Practitioner Directory

Understands performers' complex eyesight needs including visual fields and working distances, and reading notation while also focusing on the working environment and fellow performers. Part of the team at Allegro Optical, Meltham, Holmfirth.

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.

Alex Ioannou is an experienced Dramatherapist, whose work is informed by body psychotherapy and traumatherapy working with people on a 1-1 basis.  His therapeutic approach moves between bringing focus on the body and its sensations and movement, accessing the intuitive sensing of imagination and verbal discussion and is primarily collaborative and relational. Before training as a dramatherapist, Alex was an actor and musician, therefore understanding some of the stresses and pressures of a performer's life. He still sings and performs occasionally.

Alex can help with issues relating to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, life/career transitions, sleep difficulties, performance anxiety and self esteem.

His therapeutic work is primarily informed by a body based and cultural understanding of trauma. He also has a special interest in working with bicultural people and those with experience of migration and is very mindful of the social and cultural issues around power and difference that affect people's individual difficulties.

Alicia Johnson is a Specialist Teacher and SpLD (Specific Learning Differences) Assessor. She holds a Masters in Education (MEd) and has fifteen years' experience working in education with ten years working in Special Educational Needs (SEN). Alicia is skilled in assessing for dyslexia and works with students with traits of ADHD and developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Alicia provides comprehensive reports detailing individuals' learning strengths and challenges. This includes recommendations for study and self-development. Alicia specialises in recommendations for musicians to enable them to better access their studies.

The clinical team at Allegro Optical are experts on the specific eye-care needs of those in the performing arts. For example, performers may need to quickly read detailed musical scores, change focus between near and far sight, and have a good sense of spatial awareness. Services include sight tests, dispensing musicians' lenses, and advice on all aspects of eye health. Allegro Optical are based in West Yorkshire and Lancashire with three locations in Greenfield, Marsden and Meltham. An on-site eyecare service is also available for ensembles and organisations.

About Companies and Group Practices listed on the BAPAM Directory

Amy Hunter studied at the British School of Osteopathy and graduated in 2009 with Distinction. She is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and has practised as an Osteopath in various multidisciplinary clinics in Sussex since graduating. Amy also has a first class Anatomy degree from Edinburgh University and until recently, lectured in anatomy to the undergraduate students at the European School of Osteopathy.

Amy has recently undertaken extra training to specialise treating women in their perimenopausal and postmenopausal years, and the extra challenges that this period in their life brings. She has also volunteered with an arthritis charity delivering chronic pain management courses. She is also trained in Dry needling and has a Sports massage qualification. Amy demonstrates anatomy to other Osteopaths and manual therapists at Brighton and Sussex Medical School every now and then, gives talks at Brighton Natural Health Centre to other movement therapists, and is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Amy's holistic approach to treatment uses a combination of gentle osteopathic techniques to help ease pain and restore normal movement and function, as well as discussing lifestyle, diet and exercise, and helping people to understand how their body works and what they can do to help themselves.

Amy is experienced in working with musicians and dancers and can help with musculoskeletal issues - joints and tendon problems, muscle tension or weakness, nerve pain or irritation - sympathetic overload (stress), breathing, pelvic floor issues. headaches and jaw problems. She also offers clinical musculoskeletal assessment (standing/ sitting/ lying, active and passive) basic clinical testing (nerve provocation, reflexes etc), massage, manipulation, MET, strapping, exercise advice, lifestyle advice and basic nutritional advice.

Andrea Hughes is an Alexander Technique teacher who has worked as a Production Designer for 25 years. " I understand the mental and physical demands of the media industry on both performers and practitioners. I want to help the people I understand to perform better and feel better".

Andrea has worked with musicians, actors and technicians on issues related to back, neck and wrist pain, shoulder problems and repetitive strain injury. She belongs to the Society of Teachers of Alexander Technique (STAT) and is CNHC registered.

Andrew Miles is an experienced chiropractor particularly interested in diagnosing and treating more tricky conditions that haven’t responded to other therapies and approaches. He works with patients of all ages. Whilst practising chiropractic in Cardiff, he has successfully treated many Welsh and international athletes, footballers, rugby players, actors, musicians, martial artists, skiers, snowboarders and has previously worked in conjunction with the occupational health department at the BBC when it was in Llandaff.

Andrew can help with issued related to musculoskeletal problems, acute and chronic back pain, disc injuries, sciatica, trapped nerves, neck pain, headaches, migraines, joint pain, muscle spasm and cramp, sports injuries, shoulder pain and complaints, elbow pain and complaints, ankle sprains and injuries, plantar fasciitis, symptoms arising from tension and inability to relax.

Andrew feels that often "patients have put up with an underlying problem for a long period of time and have developed compensation coping strategies but never get rid of the condition. With accurate diagnosis I aim to treat the main cause of the condition and give advice including exercises to reduce reoccurrence."

In 2021, Andrew was appointed to the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). He has served on the National Council of the Royal College of Chiropractors from 2001-2010 and has been Chair of the South Wales CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Faculty from 2001-2012.

Andy McCann is a Professor of Psychology.  He is also a Performance Coach who works with performers as well as professionals in sports, business and politics, using applied performance psychology and evidence based resilience focused strategies. He is a Professor of Psychology within the Faculty of Health, Psychology & Social Care at Manchester Metropolitan University and has expertise in helping performance professionals manage conditions including performance-related anxiety, perfectionism, stress, sleep disturbance and bruxism. He advises clients about media and social media, resilience, leadership and working with others, managing change and new challenges, roles and environments, work-life balance and clarifying personal values.

Anita Gould is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist currently heading the psychological therapies services at the Royal Academy of Music. Anita is experienced in working with performing artists and can help with issues relating to anxiety, work-related stress, performance anxiety, concerns about securing employment and/or income-related work activities, personal issues such as relationship difficulties, traumas, and concerns about the state of the world.

Anita also works with clients having neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, Autistic Spectrum and OCD. She also offers clinical assessment, psychodynamic psychotherapy (short and long-term), and supervision to other clinicians.

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.

Bethany is a Chartered Physiotherapist (HCPC MCSP) with a Master's in Performing Arts Medicine at UCL graduating with distinction. She spends most of her time running a Performing Arts Specialist Clinic (Flexibility Matters Physiotherapy) in London where she supports performers through physiotherapy, health education and flexibility training whilst working part-time as a Pain Specialist Physiotherapist in NHS for the last 5 years.

