Practitioner Directory
Important: please read these guidelines before using the Directory. They are designed to help you find safe, effective and professional care, including additional support not listed in this Directory. This is also where you can find our feedback form. We provide additional guidance about companies and practices listed on the Directory.
Please note that Vocal Rehabilitation Coaches are now listed here: Vocal Health Referral Recommendations
Many practitioners provide online or telephone services. Please check with individual practitioners.
If you don’t find what you are looking for, or would like more information, call us on 020 8167 4775 or email info@bapam.org.uk.
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Note that individual practitioners’ telephone numbers are not published in our online Directory. These contact details are available via the BAPAM helpline: 020 8167 4775 / info@bapam.org.uk
- Companies and Group Practices (5)
- Musculoskeletal (113)
- Other (27)
- Psycho-Social / Mental Health (110)
- Voice and Ear, Nose & Throat (36)
Abigayle Doe is an optician with a specialist understanding of performers' complex eyesight needs including visual fields and working distances, and reading notation while also focusing on the working environment and fellow performers. She is part of the team at Performing Arts Vision Care.
Adam Chell is an audiologist, highly commended for the Rayovac ‘Audiologist Of The Year’ award in both 2017 and 2018 for his person-centred approach to hearing care.
Adam qualified as an audiologist in 2009 and worked his way through the ranks of the NHS to become chief paediatric audiologist before joining the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the world. Afterwards, Adam became an expert in hearing technology and innovative audiological care in the independent sector.
Adam can help with issues relating to hyperacusis, acoustic trauma, tinnitus, hearing loss, hearing loss prevention, hearing protection, and hearing rehabilitation. He offers services in hearing tests, tympanometry, speech in noise testing and high frequency audiometry.
Dr 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.
Adam Zubricky is a psychodynamic psychotherapist. Adam was a competitive Ballroom and Latin-American dancer for over 15 years, competing internationally. After an active dancing career, he transitioned into coaching and mentoring high-level dancers, which gave him significant insight into the pressures, expectations, and challenges faced by performers. This personal experience has greatly informed his work as a therapist, allowing Adam to connect deeply with clients from similar backgrounds.
Adam specialises in supporting dancers and other performing artists. He has also worked with actors, comedians, and visual performance artists, applying trauma-informed, relational, and psychodynamic approaches to help them navigate identity, stress, and performance-related issues. Adam can help with a range of issues, particularly: trauma (including sexual violence and complex trauma); gender, sex/sexual, and relationship diversity (GSRD) issues; identity and self-esteem difficulties; eating disorders and body image concerns (particularly for dancers); relationship and attachment difficulties; stress, anxiety, and depression; loss and bereavement; performance pressure and burnout, especially for high-level performers.
Adam offers Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, GSRD/LGBTQ+ Informed Therapy also using the Relational Approach and Supportive Interventions. Adam is currently in the process of applying for Advanced GSRD accreditation.
"A large part of my experience is within Gender, Sex/Sexual and Relationship Diversity, including issues around LGBTQ+ identity. I am a founder of a psychotherapy service offering long-term support to LGBTQ+ clients in Central/Eastern Europe. In collaboration with leading LGBTQ+ organisations in multiple European countries, I also develop and co-author international projects on queer mental health. In my international work, I deliver workshops, consultations and trainings to healthcare and mental health professionals on queer mental health as well working with GSRD/LGBTQ+ clients.
I am committed to helping you explore what makes you you without telling you what to do or making you feel like you ought to be different. In relation to what makes us who we are, I have experience working with people whose difficulties are around their identities as well as with people whose identities are unrelated to what they come to therapy for. I also believe that who we are and how we are seen by those around us has a direct impact on how we move through the world and feel about ourselves, and I am thus deeply committed to anti-oppressive practices, inviting all aspects of self to the therapy room.
Other areas I have a special interest in include sexual violence, carers, loss and bereavement, migration, culture shock, relationship struggles and the impact of Covid-19.
I frequently work with expats as well as people for whom English is a second language and am comfortable supporting clients who frequently travel, do not have a fixed residence, or call several places home. My particular interest in this area is therapeutic work with people whose primary language (“mother tongue”) is not the language we are working in. In addition to the UK, I have an understanding of the cultural contexts of Scandinavia (primarily Denmark), and Central and Eastern Europe (primarily Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Ukraine). While I have personal experience of living, belonging and moving between multiple countries, I try to avoid assuming that I know what these experiences might mean for you.
I offer sessions in English, Slovak, Czech (and, if combined with English, also Danish).
I've worked extensively with artists and athletes at all levels, but in particular high-level competitive dancers. I have a thorough understanding of the unique pressures and challenges this involves, and I am comfortable supporting individuals functioning in high pressure environments.
I also have experiences working with spirituality, particularly the ways in which that might affect one’s sense of self, including spiritual abuse and trauma and experiences of growing up queer within a spiritual or religious context."
Aimee Higgs is a chartered physiotherapist who studied ballet at the Royal Ballet School. As a dancer, Aimee battled several very challenging injuries which has motivated her to use her clinical skills to assist others to reach their full potential and personal goals.
Aimee has a special interest in dance-specific injuries and believes in using a client-centred approach, addressing all necessary components of health and wellbeing. Aimee has therefore successfully rehabilitated many different and complex conditions and particularly enjoys treating musculoskeletal/sports injuries, as well as providing post-operative rehabilitation.
Aimee can help with traumatic injuries, overuse injuries, post operative, bone stress, soft tissue injuries, ankle instability and hyper mobility, general MSK injuries. She provides physiotherapy for acute injuries and pain in dancers, strength and conditioning for dancers based on individual needs, technique enhancement and injury prevention guidance and rehab plans, manual therapy and exercise based intervention.
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.
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.
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.
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 4
Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 3
Alistair Newton is an experienced BACP Accredited counsellor and supervisor. He has worked as a counsellor in education, in charities, in the NHS as well as in private practice since 2014. The performing arts have seen Alistair work as a singer, actor, comic, presenter, musician, script writer and producer. "I am aware of the many issues that affect musicians and performers which may include anxiety and depression, a difficult work/life balance, uncertainty and financial pressures. I am able to relate to creative people and those who have a lifestyle or working pattern which is outside the mainstream as well as those dealing with creative blocks".
