around the menstrual cycle, menopause and women's life transitions and has counselled women who have experienced abuse, sexual violence or domestic abuse.

With an understanding of the impact of working in the arts and with creative people, Sarah is aware of the complex impacts of performing on many of her clients and of the struggle to find the right therapeutic support in the creative industry.

Sarah is also a Sesame (drama and movement in therapy) practitioner and can work therapeutically with movement, story and sound.

Sarah Reilly is an integrative psychotherapist using approaches which include psychodynamic, relational, somatic awareness and movement, processing through metaphor, image and the imagination.

Sarah can work with clients on:

• Low self-esteem and low confidence, self-doubt
• Life needs to change but person is unsure what needs to change
• Understanding and processing difficult family histories
• Childhood and adult trauma, including violence and sexual abuse
• Bereavement and loss
• Anxiety and depression; self-harm, suicidal ideation, intrusive thoughts and obsessive ruminations
• LGBTQ+ issues – shame and self-acceptance
• Gender confusion and/or gender dysphoria
• Confusion around sexual identity and/or orientation
• Relationship difficulties (not couples)
• Shame, understanding and reducing its affects
• Autism, understanding how it is personally expressed, and what it means for the individual

Sarah has worked as a creative for most of her life, across the modalities of music, drama and performance, writing, and visual arts, both professionally and within community based groups.

"Research shows that there needs to be identification and connection between client and therapist, it makes sense that creative clients will benefit from working with creative therapists. As a psychotherapist I feel I often do my best work with creative people, as I am able to offer my full range of capacities, experience, and insight. I have personal experience of creative processes: I understand the excitement of discovery and self-expression, as well as the blocks and the fear. I understand the challenges of working alone and often without structure – the isolation and difficulty to self-motivate, as well as the financial insecurity that often accompanies being a creative. I enjoy the colour and individuality that creative people often bring to psychotherapy – the quirkiness and imagination. I appreciate difference and celebrate humanity in all our diversity".

Stacey Permaul is a BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) registered counsellor and therapist based in East Dulwich, South East London. She was a professional Actor for ten years, then worked in Arts Administration and Production before training as a therapist. She brings sophisticated practical knowledge of the acting industry to the consulting room.

Stacey helps clients with problems including performance anxiety, low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, addiction, trauma, bereavement and complex grief, infant loss, maternal mental health problems such as Post/Pre natal depression and anxiety, birth trauma.

“I am passionate about the arts industry and the people who work to keep that industry going. I feel strongly that there needs to be more mental health support for creative professionals by therapists who can empathise and understand the uniqueness of working within the arts and all the challenges that can bring to both work and personal life choices. I work with clients from all different paths. I am mixed heritage (white and Amerindian). My counselling training was built on a foundation of acceptance and acknowledgement of difference and diversity. One client’s experience of anxiety may be completely different to another’s. Subsequently, although I work with certain issues and challenges commonly shared with my clients, I approach each therapeutic relationship with an understanding and respect of its uniqueness and individuality."

As a certified online counsellor, registered with ACTO (Association for Counselling and Therapy Online), Stacey is trained to provide online counselling and psychotherapy via video-call or telephone. She also offers face-to-face counselling and psychotherapy in her practice.

In addition to that, she works alongside Anxiety UK as one of their Approved Therapists providing therapeutic support to the charity’s members and partner beneficiaries.

Stephen Smith is a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (CBT Therapist) accredited with BABCP, with additional specialisms in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Stephen worked in the West End for one year, having contracts with theatres as Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre and The National Theatre and thus brings personal experience of common struggles within the acting community to the consulting room. He has worked with a number of performers including actors and musicians.

Stephen is highly experienced helping clients with problems including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma including complex PTSD, panic attacks, eating disorders, alcohol or drug abuse or any other emotional problem. He has experience of working with PTSD in the area of adverse childhood experiences. He is experienced helping people with complex mental ill health including personality disorders and psychotic disorders.

Sundraj Sreenivasan trained as a counsellor after 21 years in the music industry. He works with clients experiencing problems relating to depression, panic attacks, anger, identity, relationships, sexuality, shame, loss, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Music and entertainment industry specific challenges supported include: burnout, sudden fame, performance anxiety, stress, rejection, online abuse, career or financial uncertainty and body image.

"I worked closely with musicians and professionals; first at a major label and then running my own agency. I witnessed how, for many, the fear of seeking professional help meant problems were bottled up leading to poor mental health. I was one of them, until I got help. My own growth and development inspired me to retrain, so I could be someone you could trust and open up to, as a qualified professional.

My clinical work as a counsellor has been in a diverse range of settings; from the NHS’s IAPT service to a University and, a LGBTQ+ charity. My own background and specialist training has enabled me to be culturally informed and I take an affirmative approach to diversity in my practice."

An experienced Psychotherapist and Counsellor with a background in professional dance, Terry Hyde provides Jungian Psychodynamic therapy in person and online. Retired elite ballet and musical theatre dancer, works with dancers, dance teachers, actors and musicians presenting with, for example, depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, ADHD, identity issues, issues relating to injuries, trauma, PTSD.

'Because of my own experiences as a performer I am able to bring a genuine understanding of the unique demands that are placed on dancers into my psychotherapy practice'.

Tim Potter is experienced in psychotherapy and counselling having been in practice for over 21 years. Tim works with a range of clients in the arts who perform at all levels, including instrumental musicians, dancers, vocalists, actors and technicians.

He offers both short-term CBT for common obstacles to wellness and long-term psychotherapy for more complex issues. He works with people of all ages from children over 12, right through to old age. 

Tim has significant experience in the private sector working with postnatal depression, most areas of addiction including codependency and love addiction. He also works specifically with anxiety and excessive worry, confidence, self-worth and self esteem 

Tim is influenced by humanistic approaches to counselling and further informed by psychodynamic theory. Tim practices Self-Reparenting/Ego-state techniques alongside CBT for help with anxiety related issues such as health anxiety or OCD. Tim is also a diplomate clinician of Viktor Frankls Logotherapy.

Zababa is a specialist service led by Clinical Psychologists Dr Anna Colton and Dr Katie Russell who have 50 years combined experience in clinical practice, in both the NHS and independent work. Zababa offers individual, bespoke psychology sessions with clients across the life span, as well as sessions to parents, families, groups and couples. They can work online and in person, and as a team of experienced psychologists have expertise in most areas. The team have supported artists and creatives of all ages with stage fright and all things performance, emotional and behavioural difficulties, mental health & wellbeing. Katie and Anna have significant eating disorder expertise and offer specialist eating disorder treatment and second opinion consultations. A number of different psychological models including CBT for adults and children and young people, systemic therapy and hypnotherapy are employed by the team, who work collaboratively with clients and other multi-disciplinary professionals, drawing on thorough clinical experience as well as theoretical models to inform and underpin treatment.

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