Professionally, she has worked with Team England ParaCheer, Gymnastic Commonwealth Games, and BCA Cheer & Dance. Beth is currently the Circus Health Leading Practitioner for the UK’s National School of Circus Arts, where she delivers lectures on circus medicine, supports circus health research and provides health provisions for students. Beth’s research on “Pain in acrobatic performers and athletes” has won the Mike Shipley Award for Excellence in Research. She has presented her physio knowledge and findings at international conferences such as the PAMA symposium (Performing Arts Medicine Association) and the BCA British Coaches Conference (BCA Cheer & Dance). She is passionate about Performer's Health and longevity and is involved in Sport Cheer England's Medical Committee.

She can help with chronic pain conditions, musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions, hypermobility, sports injuries, exercise prescription, rehabilitation and flexibility training.

"I want to support you to heal and recover quicker with movements rehab/therapy so you won’t need to Google: how long does it take to recover from [Your condition] ” and struggle with the uncertainty around your pain and injury".

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.

Carrie Garrett is a Voice Specialised Speech & Language Therapist, Vocal Coach and Vocal Massage Therapist.

She offers support, assessment, and evidence-based treatment options to help with a range of voice issues which may result vocal fatigue or pain, voice quality change, or singing voice problems.

Whether it’s anatomy or technique contributing to your voice change, Carrie is trained in vocal performance (singing and speech techniques) and has experience evaluating with observation, discussion, manual palpation, acoustic analysis, and behavioural assessment to get you back to doing what you love.

She brings experience from professional live performance (Rock/Pop/CCM), studio recording and singing teaching, alongside 12 years working in NHS. This includes ENT/SLT Voice Clinics (Wythenshawe Hospital, South Manchester and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham) and working in outpatient settings across both acute and community-based services.

Dr Catherine Bevington is an experienced NHS Consultant Rheumatologist who sees patients including musicians and performers with musculoskeletal injuries and issues at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmonds. Patients in the local area can be referred to her by their NHS GP. She is used to working in multidisciplinary teams, liaising closely with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other therapy colleagues. She is a keen choral singer and is a graduate of the Performing Arts Medicine postgraduate programme at UCL.

Cathy Gordon is a jaw (temporomandibular joint), head and neck and vestibular specialist with experience in the management of all musculoskeletal upper and lower limb and spinal conditions in adults and children. She is experienced treating musicians and singers from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and performance professionals around the North West. Cathy uses manual therapy, acupuncture, and personal exercise programmes to support injury recovery and prevention. She is a keen violinist and pianist and plays in several orchestras and chamber groups in the Manchester area. She is based at Romiley Physio, Stockport.

Cathy is one of the leading physiotherapists treating TMD (jaw pain) in the UK.  She works with the Maxillofacial Dept at Stepping Hill Hospital and privately takes referrals from specialist experienced TMD dentists in the Manchester area, although patients travel from all areas of the North West up to the Isle of Man to receive treatment. In 2009, Cathy co-founded ACPTMD (the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Temporomandibular Disorders). Cathy also teaches students and musicians/singers/teachers on the management of jaw / facial pain in singers and musicians

Cathy provides physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation for dizziness and problems with balance, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). She works with otolaryngologists or ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) consultants in the NHS and have developed a new role in a Balance clinic working with an ENT consultant and the audiology department.

Chloe Rowlatt is a physiotherapist who has also toured as a dancer with the Ballet West Company, Scotland. She has coached the GB contemporary soloist to the World Cup in Portugal and has taught dance workshops in South Africa in less economically developed areas.

Through her dancing, Chloe has a strong understanding of ballet technique and of its demands on the body. As a physio she does specific rehab towards ballet goals and movement, and deals with dance injuries in all genres. She is currently training as a Vocal Physio.

Chloe uses Manual therapy and works with clients on Pointe Shoe Screening, ESWT, Acupuncture, Dry needling, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Cupping, Exercise prescription and rehabilitation, 1-1 Pilates for dancers, Clinical Pilates, Performance technique, Ballet technique, Dance technique, and specific rehab for a return to class.

"I know the pressures on both mind and body and how these both interact as well as how this is sometimes missed in training and working. Having been a dancer quietly carrying injuries, retraining as a physiotherapist has allowed me to full circle back into the industry and enables me to help other dancers have long healthy careers".

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.

Chula Goonewardene is an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist who worked as a professional musician before becoming a clinical consultant, trainer and psychotherapist with expertise in helping people overcome alcohol and substance misuse.

As a musician, Chula started as a classically trained pianist and violinist, becoming a self-taught guitarist and drummer, and then enjoyed a professional career in music during his 20’s. He later joined what evolved into North Westminster Drug & Alcohol Service, in the voluntary sector of the Substance Misuse field, in 2005; becoming a qualified Motivational Interviewing Practitioner and Advanced Group Facilitator, in addition to gaining an NVQ4 in Health & Social Care Management. He worked with over 600 clients in community-based treatment as a Drug & Alcohol Practitioner, before moving into Treatment Management, Training and Consultancy in 2010 and then qualified as a Counsellor & Psychotherapist in 2014.

Alongside his private psychotherapy practice, Chula is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Attune, providing mental health & well-being support packages to organisations and creatives in the Music Industry. He is also a Clinical Consultant for Music Support, The Pocressi Initiative and the Centre for Social Justice, writes and podcasts for various publications, lectures at LSBU, and still finds the time to play drums regularly for the Council of Neptune. Chula comes from a Buddhist family and uses this philosophy to enhance both his personal and professional life.

Claire Hope is a Music therapist and musician. She has worked with creative professionals experiencing difficulties including:

Performance anxiety
Trauma
Stress
Depression, including post-natal depression
Relationship difficulties
Communication disorders
Bereavement
Fertility issues/miscarriage
Low self-esteem

She can help performers prepare for auditions, introduce techniques to 'free up' musicians having difficulty improvising, and teach breathing techniques.

Claire is very experienced working with families and children, covering a wide range of needs including autism, adoption, mental health, parent-baby, profound and multiple learning difficulties and behavioural difficulties. She is particularly interested in attachment and draws on psychodynamic and developmental theory.

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.

Dan Turnell specialises in treating performers including instrumental musicians, singers and dancers. He has expertise in pre-hab injury prevention, rehabilitation, vocal problems (including Laryngeal Manual Therapy), minimising risks in puppetry and physical performance. He has worked with many artists, including as the physiotherapist  for touring dance companies and West End productions. His practice is based in Manchester and he sees many RNCM and Northern Ballet School students. Dan also runs a regular, free BAPAM physiotherapy clinic.