Alistair can help with issues relating to abuse, addiction, affairs and betrayals, alcoholism, anger management, anxiety, autism, bereavement, bullying, career counselling, depression, drug addiction, emotional abuse, family issues, feeling sad, health anxiety, internet addiction, LGBTQ+ counselling, loneliness, low self-confidence, low self-esteem, panic attacks, redundancy, relationship problems, self-harm, separation and divorce, sex addiction, sex problems, social anxiety, stress.
Alistair is also a teacher, university lecturer and trainer. He has recently offered training in bereavement counselling, working with learning difficulties, humanistic counselling as well as counselling skills.
Ammaar Vali is an audiologist providing custom hearing protection, in-ear monitors, microsuction and ear wax removal, hearing tests and hearing aids.
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 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.
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 Keay is a Vocal, Sports & Remedial massage therapist who specialises in working with performing arts freelancers and professional voice users - taking individual needs and requirements into consideration and developing a treatment plan to best suit each client. He discovered the real importance of massage through his work as a professional actor and voiceover artist. After training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he worked throughout the UK and toured internationally for the past 14 years with large scale, physically demanding, theatre productions including War Horse with the National Theatre and voiced characters for productions with Netflix, BBC & STV.
Andrew manages a busy client list at his Glasgow clinics, as well as hosting in-house theatre treatments throughout Scotland with clients including; Dundee Rep, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Tron Theatre & MacRobert Arts Centre.
"I know what it takes to perform as the highest level physically, mentally & vocally and having massage treatment has 100% helped me maintain my body and mind through long, demanding contracts. I'm really passionate about massage therapy and believe it can play an important role in maintaining proper body function, performance, and health as well as having an overall positive effect on your physical and mental wellbeing".
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.
Andrew Steed is an experienced physiotherapist treating musicians referred via the BMI Hendon Hospital Adult Musicians' Upper Limb Clinic. He is also experienced working with actors and dancers. Conditions treated include work related upper limb disorders, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingements, scapula dyskinesia, cervical radiculopathies, lumbar radiculopathies, low back pain, lower limb muscular strains and tears, tendinopathies, postural, biomechanical dysfunction and Bells Palsy. Based at Syon Clinic, Brentford. Home and workplace visits also possible. Contact via email or BMI Hospitals.
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.
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".
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.
As a dancer and clinician, Ann Coxhead has many years experience of the mechanics of the body, working with singers, actors, dancers and musicians. Her services for performance professionals include Osteopathy, laryngeal manipulation to treat muscle tension dysphonia in singers and professional voice users, breathing techniques, and Floor-Barre work.
Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment is available for a wide range of medical conditions including the spine and all peripheral joints. Treatments are tailored to your specific injuries. Observing and accessing anatomical and postural technique. Including hip knee and ankle alignment at the barre for Dancers. Making tissue specific diagnosis. Hypermobility, scoliosis and differences in speed of growth in young dancers can all be managed. Integrating the injury into the dynamics of the whole body and building self confidence. Using deep soft tissue and muscle energy techniques, facial release, articulation and manipulation if required. Rectifying bio-mechanical faults helps to increase circulation, venous supply and lymphatic drainage speeding up healing time.
Ann sees patients in Brighton, Parsons Green, and monthly at the English National Opera. She is a member of the Osteopathic Performing Arts Care Association (OPACA), the British Voice Association and One Dance UK.
Anna Cooper is a Specialist Teacher Assessor providing Diagnostic Assessment for adults and Learning Support, with a particular focus on music and the performing arts. She assesses dyslexia and provides educational assessments for ADHD and dyspraxia, aiming to harness individual strengths through devising tailored strategies which address areas of challenge and assist individuals throughout their educational and workplace careers. These assessments can be used to support application for the DSA (disabled student allowance in Higher Education) as well as the Access to Work Scheme.
Anna works with musicians, actors, musical theatre performers, other professionals and adult students. She is a trained woodwind musician herself, a member of the British Dyslexia Association's Music Committee, and is also neurodivergent (dyslexia and ADHD). As a professional musician and educator, she has both a personal and professional understanding of the demands of the industry, but especially in relation to the experiences and needs of neurodivergent performing artists.
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.
Arran Knight is a counsellor working with musicians, dancers, vocalists, & musical theatre performers. He can help with issues relating to performance anxiety, injury strife, loss of passion, career transitions and retirement, and offers psychosynthesis counselling. Assessments include physical & emotional self care strategies. He provides individual and couples counselling and men's group work.
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.
Based at Performance Physiotherapy, Pontypridd, Ben is an experienced physiotherapist providing injury assessment and diagnosis, injury rehabilitation and pain management to sports and creative professionals.
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".
Beverley Hills is a MBACP accredited counsellor using several different methods of counselling, registered with health insurers BUPA, AXA PPP, PLE Health and the Vita Health Group (VHG). She has a background in the creative arena, mainly in acting, writing, presenting and voice work and has worked with many clients across the arts. She offers anxiety, panic attacks, feeling sad, low self-esteem, depression, as well as bereavement, performance and social anxiety, general anxiety disorder, family and relationship issues like affairs or betrayal, sexual or communication issues, LGBTQ community problems, including transgender and transitioning, plus BAME issues like diaspora and belonging. Beverley also offers careers counselling.
Beverley is currently in training to be a Hypnotherapist at The University of Surrey, She is a student member of the IHA (International Hypnotherapy Association) and the NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy) and can offer sessions at a reduced rate whilst in training.
Bryn Jones has been practising as a Dramatherapist and mindfulness-based therapist since 2010. His background is as a drama practitioner and theatre director and he has worked as a therapist with many creative professionals including actors, dancers and directors. In his therapy practice he works with individuals, couples and groups, drawing upon his training and experience in dramatherapy, creativity and mindfulness to support people in exploring and working through a wide variety of difficulties and challenges, including:
- Anxiety
- Emotional challenges
- Personal and professional relationships
- Self esteem
- Bereavement
- Depression
- Addiction
- Life transitions and purpose
Bryn lectures in drama and on the Dramatherapy MA at Royal Central School (University of London) and is engaged in research exploring the relationship between dramatherapy, movement and mindfulness. He continues to develop his theatre practice via ongoing projects; performing and directing.