"We're an elite physiotherapy clinic with our values rooted in the care of professional performers, and the belief that this should be available to all. We aim to utilise our state of the art facilities and injury, treatment and rehabilitation knowledge and skills to provide each client with a personalised and effective treatment plan, which will ensure that you can return to pain free performance quickly, effectively and confidently."

Physiotherapist Darel Evans is a hands-on manual therapist, utilising adept manual skills in mobilisation of the soft tissues and manipulation of spinal and peripheral joints. He combines manual therapy, advanced clinical & gym based rehabilitation, sport taping, cupping and acupuncture to relieve pain, correct asymmetries, improve functional movement and strength and keep performers on track.

"I value patient empowerment through teaching an in-depth understanding of their condition/injury. I believe this is key to successful treatment and management of symptoms and for return to daily activities and performance".

Darel can assist with advanced clinical and gym based rehabilitation, injury management for musicians - managing pain whilst playing/performing, injury prevention courses - raked stage, tour based, track specific, strength and conditioning for dance workshops and 1:1 coaching.  His sessions include dance specific education which will improve dance technique through expert body awareness training. Darel is also experienced at laryngeal manual therapy / vocal massage, dealing with loss of range, increased effort, breathy, husky voice quality, pain on phonation, globus, full body assessment/MOT, postural correction and vocal rehab.

Debbie Wilson is a physiotherapist specialising in performing artists, and the lead musculoskeletal physiotherapist for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. She also works with students from local performing arts colleges and universities, and all performance professionals in the Liverpool area, including many dancers.

Debbie treats all acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, postural related dysfunctions, mechanical neck and back pain, overuse/repetitive strain injuries, adverse neural tension, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, rotator cuff related pain, impingements, tendinopathies, overload and underload related pathologies, stress fractures, acute sprains, ligament ruptures. Debbie also offers post-natal physio checks - Mummy MOT (https://www.themummymot.com/) - and is also an APPI trained Pilates teacher.

Based in Penzance, Dominique Royle has built up many years' experience working with musicians and performers.

She is an HCPC and CSP registered chartered phsyiotherapist who trained at Guy’s Hospital, in London. She worked in the NHS for 25 years before going into private practice.

Her specialist areas include:

• Musculoskeletal conditions

• Musicians’ injuries and Performing Arts Injuries

• Post cancer treatments rehabilitation

• Hypermobility spectrum and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Disorders

• Postural dysfunctions

• Women’s Health

Dominique is a member of:

OCPPP : Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice
BAPAM: British Association of Performing Arts Medicine
ACPOPC: Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology & Palliative Care
APPI: Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute
POGP Associate: Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy

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 Amal Lad is a GP and musician treating general and performance specific physical and mental health problems. This would include depression, anxiety, musculoskeletal pain and all problems normally assessed and treated in general practice. He is passionate about finding new ways to support people working in the performing arts. He is also musician and he has composed music for a number of projects including film, theatre and released his personal music on streaming platforms which can be found on his website. Currently, Amal is preparing the release of new experimental music, while continuing his work in medicine.

“As a musician, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for mental and physical wellbeing in order to be able to create music. Creativity empowers me and is needed for personal wellbeing.”

Amal is British Indian and a trustee of South Asian Health Foundation (SAHF) – a charity addressing health inequalities in the South Asian community, where he is involved in the SAHF fellowship and community engagement working group.

Dr Anna Colton is a chartered clinical psychologist, who works with child and adult performers, providing CBT and hypnotherapy, including RTT (rapid transformational hypnotherapy). Experienced supporting cast and crew of West End shows, working with casting directors and supporting child performers and adults. Anna worked as an actor before training as a therapist. Helps clients with performance anxiety, performance coaching, diet, nutrition, eating disorders, self harm, addictions, anxiety, depression, phobias.

She has over 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents who have a whole range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. After completing her undergraduate degree at Bristol university, she did her clinical training at University College London. Since then Anna has worked in the NHS and the private sector at The Tavistock Clinic, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Vincent Square eating disorders clinic and the Priory Roehampton. She now works exclusively in private practice.

She has trained in many psychological models – cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy and systemic therapy. Primarily she now works with CBT as it increases the range of coping strategies available to people, thus equipping them to better manage their emotions and the difficulties that they are having. However, when and where necessary and appropriate she will utilise other psychological models.

In addition to her private practice Anna works on some of the West End stage shows with both the production companies and children who are struggling with a range of issues that are affecting their performance.

Anna has extensive experience of working with psychiatrists, dieticians, family therapists, teachers and other such professionals.

Dr Anne Mitchener is a highly experienced Spinal Neurosurgeon and executive coach (work performance). She practises privately at the Schoen Clinic, Wigmore Street, London and at the BMI Clementine Churchill Hospital where NHS patients can be referred by their NHS GP using the Choose & Book eReferral system.

Dr Mitchener sees performing artists for assessment, advice and conservative treatment measures for back and spinal pain, sciatica, degenerative spinal conditions, pain management, carpal tunnel syndrome. She performs spinal surgery for NHS and private patients offering a complete outpatient and inpatient service. She is a member of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons, Society of British Neurological Surgeons with over twenty years’ experience of spinal surgery.

Clinical Interests

• Cervical Spine microdiscectomy and fusion
• Cervical Disc replacement
• Cervical laminectomy/foraminotomy
• Lumbar Spinal laminectomy/foraminotomy
• Lumbar microdiscectomy
• All spine degenerative conditions - operative and injection
• Carpal Tunnel Decompression

Dr Sriskantharajah Arun-Castro is a GP with a background in Emergency Medicine and considerable experience of medical provision at major festivals, concerts and sporting events.

He has worked as a doctor in pre-hospital care teams at Glastonbury, Reading and Download Festivals as well as London Stadium.

As a festival doctor he became more aware of the physical and mental strains experienced by performing artists ranging from fatigue to acute pain and stress reactions on tour. This experience piqued his interest in the wellbeing of performers and lead to his involvement with BAPAM.

He has experience in musculoskeletal health and continues to work in elite sport providing medical cover for professional rugby and motor racing at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit .

He is familiar with the assessment and initial management of issues such as repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, upper and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions, insomnia, anxiety and depression, adjustment reactions, acute and chronic pain management and assessment of fatigue.

During lockdown 2020, Arun contributed as an editor and chapter author to the Music Industry Therapists Collective’s Touring & Mental Health Manual http://musicindustrytherapists.com .