Carolyn Allen is a speech and language therapist, specialising in adult voice problems and adult stammering. Carolyn has worked with singers and actors and can help with any voice difficulty e.g. nodules, papillomas, muscle tension dysphonia, muscle tension dysphagia, spasmodic dysphonia, Reinke's Oedema, vocal cord palsy and globus. Carolyn is also qualified to provide vocal massage which can help to relieve muscular niggles around the neck (including the voice box / larynx), face and head, and 'reset' the voice. She is a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and her work is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.
She is also experienced in working with clients who do not have any obvious voice diagnosis from ENT but for whom their voice is working sub-optimally and not meeting performance-level demands. Carolyn offers services in speech and language therapy, voice therapy, voice manual therapy and stammering therapy. "I am skilled at identifying how individual clients and groups of professional voice users may unwittingly be placing limitations on their vocal potential, and I look forward to finding out what the voice means to you and how we can help you reach your goals".
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.
Performing arts and sports specialist physiotherapy, acupuncture, specialist vocal physiotherapy. Has experience working at BAPAM and in her own practice with many creative professionals and students.
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.
Cathie first had Alexander Technique lessons whilst studying for a diploma in musical directing at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). She found them extremely interesting and beneficial, and after developing R.S.I. through using a computer and playing the piano, she decided to re-train as an A.T. teacher to learn more about what was causing these issues and to eventually help others. She qualified in 2008 from a three year, STAT recognised training course at the Constructive Teaching Centre in London.
Cathie has a music degree, worked as a piano teacher and has played several instruments including the violin, flute and harp. She was Alexander Technique teacher for the European Union Youth Orchestra for five years and she now works with musicians, singers and creative practitioners in schools and colleges and at home.
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.
Charlotte Wadham is a psychodynamic psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. She worked in classical music management for 15+ years before training as a therapist. Keen violinist. Also has clients in dance, theatre and film. Can help with problems including depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, bullying, career issues, creative block, identity and self-esteem, relationship difficulties, post-natal depression, physical health problems and life transitions. See clients in Acton and Hammersmith.
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".
Chloe Spencer graduated from the University College of Osteopathy (formerly the British School of Osteopathy) with a Masters in Osteopathy (MOst). With a background in singing, both in teaching and performance, she specialises in care of the voice, and is a member of two local choirs. She is also a member of OPACA - the Osteopathic Performing Arts Care Association.
Chloe can help in all musculoskeletal disorders, muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) & any physical-based voice issues.
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.
Chris is an experienced Osteopath, specialising in treating musculoskeletal pain and injury. Chris uses a versatile range of hands-on techniques which may include, soft tissue massage, joint articulation, spinal adjustments, low level light therapy, dry needling and light-touch (cranial). He works with various performing artists including professional dancers and acrobat/trapeze artists.
Chris continues to work closely alongside a number of highly specialised practitioners including Osteopaths, private GP’s, orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists, and has a depth of knowledge which helps address the root causes of pain.
Over the past number of years Chris has a particular interest in identifying health problems that are not yet pathological (indicative of or caused by disease) and has found that internal imbalances (cellular dysfunction, toxic burden, hormone imbalance, immune dysregulation and chronic infections) and external imbalances (air quality, food quality, sleep patterns, external stress) have a huge impact on our overall health.
Chris believes that with early detection, many health problems can be prevented and managed with appropriate diet and lifestyle interventions. This holistic approach allows the patient to understand their pain on a wider scale, helping steer patients away from pain and disfunction, and back towards optimal health.
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.
Clarissa Hardaker is a London-based Speech Therapist, Voice and Accent Coach, highly specialised in voice and vocal rehabilitation with actors, singers and professional voice users.
She offers skilled assessment and treatment for people with speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders. This includes but is not limited to adults with speech and articulation disorders and voice disorders.
Her MFA in Voice Studies has given Clarissa the skills and qualifications of a voice coach and teacher and she specialises in helping elite voice users with breath, phonation, resonance, and articulation. Online or face-to-face sessions are available, tailored to your needs.
Problems and conditions helped with include manual therapy for the release of tension which may be impacting voice, vocal nodules, cysts and polyps, spasmodic dysphonia, muscle tension dysphonia, dysarthria and apraxia, vocal trauma or loss, lisps and stutters, poor articulation and clarity, accent softening and dialect coaching.
Clarissa has experience working with trans clients who wish to work on their voice.
Clarissa is a singer and non-professional actor herself. She works closely with professional actors and singers on the West End and in TV and Film as well as professional voice users. Clarissa has also conducted research into the importance of providing voice training for teachers as standard as part of initial teacher training.
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.
Cornetta Williams Walker is a psychotherapist and supervisor with over ten years experience, registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Addiction Professionals, British Infertility Counselling Association and the Association for The Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. She is a member of BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network). Cornetta's practice has mainly been in the community and within health and social care supporting families with drumming, photography and film-making, and art. She has experience working with vocalists, actors, writers and directors with issues relating to mental health conditions, intimacy, addiction including porn addiction, motivation, fear of rejection, attachment disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and racism. Cornetta supports remote interventions including sober coach for actors and artist struggling with alcohol addiction and mental health.
Cornetta can help with issues relating to resilience/ motivation after rejection, stress reduction, audition anxiety, racism/unconscious bias/representation in the industry/diversity, social anxiety, addiction including sex addiction, substance use recovery intervention, general anxiety, boundary setting on set, trauma (historic or current), attachment and connection, working together in a group, sober coach on set when actors are filming home and abroad, working with difficult subject matter and intimacy.
Cornetta uses different approaches including integrative psychotherapy, person-centred recovery and sober coaching, trauma and attachment disorders, relationship issues and couple’s work, hypersexual compulsivity and porn addiction and mindfulness based stress reduction.
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.
Damian Higgins is a BACP registered counsellor with a humanistic integrative approach focused in the person-centred modality but also including elements of CBT. He is a qualified A-Level Dance and Drama Teacher with a ten year career as a professional musical theatre performer. Damian has been a teacher of Performing Arts for the last 15 years, currently working as course leader for Drama and Dance at Bilborough Sixth Form College.
Damian can help with issues relating to race identity, gender identity, LGBTQI issues, eating disorders, anxiety and stress, confidence building, working on boundaries in life and understanding self and he also delivers sessions of CBT-T for First Steps Eating Disorder.
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.
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.
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.