As a hobby he hosts the The Roadie Medic Podcast that takes a look at the merging scenes of live music, festivals, pre-hospital care and public health.

He is British Asian (Sri Lankan) and is interested in diversity, world music & second and third generation migrant experiences. He is an NHS GP for patients registered at Victoria Medical Centre in Pimlico, and a BAPAM Assessing GP.

Dr Christine Hunter has considerable experience as a health adviser to musicians, creative professionals and performance students. She is an NHS and BAPAM GP in Belfast and the Medical Adviser to the Ulster Orchestra.

Dr Fozia Hamid combines her clinical expertise and interest in music and the performing arts in her work at BAPAM, where she advises professional and student performers and creative practitioners about a wide spectrum of physical and mental health concerns relating to their work. She is an NHS GP based in London.

BAPAM Assessing Clinician advising performing arts professionals and students about all work/study-related problems. Also an NHS GP.

Performing arts specialist Psychologist, Dr Irina Roncaglia’s, work focuses on using positive psychology, particularly in supporting professional elite dancers with wellness and well-being, performance optimisation and career development. She also works with young individuals with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) and high functioning Asperger Syndrome (AS).

Her work as a psychologist and researcher is inspired and informed by her longstanding career in the Performing Arts, including over 14 years with English National Ballet (former London Festival Ballet). She aims to improve, empower and promote self-growth, wellness and well-being in professional elite dancers and performers through a collaborative and facilitating consultative holistic model.

Among the methods that she uses to treat patients are: Psychological skills training, CBT, Coaching, Exercise, Dance, Applied Positive Psychology, Mindfulness and ACT.

Alexander Technique teacher with experience helping people avoid and manage musculoskeletal injuries and pain. Rehabilitation. Hypermobility. Maintaining stable practice regimes. Woodwind instruments. Guitar. Special interest in performance anxiety and pre-performance nerves. Works at the RWCMD, Cardiff and privately in Bristol.

NHS GP and Medical Adviser to the South Bank Sinfonia.

GP working in community psychiatry. Special interest in mental health in the arts, as well as nutrition and lifestyle. Worked as a theatre costume designer before training as a doctor. Keen singer and instrumentalist who works with Jazz North East. Works within the NHS in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and is the BAPAM GP at our clinic at the Sage, Gateshead.

Laryngology - voice assessment, voice surgery. Worked with over 1000 professional voice users of all types. Experience dealing with: Inflammatory: reflux, systemic conditions. Vocal fold lesions: cysts, polyps, nodules, scars, sulci, mucosal bridge, granulomas. Neurological: vocal fold palsy, Parkinson's. Muscle Tension and Kinetic Chain imbalances affecting the voice. NHS Specialist Voice Clinic at Lewisham Hospital. Private appointments available at Lewisham and London Bridge Hospital. Mr Gibbins treats all aspects of general and paediatric ENT conditions. He also has an interest in thyroid, parathyroid and salivary gland surgery. BAPAM can provide further referral guidance 020 7404 8444 / info@bapam.org.uk

BAPAM and NHS GP. Advises all performing arts professionals and students about work-related health problems, and is a graduate of the UCL Performing Arts Medicine MSc programme. NHS practice at Grove Surgery, Thetford (only NHS patients registered at the practice can be seen here).

Dr Pippa Wheble is an NHS and BAPAM GP, and a graduate of the Performing Arts Medicine MSc programme at UCL. She has special interests in anxiety management and breathing techniques. Her other interests in the context of General Practice include holistic and integrated health care, occupational health, women's health, ophthalmology. She is a keen singer and instrumentalist, playing violin, viola, saxophone and piano, and she has also trained in dance. She is a BAPAM assessing clinician and the lead facilitator for our Community Drop In peer support sessions.

Dr Rick Seah is an experienced consultant in Sport, Exercise & Musculoskeletal Medicine (SEMM). He has previously worked as a BAPAM Assessing Clinician helping performing artists with a range of musculoskeletal problems. He works with artists from dance, musical theatre and circus, and he specialises in Dance medicine, Sports injuries; Musculoskeletal injuries; Exercise-induced leg pain; Paediatric & Adolescent SEM; Bone stress injuries; Muscle, tendon & ligament soft tissue injuries; Injection therapies; Musculoskeletal rehabilitation; Physical activity and exercise prescription.

His NHS clinic is at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, where he works closely with surgeons, physiotherapists and allied health professionals. Imaging such as x-ray, MRI and ultrasound is available. Patients can be referred by their NHS GP using the eRS system.

Dr Seah was sports physician at the English Institute of Sport (EIS), treating GB athletes at their elite multi-sport clinics in University College Hospital centrally and Lee Valley Athletics Centre in east London. Rick worked as a sports medicine doctor at both London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. He qualified in medicine from Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals Medical School, University of London, in 1999. He is an accredited musculoskeletal sonographer. He has an interest in medical education and is an accredited member of the Academy of Medical Educators (MAcadMEd).

Ross trained in music from the age of 8 playing the clarinet, continuing on to degree level before working in commercial radio production. Since training as a chiropractor, he has helped dancers, actors and musicians, including piano players, guitarists, and multi-instrumentalists. They have mostly presented with low back or neck pain from overuse or poor posture.

Sarah is a Performing Arts Medicine Physiotherapist and Educator, working mainly with instrumental musicians. She has extensive clinical experience in assessing & treating playing-related musculoskeletal injuries in instrumental musicians, and she is passionate about injury prevention, and promoting musculoskeletal well-being in musicians.

Sarah is the physiotherapist at The Purcell School for Young Musicians and well-being lead for the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain. She is an assessing clinician and educator for BAPAM and also works in a thriving private practice near Cambridge (montaguclinic.com).

Additionally, she is in high demand as a teacher and speaker, and has contributed her expertise to school INSET sessions for visiting instrument teachers, INSET sessions at County Music Hubs, the Royal College of Music Junior Department, the Royal Northern College of Music undergraduate and post-graduate wellbeing curriculum, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic 'Careers in the Music Industry' Study Day, BAPAM Healthy Practice training sessions, Musicians' Union 'well-being for musicians' activities and the Benedetti Foundation.

She has a Doctorate of Education from the University of Cambridge, and has had her research findings accepted for presentation at National, International and World Conferences (UK National Physiotherapy Conferences (2012, 2017 and 2019), International Society of Music Education World Conference (Baku, Azerbaijan, 2018), Performing Arts Medicine Association International Symposium (New Orleans, 2020).