Dimitrios is a specialist CBT practitioner accredited by the BABCP, which is the primary professional organisation for CBT therapists in the UK. In addition, he is a qualified integrative counsellor and a registered member of the BACP, which is the largest Counselling & Psychotherapy professional body in Europe.
Dimitrios specialises in providing clinical assessments and treatments for individuals struggling with various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, performance anxiety, depression, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), phobias, and panic disorder. In addition, he can help you address issues related to health anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, agoraphobia, anger, shame, personal development, body image, insomnia, work-related stress or issues, self-esteem, low confidence, anger management, and relationship or familial difficulties.
Dimitrios has extensive experience in mental health settings, having worked with diverse client groups from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. He has provided professional services to highly accredited organizations, charities, and institutions such as the English National Healthcare System (NHS), MIND, and Change Grow Live (CGL). In addition, Dimitrios has worked in various settings, including hospitals, medical centres, drug and alcohol services, military bases, and schools. He is highly supervised, works closely with other mental health professionals, follows the National Health and Care Guidelines (NICE) and keeps up to date with developments in CBT and Integrative psychotherapy practice.
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:
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Musculoskeletal conditions
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Musicians’ injuries and Performing Arts Injuries
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Post cancer treatments rehabilitation
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Hypermobility spectrum and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Disorders
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Postural dysfunctions
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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 Gulamali's patients include musicians, voiceover artists, actors and models, and a culture is in place that values the significance of their oral and dental health to their careers extending over many years. Dentures, tooth wear, dental implant complications, missing/failing teeth, injury/trauma. Brass and woodwind instrumentalists benefit from the specialist skills available in the practice for advice and treatment of embouchure problems involving the teeth and muscles of the mouth and jaw. Corrections of tooth positions and angulations for improved embouchure formation, fixed bridgework and implant stabilised dentures are all available to improve and extend musical careers. String instrumentalists benefit from the improvement and treatment of face and neck muscle pain and the associated dental discrepancies that may contribute to this condition, easing discomfort and possible over-use injury.
Now offering specialist oral surgery treatment including complex extractions and minor oral surgeries, and a dental hygienist and oral health promotor for children and adults. Specialising also in gum disease - periodontist, and root canal - endodontist.
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 Alison Loram is an Alexander Technique teacher working extensively with musicians and performers. She has a great deal of experience helping student and professional violinists/viola players with their set up i.e. the interface of the instrument in relation to supporting/playing it. She teaches at Birmingham Conservatoire, RNCM and privately in both Crewe and Birmingham.
Alison qualified as a teaching member of PAAT in 1992 and has been a part-time lecturer in the Alexander Technique at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire since 1993 and a guest-lecturer at the Royal Northern College of Music since 2016.
Trained originally as a professional violinist at the Royal College of Music, Alison was drawn to the Alexander Technique by a persistent musculoskeletal problem specific to violin playing. Much of her teaching involves helping student and professional musicians prevent and overcome performance-related difficulties, and improve their performance and practise.
Following her Alexander Technique training, Alison has been a registered practitioner with the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine since 2008 and has given numerous talks and seminars at conferences and meetings, and in music colleges and university departments, to academics, healthcare professionals and performers alike. With a BSc and PhD in Biological Sciences and a number of years working as a post-doctoral researcher, in 2013, Alison gained an MSc in Performing Arts Medicine from University College London. Her research thesis “Chronic profession-limiting problems in musicians; Underlying mechanisms and neuroplastic routes to recovery”, undertaken with PAAT colleagues and movement scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University, can be found here.
Alison returned to violin playing ten years ago and, based in Crewe, performs as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician and freelance orchestral player in the Midlands and the North West of England. She teaches the Alexander Technique to individuals and groups, in person and online.
Details of Alison’s Thesis (“Chronic profession-limiting problems in musicians: Underlying mechanisms and neuroplastic routes to recovery”) can be viewed here.
Her 2017 presentation to the UCL Institute of Education (“Explaining the Alexander Technique to clinicians and scientists”) can be viewed here.
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.
BAPAM Assessing Clinician and NHS GP experienced advising performing arts professionals and students about all work/study-related problems. Safeguarding lead for BAPAM.
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 Anna Waters is a performance and sport psychologist who is experienced at coaching performing artists, teachers, coaches and medical support teams on an individual basis and in group sessions. Anna can help with all aspects of performance psychology, in particular: stage fright, anxiety, managing nerves, dealing with and recovering from the psychological effects of injury, preparing for auditions, managing setbacks and rejection, dealing with pressure from social media, time management, building resilience, and improving mental preparation for performance.
Having a brother who is a theatre producer and having played violin and acted for many years growing up, has given me insight into the dynamics and intricacies of the world of performing arts. Over the past 20 years, I have worked with numerous performers including classical musicians, opera singers, ballerinas, stand-up comedians, actors and singers. I can offer insight and help you to develop skills, tools and techniques, which you can individualise and apply to your performance.
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 Anthony Ordman is a highly experienced Consultant in Pain Medicine, familiar with musicians' medical and pain management needs, and expert in long-term pain and related conditions including spinal or musculoskeletal pain, nerve pain, and the effects of adverse psychological states on pain. He is also a specialist in using cannabis-based medicines. Dr Ordman is the Honorary Medical Adviser to the Royal Society of Musicians and a member of BAPAM's Medical Committee. He is is a keen musician and singer himself.
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 Arun Dev Vellore is a specialist in Respiratory Medicine (Chest Medicine), Internal Medicine, Occupational & Environmental disease, Interstitial Lung Disease, General Internal Medicine, Medical Negligence, experienced working with performers such as vocalists or wind players with respiratory disorders, and performance professionals with worsening lung function.
Conditions managed include: Intractable cough. Vocal cord dysfunction. Hyperventilation syndromes. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Disability arising from chest trauma. Chronic Chest pain. Cardiac Failure. Occupational Lung Disease. Chest Medicine, General Medicine, Occupational Medicine.
Dr Vellore is an NHS consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
He provides online consultations to any BAPAM-registered patients worldwide, and in-person in Birmingham.
Performing Arts Medicine GP assessments at the BAPAM Clinic at Birmingham Conservatoire. Grade 8 singer, piano player and violinist. Assessments and management advice for mental health and physical problems of students and professionals in the performing arts.
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.
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.
BAPAM Assessing Clinician advising performing arts professionals and students about all work/study-related problems. Also an NHS GP.