Dr Stella Compton provides Integrative, cognitive analytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy and now walk talk and equine assisted therapy. Stella studied at the Royal Academy of Music and worked as a performer for many years before training as a Music Therapist. Having worked in the NHS for 20 years as a Head of Arts Therapies and Clinical Research Lead.

Stella provides private individually tailored time-limited or longer -term therapies for performers from all areas of the music industry.. Stella has helped a wide range of clients including people concerned about eating disorders, body dysmorphophobia, sexuality, bereavement, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, job loss, parents caring for with children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), as well as people with personality disorders and offenders in secure treatment settings.

She now provides a blended programme, with on-line as well as in- person appointments at Guys Hospital, London Bridge and for the north of England and Scotland at the Nutwood Medical Centre LA11 7DJ ( easily accessible by train). To these services Stella has developed individual programmes of gently paced nature based walk-talk and equine assisted therapy. She is now focusing on the treatment of depression, performance and generalised anxiety.

As of April 2024 Stella will be providing therapeutic retreats for people who have suffered trauma. For details please refer to website.

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

Elizabeth Susan Holmes is an experienced optometrist who has gained higher professional qualifications in Minor Eye Conditions and has a Certificate in Glaucoma from The College of Optometrists. Elizabeth enjoys talking to her clients about their lifestyle and how that relates to their eyewear needs. She has worked with musicians and vocalists from a variety of backgrounds, dancers/performers, actors, producers and technicians.  She helps with visual correction for performance professionals when spectacles are not appropriate, and with visual stress when reading text/music. She also treats clients for dry eyes, double vision, and other eye conditions.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves to make music and is a talented Pianist and Clarinetist. She has taken advanced clarinet lessons at the Royal Northern College of Music. She was Principal Clarinetist in the University of Bradford Symphony Orchestra, a member of the City of Hull Youth Symphonic Wind Band, and has played professionally for bands and events.

Elizabeth is registered with General Optical Council (GOC), Association of Optometrists (AOP), Ophthalmic Performers list (OPL), and NHS.

Elodie Gautier is a senior performing arts specialist physiotherapist working at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and privately. She is also a writer & musician, a yoga teacher and an assistant researcher in psychology.

Fiona Butterworth is a senior clinical audiologist and hearing aid dispenser. She studied at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (part of the University of Southampton), completing a joint honours undergraduate degree in acoustical engineering and music before starting her masters in audiology. She has a varied clinical workload including selection, fitting and fine tuning of hearing technology specifically for musicians.

Keeping up her musical endeavours in her spare time, Fiona is keen to use her own experiences to inform her work, and is continually broadening her understanding of how hearing, hearing aids, and music are linked. Fiona has given presentations to several London orchestras and organisations in addition to speaking at a number of conferences, raising awareness and educating on the importance of using hearing protection within all musical environments.

Fiona provides hearing tests and other diagnostic testing, wax removal, hearing aid assessments, hearing aid fittings and follow ups, hearing protection. She can help with issues relating to hearing loss, wax removal, noise exposure and provision of hearing protection, tinnitus, and diplacusis.

Fiona Macbeth is an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist who has worked with hundreds of performers running the counselling service at one of the bigger London Colleges for the Performing Arts for several years, as well as working with many adult performers referred via BAPAM. Fiona worked for many years at a managerial level at the BBC, and understands the stresses of corporate employment and modern living. Experienced in working with panic attacks, performance anxiety, generalised anxiety and low self-esteem but also a range of other psychological issues common to performers including perfectionism, confused identity, repressed emotions, distress due to physical injury and eating disorders. Fiona is also a counselling lecturer at a Brighton Adult Education College. She sees clients face to face in Brighton and offers online counselling. Please visit www.fionamacbeth.co.uk to see latest blogs. She offers a discounted rate to BAPAM referrals. She sees clients face to face in Brighton and offers online counselling. Please visit www.fionamacbeth.co.uk to see latest blogs.

Gabriella Flatt is an integrative psychotherapist. She tailors her therapy to each client's needs, using psychodynamic, humanistic/relational/person centred plus CBT approaches. Her work is also based on forming a strong and supportive connection with her clients to facilitate change. Due to her creative background, Gabriella enables this in her clinical work by drawing on narrative therapy or working with metaphors and imagery to help verbalise trauma and drawing on different perspectives and ideas to match every individual.

Gabriella helps with a range of issues which include performance anxiety, bereavement, sexual orientation, domestic/sexual abuse, trauma, drug addiction, underlying depression/psychosis and personality disorders.  She has experience in mental health support of musicians (including string players/pianists/opera singers/musical theatre performers/jazz musicians) as well as with film actors/theatre directors and puppeteers (in the theatre).

Before becoming a psychotherapist, Gabriella worked as a professional session violinist for film sound scores, West End shows and as a classical rep pianist for opera studios in London. Her background has always been in music and the arts having grown up in a very creative family.

"Music is itself a fascinating professional industry but one that also enables a great degree of anxiety and low self-esteem to flourish."

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."

Hafiza Choonara is a senior audiologist with almost twenty years of experience in the NHS and private sector. She helps musicians, creators and performers with a variety of issues related to hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, hearing aids and earplugs. Hafiza has a passion for ear health and the latest hearing aid technology. She provides hearing assessments, tinnitus and vestibular rehabilitation, microsuction ear wax removal and ear protection.

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.

Harley Street Hearing / Musicians' Hearing Services have many years' experience supporting all performers and those working in the performing arts with their hearing, and they run the Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme. They help with issues relating to hearing loss, wax removal, noise exposure and provision of hearing protection, tinnitus, and diplacusis. The senior team include BAPAM-registered Audiologists Fiona Butterworth and Paul Checkley. Discounted fees are available to BAPAM patients, MU, BECTU and ISM members.

Available services include: 

• Hearing tests
• Wax removal
• Assessment, testing and management of Auditory Processing Disorder
• Hearing aid assessments, fittings, follow ups and appropriate management of devices
• Hearing Therapy Assessment and management/rehabilitation (including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT)
• Diagnostic testing of auditory issues
• Diagnostic testing and management/rehabilitation of vestibular issues
• Hearing protection and In Ear monitors
• Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme (with Help Musicians, Musicians' Union and ISM)
• Hearing Health Education (workshops and presentations)

About Companies and Group Practices Listed on the BAPAM Directory

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.

Howard Maxwell Turner is a physiotherapist, highly experienced in working with musicians and dancers. After gaining his degree in physiotherapy from Latrobe University in Melbourne, he worked in Montreal before settling in the UK.