Dr Hara Trouli is a highly experienced musculoskeletal doctor who has worked extensively with professionals and student performers. She offers diagnostic assessments and advice for all musculoskeletal performance-related problems. A keen piano player,
In 2011 Hara joined the first Masters degree in Performing Arts Medicine at University College London and graduated with distinction in 2012. Her MSc Research Thesis focused on the Muscular Contraction in the Arms of Pianists. Since 2015 she is appointed by UCL as the Course Lead where she runs and develops the Masters, Diploma and Certificate postgraduate studies. She is involved in multiple academic activities and she also organises the PAM DAY once every year at UCL.
She is a clinician for the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine and has developed a Musicians' Clinic in London where she works together with of a multidisciplinary team looking after musicians' injuries.
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.
Dr James Thing is an expert in the treatment of upper limb injury – including frozen shoulder, impingement, tennis elbow and osteoarthritis – as well as the treatment of lower limb tendon disorders such as Achilles, Patellar and ankle tendons and plantar fascia. He is experienced in non-surgical management of hand, wrist and elbow pathology. He has helped many performance professionals with problems including De Quervain's tenosynovitis, Trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, capsulitis, pain and fracture.
He has a special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasound and provides ultrasound guided therapeutic injections and intervention on the NHS and privately.
Private patients requiring ultrasound-guided, musculoskeletal injections can be referred to the rapid-access, consultant-led Joint Injection Clinic in Golders Green or Chelsea. Consultations are also available at Pure Sports Medicine, Canary Wharf, and the Highgate Hospital.
Dr Thing also undertakes a weekly NHS musculoskeletal ultrasound/radiology list at the Royal London Hospital (Barts Health).
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.
Dr McKavanagh is an NHS and BAPAM GP who holds BAPAM clinics in Liverpool and Manchester and helps artists and creative practitioners with a range of physical and mental health concerns. She is a graduate of the UCL Performing Arts Medicine MSc programme.
She is an experienced Doctor who has worked in the NHS for 35 years, and also a performing musician who has performed in solo recitals, and worked as an accompanist for ABRSM and LCM music examinations. She holds an LTCL in Piano Performance and has played violin, viola, clarinet, celtic harp and vibraphone in the past. She have also sung soprano in a chamber choir for the past 20 years.
Special interests include disorders affecting instrumental musicians, particularly overuse musculoskeletal and neurological injuries, focal musicians dystonias and cognitive, hearing and other sensory conditions,sexual and reproductive health and travel medicine.
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.
Dr Moira McCormack is a physiotherapist and former professional classical ballet dancer and teacher of classical ballet. Moira has worked with classical ballet dancers, professional musical theatre dancers, vocational dance students of all ages and contemporary dancers.
Moira can help with returning the dancer to technical class and performance through understanding the cardiovascular, strength and technical demands involved. She tackles issues relating to lower limb (including spine), foot and ankle, shoulder girdle and post surgical rehabilitation. She is experienced working with hypermobile patients. She practises at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) in central London.
Dr Mukul Agarwal is a Consultant Musculoskeletal, Sport & Rehab Physician with extensive experience as an Orchestra and College Medical Consultant and a BAPAM Assessing Clinician, supporting musicians, dancers, and all artist performers.
Dr Agarwal provides services in performance arts, MSK, sports & travel medicine; acute & overuse trauma, internal & rehab medicine; interventional MSK assessment & pain injections/procedures using clinic/bedside ultrasound assistance; image guided spinal interventional procedures; cardio-pulmonary rehab & exercise prescription in health and chronic conditions; and complex cases. He is fluent in Hindi and Urdu.
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
Dr Nina Amedzro is an experienced NHS GP and a BAPAM Assessing Clinician in the Northeast, Yorkshire & Humberside. She has a special interest in performers’ health. A musician herself, who attended a specialist music school and played in youth orchestras. Since qualifying as a doctor in 2003, she has helped many performance professionals and students with physical and mental health concerns including musculoskeletal pains, poor posture, performance anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, tinnitus, vocal problems and hearing issues.
“Working with BAPAM lets me unite my passion for music and performance with my skills as an experienced GP, so that musicians can access good healthcare and enjoy health and wellbeing".
In her spare time, Nina enjoys watching her favourite bands, discovering new music and playing in a local amateur orchestra.
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).
NHS and private GP and Occupational Health Physician who has worked at BAPAM London as an Assessing Clinician advising performing arts professionals and students about all work/study-related problems. AMABO Medical Adviser to the Philharmonia Orchestra. Keen clarinet player who has played and toured with orchestras including the World Doctors Orchestra.
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 Raluca Matei trained as a professional classical violinist before focusing on psychology and specialising in musicians’ health and wellbeing from an interdisciplinary, real-world perspective. She is a performance coach with a special interest in the psychology of performance, who works with clients to solve problems relating to, for example, lifestyle and behaviour change, stage fright/performance anxiety, resilience and wellbeing, building and managing healthy relationships, practice strategies, work routines, time management, setting objectives and planning, exploring one’s values and priorities in one’s artistic career and personal life, music education and teaching strategies.
Raluca's approach is flexibly tailored to individual needs, and eclectic, drawing ideas and principles from several disciplines including psychology, philosophy, and health. “Active listening and building a relationship are at the core of practice”.
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).
Dr Rikin Hargunani is a musculoskeletal radiologist with an interest in sports and performing arts injuries. Services include MRI, X-ray, CT and ultrasound scans and image-guided procedures. Interventional procedures include ultrasound-guided injections, tendon therapy and CT-guided joint injections for spinal conditions. Has seen many performers, including dancers and musicians with musculoskeletal problems. A GP referral would be needed prior to arranging imaging or injections. NHS service provided at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. Private patients can be seen at The London Clinic or Spire Bushey Hospital.
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. 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 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 in all mediums from orchestral, session to jazz and improvising as an HCPC registered Music Therapist. Stella also 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 of online and face to face cognitive analytic and trauma focused sessions, depending on clinets' needs. She has worked with performers to recover from depression as well as performance related, social and generalised anxieties. She uses mindfulness techniques sometimes underlying issues such as domestic violence or historical abuse emerge. Following an initial assessment session, clients can work collaboratively with her to ensure that their therapy or counselling is tailored to meet their needs.
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.
Recent publications:
Dr Tamara Cohen is a GP and health coach with a special interest in mental health, functional medicine and the performing arts. She holds a free clinic at BAPAM for professional and student creative practitioners and is a member of the BAPAM Medical Committee. She is also a singer, performer and member of an amateur musical theatre company, therefore has personal experience of the joys and anxieties within the field. She also consults on sexual health, gynaecology, pre-screening for cruise ship work, joint injuries, fatigue, hypermobility.
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. She is part of the team at Performing Arts Vision Care.
Elodie Frati is an Osteopath with clinical interests in dance injuries and hypermobility syndromes. Before becoming an Osteopath Elodie studied to be a contemporary dancer and graduated from Contemporary Dance: BPA (Hons) from Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
Elodie is experienced in treating dancers, musical theatre performers and circus artists. She can help with issues relating to musculoskeletal injuries, post op rehab, ongoing rehabilitation for return to stage, and vocal fatigue. Elodie offers services in manual therapy, rehabilitation and K-tape.
Elodie Gauthier is a senior performing arts specialist physiotherapist working at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, privately, and through BAPAM at our Glasgow clinic. She is also a writer & musician, a yoga teacher and an assistant researcher in psychology. She is also a volunteer postnatal companion with Amma Birth Companions. She enjoys practising and teaching a variety of movement forms, including dance, martial arts, yoga and Pilates. A proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she offers safer spaces to her patients and students from all walks of life, whether in clinical or educational settings.
Emel Mehmet is a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Educational Psychotherapist. She works with clients mostly aged 11 - 30, including children, teenagers, young people and families on issues relating to identity and sense of self, self-worth, shame, anxiety, panic attacks, performance anxiety, depression, self harm, suicidal ideation, victims of abuse, relationship difficulties, learning difficulties, racial identity, eating disorders, body dysmorphia and body image, bereavement, grief and trauma.
Educational Psychotherapy (EPT) is a technique that allows the therapist to have insight into the client's internal world through various tasks, working with the barriers that hinder learning and development. EPT is ideal for people whose behaviour, learning, or emotions seem stuck in a cycle or spiral, and for anyone who is not comfortable with direct talking or doesn't feel able to talk. Educational Psychotherapy is a highly effective way of helping people to learn. It combines teaching with a chance to explore and make sense of painful or traumatic experiences that might get in the way of learning and development.
Since 2008 Emel has worked in a variety of educational settings including in an international school. Her background is in teaching young people with additional needs, hence her special interest in working with students using creative tasks. She currently works at Leytonstone Secondary School and the Royal Academy of Music.
Emel studied dance and enjoys supporting performing artists and maintaining a connection with the arts.
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 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.
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.
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
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."
Genevieve Tawiah is an experienced Performance Physiotherapist who uses sports massage, medical acupuncture, taping and more alongside a variety of exercise methods. She has experience teaching matwork and reformer pilates and a background in yoga practice which she often applies in sessions.
My goal is to provide you with the tools you need to optimise your wellbeing; learn more about your body and make a safe and efficient recovery from injury - back to the activities you love where possible.
Services and treatments include:
- Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment for injuries
- Video call consultations
- Sports Massage
- Vocal Physiotherapy
- Jaw (TMJ) Physiotherapy
- Medical Acupuncture
- Dry Cupping
- Shockwave Therapy
- Supportive Taping
- Exercise advice: Pilates/ Yoga/ Strength and Conditioning
- Injury prevention talks and workshops
George Tyros is a highly experienced clinical physiotherapist specialising in musculoskeletal, sports and geriatric physiotherapy. He has been treating performers extensively since 2016, seeing many musicians from the CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and performing arts professionals working at venues including Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Utilita Arena Birmingham and Symphony Hall plus touring dancers, strings and brass instrumentalists.
For 10 years George was the lead sports physiotherapist for the Greek Swimming Federation (KOE) and the Greek Olympic team (swimming department) where he overlooked the prevention and rehabilitation of sports injuries in elite swimmers. He saw that performers share many of the same attributes and benefit from specialised care from informed health care professionals who understands their specific physical and psychosocial support needs.
He has a special interest in Geriatrics particularly the 80+ group and possesses substantial experience with the pre-and post-operative management of orthopaedic procedures such as joint replacements.
He works with Isaac Tyros (also listed in the BAPAM Directory) at Edgbaston Physiotherapy.
Please contact Gill via BAPAM or the use contact form on her website.
Gill Murchie is a psychotherapist and counsellor with a particular interest in attachment, relationships and loss. She uses a therapeutic approach based on Transactional Analysis (TA). She is also a Mental Health First Aid instructor. Her experience with creative professionals includes helping production and television crew, musicians, west end performers, singers, and songwriters with concerns around performance, self-worth, injury at work, and lack of work.
Special interests include managing transitions such as redundancy, retirement, career change and family issues including separation, divorce, affairs and betrayals. She works with clients who have experience of abuse, historic sexual abuse, domestic violence. More broadly, she helps people manage anxiety, depression, illness, bereavement, stress, parenting issues, bullying and physical health problems.
Gills works with adults and young people aged 16 and over. She is a professional advisor to youngminds.org.uk and an online crisis counsellor for giveusashout.org.
She has worked in the NHS, social services and the voluntary sector. Over the last 20 years, she has worked in Higher Education, lecturing in developmental psychology and gaining a broad range of experience of working with students, teachers, tutors and lecturers.
Glenn Sontag is a registered Osteopath with both The General Osteopathic Council (GOSC), The Osteopathic Performing Arts Care Association (OPACA) and RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners). Glenn also studied for an MSc in animal osteopathy with The European School of Osteopathy, where he gained a Masters with distinction in 2018.
Glenn has worked with actors, TV news journalists, public speakers / politicians, singers, singing coaches, circus performers, stunt performers, comedians and musicians (mostly wind and string instruments). He can help with issues relating to varied musculoskeletal conditions (not just spinal), non-spinal regions including shoulder / elbow / hip / knee, hands / feet and head / facial, acute / recent strains and chronic strains, repetitive injuries, common presentations for neck / middle back / lower back / pelvic problems, pregnancy (over 3 months) and post-partum. Glenn offers bespoke assessment and treatment, ultrasound treatment and dry needling.
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.
Hannah Stoyel is a performance psychologist working with performers and athletes in London and online around the world. She has specific expertise in performance anxiety, building confidence, body image, self-esteem and disordered eating. She can provide support before auditions and major performances, and make a wide impact on overall mental wellbeing as well as mental preparation for performance.