Howard has worked in the NHS, in occupational health, in private practice and as a consultant to a variety of sporting teams and bodies. He has taught on 6 of the UK’s Physiotherapy Masters programmes for 30 years, on clinical reasoning, disorders of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and shoulder problems. He has also taught post-graduate training courses to physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors on the management of low-back pain of pelvic origin and hip and groin pain.  He has consulted to British Cycling, UK Athletics, British Swimming, the English Institute of Sport, the LTA and LTAA, the RFU, West Ham, QPR, Sale Sharks and London Irish and has provided training to the Physiotherapy departments of many household name sporting clubs and bodies.

Howard’s specialist interest is in chronic neck and back pain, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and pelvic pain and disorders, headache, and neuropathic pain.

Isaak Tyros is a highly trained physiotherapist specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, a researcher and a member of faculty at the University of Birmingham where he teaches full-time in the Physiotherapy department. He is a semi-professional musician (bass guitarist) who treats musicians and dancers regularly.

Jennifer Parr is a Hand Therapist with experience in treating acute trauma, surgical and long term conditions affecting the hand and upper limb. Jennifer has spent much her career working for the NHS where she completed her junior core rotations and moved into a role as a specialist physiotherapist in hand therapy. "It is highly rewarding to be a part of clients journey back to a full recovery, whether that is use of exercise and education, splinting to immobilise the painful joints, or post-operative wound and scar care".

Jennifer can help with issues including tenosynovitis, trigger finger, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, thumb osteoarthritis and focal dystonia. She offers services and therapies in manual therapy, splinting, home exercise, performance technique, ergonomics, modification and wax therapy.

As a child/young adult Jennifer played piano, cello and violin and was involved in orchestras, string quartets and piano performances. She works with musicians, creative professionals and a wide range of patients with hand and upper limb problems affecting their work and daily life, as part of the team at Six Physio.

Johanna Chatelain is an Osteopath graduating with distinction in Master of Osteopathy from the University College of Osteopathy. She enjoys treating people of all ages and backgrounds. Coming from a musical and artistic background herself, she has developed a keen interest in treating performing artists which has led her to complete a postgraduate certificate in Performing arts medicine at the University College of London. Joanna is part of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) and the Osteopathic Performing Arts Care Association, and is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Johanna uses a wide range of different treatment methods from soft tissue release, joint articulation, and adjustment, as well as exercise-based rehabilitation. She believes in using a holistic and individualised approach to each patient. Each treatment is therefore customised to the patient’s individual needs, with the aim to reduce pain, remove barriers to recovery and educate patients to promote a greater recovery and reduce the chances of reoccurrence.

She is passionate about providing the best patient care and optimal management to allow the best possible outcome for each patient. Johanna is fluent in French. She has worked with numerous performers including supporting Strictly Come Dancing.

Jonathan Dave is a senior physiotherapist with over 13 years experience. He graduated from Manchester University and began his career in the NHS, working in Outpatients, orthopaedics, stroke unit, intensive care, respiratory wards and most recently in a private North London practice.

Jonathan has worked with a range of professionals, including tennis coaches, cyclists, distance runners, classical singers, actors and dancers. "My aim when rehabilitating these clients is to return them safely to their sport and their profession to prevent the re-occurrence of their problem".

Jonathan's specialty is MSK physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal). He has spent the last 10 years treating a wide range of muscle and joint conditions and he employs a variety of advanced clinical assessment and diagnosis methods. He specialises in various physiotherapy techniques, namely Maitlands, joint manipulation, soft tissue techniques, muscle stretching, pilates, acupuncture and sports massage.

As a Laryngeal Massage Therapist, Jonathan is able to identify and treat any areas of restriction affecting vocal performance. He has worked with numerous classical singers and vocal ensembles. Using non-invasive techniques, he works to address the areas of concern and ensure faults are corrected in a safe and supportive way.

Jonathan can help with overuse injuries and stress fractures, muscle tears, tendon and ligament sprains, knee, ankle and foot injuries, shoulder injuries, tennis/golfer elbow, hand and wrist pain. He can also help with Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT) - partial or total voice loss, loss of vocal range, muscle tension dysphonia, decreased vocal stamina and vocal fatigue, increased recovery time after performing, TMJ, globus pharyngeus, pain and soreness. Jonathan offers services in manual therapy, acupuncture, kinesiology taping, exercise rehabilitation and laryngeal manual therapy.

Physiotherapist, Jonny Grimwade, has worked within the performing arts for the last 10 years. He was the Head Therapist of Performance Medicine at Cirque du Soleil 2017-2020, and has also worked with world touring circus shows such as Briefs, circus training centres such as Aircraft Circus and children circus production companies such as Le Petite Cirque.

Specialities include: All musculoskeletal injuries, sports related injuries, manual therapy, performance technique, taping/splinting, advanced rehabilitation programmes, educating/lecturing within performance optimisation, immediate trauma care/side of stage care, workload management/Injury mitigation, injury prevention strategies, performance optimisation.

I am an Osteopath inspired by the voice and experienced helping professional voice users overcome issues related to misuse and injuries. As an Osteopath with nearly thirty years of experience, as well as being a trained opera singer, I have the skill, insight and understanding to help performing artists including singers, actors and dancers. I can help with voice problems including hoarseness, loss of vocal range, vocal fatigue and muscle tension dysphonia. I am experienced with shoulder issues as well as more typical issues such as back and neck pain, knee injuries, foot injuries, ACL injuries, mobility issues that osteopaths are trained to treat. I also have special interests in hypermobility and in hip impingement issues (cam and pincer) and have worked in facilitating diagnosis of labral tears and rehabilitating patients post operatively following hip arthroscopy intervention. Labral tears are often missed, especially in the hypermobile population, who may be more likely to experience impingement due to their increased range of movement, especially if they are dancers or acrobats and routinely flex their hip joints to the extreme.

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.

Katerina can help artists and performance professionals with concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, identity, relationship difficulties, job loss/redundancy, trauma, loss/bereavement, chronic illness, suicidal ideation, self-harm, eating disorders. She is of Greek Cypriot heritage, and sensitive to cultural difference.

Katerina is a UKCP registered psychotherapist and group therapist, as well as an MBACP accredited counsellor and psychotherapist and group facilitator, working with adults aged 18+ in a GP surgery, private practice and through the Music Minds Matter scheme. She is the author of ‘How to Understand and Deal with Stress’ and ‘Your Mind Matters: How to Talk About Your Mental Health’.