Hannah uses an integrative approach with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Hannah has a background as an athlete and coach in competitive gymnastics and swimming and is also currently a PhD candidate at University College London (UCL), researching athletes and eating disorders.
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 Boyle is a psychotherapist who for the past 30 years has worked in the Emergency Services, supporting colleagues who have been involved, directly or indirectly, with traumatic incidents. Heather is experienced in working with individuals who have been involved in abusive relationships and has worked within the NHS and the 3rd sector providing emotional and psychological support to the public across a number of different issues.
Heather can help with issues relating to performance anxiety, OCD, abuse, trauma, relationship issues including high conflict, depression, addictions, loss/bereavement, anger issues, loss of identity and several more. She has a personal interest in the performing arts and experience in amateur drama and dance.
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).
Heidi Shepherd is an accredited, integrative counsellor offering short & longer-term online & phone counselling/psychotherapy. Her approach draws mainly on person-centred and psychodynamic concepts/theory although she also works creatively and intuitively within the moment. Heidi also offer EMDR therapy.
Heidi's background is in the creative and performing arts worlds, which has given her a deeper understanding of the personal problems, mental health concerns and struggles often encountered by those working in the industry. "I think there is a common misconception about people who work in performing arts, that they are somehow immune to rejection, criticism, relationship problems, financial hardship or work dry-spells etc. I want to address this and help them gain greater self-awareness, develop skills to regulate their emotions, better manage their public vs private identity and equip them with new coping strategies. My overarching aim is to help my clients improve all aspects of their life including their work/career".
Heidi is experienced in working with creatives, performers, production and crew members on issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, work and career issues, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, feelings of loneliness and isolation, suicidal feelings, self-harming, addiction, sexual assault, trauma, loss and bereavement.
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.
Helen Wither is a registered Osteopath who has been in family practice for over 16 years. Helen has a first class BSc Honours degree in Osteopathy from the College of Osteopaths and has been registered with the General Osteopathic Council since 2007. Helen was the winner of the Reg Oakes Prize for "First in Class" in 2007. She is a member of the Institute of Osteopathy and the Osteopathic Obstetric, Pelvic, Abdominal and Respiratory Association. Since 2009 Helen has been a member of the Cheshire Osteopaths Group and continues to meet regularly with other osteopaths and professionals, both in Cheshire and North Wales, for training and research. Helen has completed Breastfeeding Support certification for Health Professionals through the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and has worked for a number of years as part of a network of professionals supporting babies and new parents - Cheshire "Pregnancy, Baby and You". Helen has special interests in treating babies, children and during pregnancy; and in treating performing artists (dancers, musicians, vocalists). She continues to provide specialist osteopathic treatment for young dancers and teachers at a ballet school in Cheshire.
Helen can help with issues relating to back and hip pain and restrictions in achieving optimum technique, ankle and foot issues, pointe work issues, postural and technique problems for dancers (including arm placement, breathing, turnout, flexibility, use of the foot), vocal and throat problems, postural problems and pain in musicians.
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.
Ian Nicholas is a Soft Tissue Therapist and highly experienced singer and singing teacher with a special interest in voice rehabilitation and vocal massage. As an experienced Estill Master Trainer (EMT), Ian was the first practitioner in the UK to hold both the EMT and the UK’s highest qualification in Soft Tissue Therapy. Ian combines voice training exercises and Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT), pioneering an integrated model for the treatment and rehabilitation of Muscle Tension Dysphonia and other issues. He works as part of a Multidisciplinary Voice Clinic team in South Wales, and also works closely with senior laryngeal surgeons in London.
He lectures in Singing at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and was formerly a Vocal Tutor at the Faculty of Musical Theatre at Mountview, London. He has been a visiting or guest lecturer at Arts Ed, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Sibelius Academy, Helsinki and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Ian holds an Honours Degree in Music from Goldsmiths College, University of London.
Ian is extensively involved with the recording industry, preparing singers for major tours, and coaching in the recording studio. His clients work within Musical Theatre and in Contemporary Commercial Music. He works at How The Voice Works, and supports individual singers in productions at the Helsinki City Theatre. As an experienced choral performer and conductor, Ian has outstanding ensemble teaching skills and gives workshops and classes to theatre companies and choirs including recently working with Theatre Vanemuise, Estonia on their production of Sister Act.
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.
Jack Williamson is a BACP Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist who has also worked for over 20 years in the music industry in a variety of different roles, from PR to label executive and artist management. Since 2017 he has focused increasingly on supporting mental health and well-being. Jack is also a certified coach, couples therapist and group facilitator. Jack has training in working with LGBTQIA+ clients. He is skilled at coping with or managing a transition in any field, working with individuals, couples, groups and organisations, supporting clients as they navigate their way through a whole different range of life issues and transitions.
Through his company Music & You, Jack’s work supports the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, artists and organisations. This support has ranged from wellness coaching to sessions delivered as talks, webinars and workshops. His work has been embraced by major record labels Warner, Universal, BMG, the leading trade bodies, BPI, UK Music, MMF, PRS, PPL and MPA. Jack’s skills and expertise support the ever-evolving needs and demands that those working in the music industry face. His work tackles issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, identity issues, addiction and trauma.
Jason is a registered Osteopath with The General Osteopathic Council, an alumnus of The London School of Osteopathy, and co-founder of The Film Physios. Previous clinical experience includes delivering MSK support within the Lawn Tennis Association, Eton College, and The Princess Grace Hospitals in London.
Jason delivers a hybrid approach of osteopathy, osteo-massage and modalities including Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy and medical acupuncture to provide occupational health and injury rehabilitation support to film and TV industry professionals. This includes cast, dancers and performers, stunt performers and crew members across Netflix, HBO, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Sony, and Universal Pictures productions including Wicked parts 1&2, Disneys Snow White, Mission Impossible franchise, HBO's House of the Dragon and the Black Mirror series.
Jason is also a registered Extracorporeal Shockwave therapist and DSE assessor. Jason’s skill set includes osteopathy, strength and conditioning, hands on treatment, rehabilitation of acute and chronic MSK conditions and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; with special interests in the treatment of chronic tendon pathologies and performance related injuries, instability and hyper mobility. Jason also offers medical dry needling.