She has worked as an honorary psychotherapist at Barnet, Enfield and Haringey NHS Mental Health Trust, and previously as a university counsellor and a specialist mental health mentor.

Prior to training as a therapist, Katerina was a Samaritans helpline listener for four years, and also worked for Samaritans full time during the Men on the Ropes research campaign into male suicide. She was also a trained life coach for Mind in Haringey supporting vulnerable young-adult care leavers, and a volunteer for ChildLine's schools service delivering assemblies and workshops to primary school children on abuse and neglect.

Alongside therapy, Katerina is a freelance writer and sub-editor for magazines and national press. She is attuned to the issues that creative and journalistic professions can bring up, and routinely combines her counselling and journalistic work raising awareness of mental health in the national press, media, radio and podcasts.

Katerina is the founder, producer and host of the music and mental health podcast Sound Affects Podcast, where she explores all crossovers of music and mental health via a series of interviews with high profile musicians, therapists, academics, key figures and experts in the field.

Katy Chambers is a highly experienced Physiotherapist with a holistic approach to working with performing arts professionals. Katy supports clients with a broad range of conditions, working with performers, elite athletes and the general population. Katy's areas of specialism include hypermobility spectrum conditions, temperomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, cervicogenic headaches and biomechanical analysis for dance, physical performance, sporting and day to day activities.

With a focus on pain management, reduction of dysfunction and optimising of performance, physiotherapy treatment may include:

Manual Therapy
Acupuncture
Tailored Exercise Prescription
Postural Re-education

Katy has worked with many performing artists and is a specialist within the field. She works with Trinity Laban Conservatoire - as part of the National Institute for Dance Medicine and Science - and is involved in injury screening and support for further industry developments. She is also listed on the One Dance UK directory, is a member of IADMS and presents regularly at performing arts medicine conferences, including IADMS, ISPS and PAMA.

Keith Cooper worked (and continues to do so) as an artist manager & music publisher for over 30 years before qualifying as a psychotherapist. He supports clients in the creative industries including artists, DJs, managers, actors, writers and performers with concerns including performance anxiety, creative block, inter band relationships, professional and creative direction, issues of fame, money, success, touring, burn out, creative-commercial tension, commercialisation/commodification. He is an integrative therapist, primarily drawing on psychodynamic, humanistic & existential modalities.

Kirk Nelson is an experienced accredited Integrative Counsellor & Supervisor offering short term focused therapy and long term focused therapy. "Being an integrative counsellor means that I am able to draw on knowledge and skills from various counselling approaches based on your individual circumstances in order to provide the most effective and personalised therapy for your needs."

Kirk can help with issues relating to Abuse, Addiction, Affairs & Betrayal, Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Bereavement, Bullying, Cancer, Career, Childhood related issues, Depression, Disabilities, Discrimination, Domestic Violence, Emotional Abuse, Family, Feeling Sad, Gender Dysphoria, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Health Issues, Interpersonal issues, Loneliness, Low self-confidence, Low self-esteem, Miscarriage, Panic disorder, Passive aggressive behaviour, Personal Development, Physical abuse, Recreational drug use, Relationship Problems, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Self-Harm, Separation & Divorce, Sex, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma, Unhappiness, Work related issues.

Krystina Stanway is a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist who works within the performing arts sector providing vocal coaching and acting classes, with a particular interest in supporting good vocal hygiene, vocal projection and vocal protection. She offers a combination of vocal coaching alongside clinical techniques to provide a unique and engaging form of therapy. Krystina also has extensive experience in working with the NHS. Krystina's interest in singers and actors has seen her support performers in the West End in vocal performance and health.

Krystina is experienced at the assessment and intervention of voice disorders, prevention of voice disorders / vocal health care and projection support.

Krystina is part of the 'More than Speech Therapy' team and works primarily within North West England (including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire); however, with improvements to accessing digital and video appointments they can now offer online services UK wide.

Leanne O'Brien is a Specialist Women's and Men's Health Physiotherapist with experience in treating a wide range of pelvic floor issues and musculoskletelal pain (including pregnancy and post-natal rehab, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and post-operative rehab). She has over 13 years experience, and has worked in both the NHS and privately, including work in a gait lab, rehabilitating runners and athletes back to sport.

Leanne works closely with dancers, musical theatre and actors. Having studied ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz and street dance, Leanne has great insight into the demands that dance places on the body.  This background has allowed her to rehab dancers back to full fitness following injury, surgery or pregnancy.  She offers acupuncture, pelvic floor re-education (kegel exercises, real-time ultrasound, biofeedback and muscle stimulation), pelvic floor manual therapy, a return to sport or performing arts postnatally, massage (including scar massage), and reformer pilates training (including pregnancy and postnatal). One of Leanne's specialist interests is the relationship between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor, which is a key area to address in brass players, including throughout pregnancy and into the postnatal period. She also gives hernia advice pre and post operatively, to patients (both men and women) who've had repairs or are trying to treat their issue conservatively.

"My passion for Women’s and Men’s health started when I realised that my female athletes needed a more in-depth level of care. My passion has spiraled from there and I’ve worked as a specialist physiotherapist in both the NHS and private practice. I’m incredibly passionate about returning people back to activity and enabling them to achieve their goals".

Linda Dixon is an experienced Pilates teacher, teacher trainer, RAD ballet teacher, former professional dancer and examiner. She has over three decades of experience of movement practice; performing, teaching and examining all over the world. She has been practicing Pilates since the mid 80’s and teaching it since 2002. During this time she has developed her teaching methods producing her own unique approach to movement teaching. This approach incorporates the knowledge skills she has accumulated through a lifetime of structured movement practice. Linda teaches at NRG Pilates, and heads up the treatment and performance enhancement department at ‘The Urdang’ in City University of London’s Department of Performing Arts.

Additionally, Linda is a member of the teacher training team for Body Control Pilates specialising in teaching on the studio equipment courses and the level 4 Pilates courses. She has also played an integral part in course development at Body Control, writing their “Adolescent’s Course” and co writing their “Dancer’s Course” with her husband Nathan Gardner.

Linda is experienced in working with dancers and musical theatre performers.

Lucie Rayner is a Chartered Physiotherapist and assessing clinician for The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) and specialises in treating performing artists with a wide range of musculoskeletal problems. She has extensive experience in managing acute and chronic injuries in dancers, musicians, and other performers from amateur to elite level. She currently works freelance in a variety of settings, including supporting West End musical theatre performers.

Lucie initially completed a Sport Science degree before qualifying as a Physiotherapist. She worked in the NHS, school and private sector before starting her own Physiotherapy clinic in 2012. She has been practicing the Pilates Method for over 15 years and gained her teaching qualification through The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI). She is also a Level 2 accredited Vocal Health First Aider and has a special interest in hypermobility, injury prevention and health education.

In 2020, she completed an MSc in Performing Arts Medicine at University College London (UCL) and was awarded the Dean's Prize for her research related to hypermobility and dancer health screening. Lucie now an honorary lecturer and module lead on the Performing Arts Medicine programme at UCL.

Lucy Swain has over 30 years of experience as a Speech and Language Therapist and is also a practising musician with a special interest in vocal performance, voice care and preventing health problems for professional voice users and performance students. She is also qualified in Personalised Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine and can provide additional advice in this area to support general health and endurance.

Lucy gained her degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Manchester University in 1990, before working in the NHS for 22 years, seeing both adults and children with a variety of speech and language difficulties. Her practice covers assessment of voice problems, referral to ENT, and therapeutic interventions including laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) and Speech and Language Therapy exercises. She is experienced in voice care and vocal cord pathology prevention, and helping patients with vocal cord pathology and those undergoing therapeutic intervention. She provides services in person and online.

Lucy maintains her registration with HCPC, the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, as well as being a member of the British Laryngological Association and a certified member of the British Society for Lifestyle Medicine.

Lydia Hart is a specialist Speech and Language Therapist, working in the field of Voice and Upper Airway. She works with people experiencing difficulties with their speaking or other throat symptoms, and has particular expertise helping singers, vocalists, actors and voice over artists.

Lydia works for the NHS including the Joint Voice Clinic at Wexham Park Hospital, with leading laryngologist Declan Costello, and privately at the Voice Care Centre. This involves assessment and management of a range of voice disorders, from muscle tension dysphonia to vocal cord paralysis.

Lydia is dedicated to developing her knowledge and experience in fields outside of Speech and Language Therapy, in order to provide holistic, biopsychosocial care. She is currently undertaking a Diploma in hypnotherapy, and has undertaken training in manual therapy for singers and professional voice users. She is experienced in breath work, including training in Buteyko Breathing Method, and is also undertaking training in Reiki.

Lydia can help with issues relating to dysphonia or aphonia of any structural or functional origin, singing voice issues, laryngeal hypersensitivity, chronic cough, globus, throat clearing, nasal airway issues, dysfunctional breathing, breathlessness and poor breath control. She offers video assessment and treatment sessions for speech therapy and in person assessment for manual therapy/vocal massage.

Magdalena Galant-Miecznikowska is an experienced Chartered Psychologist, HCPC registered Clinical, Counselling and Forensic Psychologist, and BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. Magdalena has many years’ experience assessing and treating musicians, vocalists, actors and painters with psychological difficulties, in the NHS and Non-profit organisations, both in the UK and overseas.

Magdalena provides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
and Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT). She can help with issues relating to: Addiction | Agoraphobia | Anger Management | Anorexia Nervosa | Anxiety | Assertiveness | Avoidance | Bereavement | Binge Eating Disorder | Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Bulimia Nervosa | Career Issues | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Death Anxiety | Depression | Divorce | Employment | Frustration | Gambling | Gender Identity Disorders | Generalised Anxiety Disorder | Grief | Guilt | Health Problems | Internet Addiction | Low Self Esteem | Memory Problems | Midlife Crisis | Motivation | Negative Thoughts | Nightmares | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Pain Management | Panic Attacks | Panic Disorder | Perfectionism | Performance Management | Personal Relationships | Pet Bereavement | Phobias | Physical Illness | Post Natal Depression | Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Procrastination | Relationship Problems | Seasonal Affective Disorder | Sleep Problems | Social Phobia | Stress Management | Substance Abuse | Trichotillomania | Weight Issues | Work Stress

Maria Lawford is a Psychodynamic counsellor with personal experience as an actor and working in theatre. She went on to train in Psychodynamic Counselling, Psychoanalytic Studies and trauma focused CBT, gaining considerable experience in the NHS supporting clients with acute and physical conditions. She now helps clients including professionals and students in the performing arts manage and overcome concerns such as:

Performance anxiety, low self esteem and managing stress, anxiety and panic
Relationship problems - at work and home - living away from home, beginning relationships with new teams, rivalry and power dynamics
Trauma, bullying and intimidation, abuse - historic and current
Financial issues and unemployment - anxiety around finding work
Separation and loss (including support for touring professionals),
Bereavement
Accident and illness
Addictive behaviours

Maria uses a flexible therapeutic approach, tailored to each individual, combining elements of Psychodynamic counselling; CBT/behavioural techniques; trauma focused work; person-centered and relational, solution focused therapy. She can provide long and short term therapy in person or by video and telephone.

Maria has experience in working with and alongside a broad range of people in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, faiths, sexual orientation, disability, education and national origin. She respects and appreciates diversity and the positive value this gives to the places of work and in society.

Marianne has worked professionally as a singer and singing teacher and has personal experience of touring and work-related stressors. Her North London Music Therapy practice provides specialist services for musicians, creative artists and others. She can help with problems including anxiety, depression, stress, vocalists' issues, performance anxiety, interpersonal dynamics, family and health issues, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, adults and adolescents. Group and individual therapy is available.

Marianne qualified as a music therapist from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2013 and received further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the Tavistock Centre in 2018. Marianne is a registered supervisor with the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) and was recently appointed as BAMT's Vice Chair of Trustees. She specialises in setting up new posts, with a role as Music Therapy Outreach and Enterprise Tutor for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Martin Handy is a pluralistic therapist/counsellor integrating CBT, psychodynamic and person-centred therapy. Martin has studied compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness-based CBT, DBT, depth psychology, and working with personality disorders. He is an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and registrant member of The National Hypnotherapy Society. Martin is a tutor at Chrysalis Courses for Diplomas in Hypnotherapy and Counselling.

Martin can help with issues relating to depression, relationships, life transition, life direction, sexuality, gender, anxiety, organisation and management, personality disorders, bipolar, OCD, addictions, trauma, and complex grief.

Martin works with performers "because I am a musician myself and understand the anxieties and stresses of public performance. I also used to be Head of Music in primary schools when I used to be a teacher and understand the stresses and issues related to performance nerves, self-criticism and critical reviews of one's work. I also like working with creative individuals and how it can be a positive resource in therapy".