Appointments are delivered at Jason’s clinics at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, St Albans, Hertfordshire and Sky Studios Elstree, Hertfordshire. Jason also travels to other studios upon request.
Osteopathy, Pilates and Sports Massage practitioner with a particular interest in postural and ergonomic factors that affect the way in which the human spine works, especially in the context of dance and the performance arts. Jenefer has a background in dance and movement, plays piano and sings. She has treated instrumentalists, singers, actors and dancers (ballet, contemporary and musical theatre) and is based at Shoreham Osteopathy Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea. Please ask for Jenefer as this is a group practice. Since November 2023, Jenefer is also practising 9am-1pm at Valentine Voice Care Centre, Lewes.
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.
Jessica Lee Morgan is an Alexander Technique teacher and singer songwriter and recording artist. Jessica has worked with vocalists and instrumentalists on posture training and psychophysical improvement. She can help with issues relating to voice use, preventing performance related pain and overuse/RSI-related problems, stress and anxiety management, and performance wellbeing.
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.
John Wild is an integrative psychotherapist who combines different therapeutic tools and approaches such as psychodynamic, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Person centred, Behavioural, Gestalt and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). This helps to deliver a unique and effective form of treatment that is suitable for individual needs. He also draws on the principles of mindfulness and is trained as a Hypnotherapist and can offer this as a complementary therapy.
John trained and worked as an actor in Theatre, TV and film, directed and produced theatre and led workshops and taught throughout Europe. He has trained as a voice coach and taught voice in a number of leading London drama schools for over 10 years.
As a psychotherapist, he helps clients with emotional trauma, disconnection, stage fright, bereavement, Stress and Anxiety, Procrastination, Depression, Self-harming, Suicidal thoughts, self-esteem, abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, Childhood trauma, Relationship issues, Dealing with illness including cancer, Life transitions & changes, Spiritual issues, Motivation, Unblocking creative potential.
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.
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.
Mr Joseph Manjaly is an ENT surgeon with a specialisation in ears and hearing with experience in working with all types of performing artists with a need for good hearing & ear health. He can help with various issues including tinnitus, cochlear implants, hearing loss, blocked ears, ear infections, deafness, ear wax build-up, glue ear, otitis media, otorrhoea, otalgia, dizziness, vertigo, eustachian tube dysfunction, perforated eardrum, eardrum retraction, otosclerosis, tympanic membrane retraction, cholesteatoma, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis
Joseph offers ear microsuction, intratympanic steroid injection, tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty, stapedectomy, bone anchored hearing aid insertion, myringotomy, grommet insertion, bone conduction implants, middle ear implants, tympanomastoidectomy, blind sac closure, canalplasty, meatoplasty, mastoid cavity obliteration.
Josephine Cropper is an experienced psychotherapist and Complex trauma specialist (PTSD) who uses an integrative approach and modalities including TRE Trauma Release Exercises. She is an amateur pianist and has helped numerous artists and creative professionals in areas such as assertiveness, self-esteem, childhood trauma, trauma body issues, performance anxiety, panic attacks anger management, and relationship issues. She based in Horwich, Bolton and also consults via Skype.
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.
Judith Kleinman is an Alexander Technique teacher and an experienced performer. Having been a freelance musician for forty years, Judith has played with the English National Opera, The City of London Symphony Orchestra, The LSO and more. Judith has taught Alexander Technique for over thirty years at institutions such as The Royal College of Music The Junior Academy of Music and LCATT Alexander Training School. She has delivered a number of Alexander Technique introductory sessions for BAPAM. Judith also teaches yoga and Tai Chi.
Judith works on the approach to understanding of how we are psychophysical as humans and how to approach that understanding with the thinking that leads to emotional intelligence and embodied awareness.
With musicians, she spends some time on working on intelligent practice leading to powerful performance. Understanding and developing a clear body map for movement and playing or singing.
She works with all performers on finding a quiet strength; a quiet mind and an easy body. She likes to give clear strategies and studies for performance confidence as well as everyday life. Working on finding self-acceptance, which leads to self-development whilst developing skills in practice, rehearsal and performance. Judith uses stillness and movement and is particularly interested in having a healthy approach to being calm, confident and coordinated, being able to focus and be present under pressure, not over worry about making mistakes, that is how we learn. Her work also usually involves balancing and recognizing the work, rest and play of life and in learning.
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.
Kate Valentine is a Sports Massage Therapist who works extensively with singers and professional voice users, specialising in vocal massage, laryngeal manual therapy, vocal health, and injury prevention. Whilst enjoying a successful career as a principal artist on the international operatic stage Kate sustained a vocal injury which sparked her fascination with vocal health, rehabilitation, and the long-term benefits of manual therapy for voice.
In 2023 Kate Founded Valentine Voice Care, a multidisciplinary centre in Lewes, East Sussex dedicated to the care and support of voice, and as well as offering Vocal Health Triage and Vocal Massage herself, now runs a team of 18 cross-disciplinary practitioners between her main Lewes centre, and another smaller centre in Glasgow. She manages a busy client list including English National Opera's Harewood Artists, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Swap'ra, Voces8, and The Dunedin Consort and is a trusted name in the Classical music world.
"It is my mission to help remove the mystery and stigma surrounding vocal wellbeing and injury, and to provide a safe space to help you with your journey – whichever part of that journey you are on".
Kate offers services in Vocal Massage, Manual Therapy for Voice & Swallowing disorders, Laryngeal Manipulation, TMJ management, Myofascial Therapy, VoiceRelease Massage and Sports Massage Therapy. She can help with issues relating to relieving postoperative and post viral tension, globus pharyngeus/globus hystericus (a sense of a ‘lump’ in the throat), muscle tension dysphonia, TMJ, improving vocal function, alleviating acid reflux symptoms, releasing emotional tension, improving vocal stamina, range and flexibility, freeing up the breathing mechanism, jaw and tongue root tension, releasing muscles which have been overcompensating, performance anxiety, vocal pacing, vocal health advice and injury prevention.
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.
Kathy Harris is a physiotherapist experienced treating musicians, dancers and performers. Specialising in manual therapy and home exercise programmes, Kathy has worked alongside the Ulster Orchestra for 7 years and has also worked with Highland, Irish and contemporary dancers, choir and solo vocalists, and students and staff at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Kathy has also trained as a classical pianist and oboist.
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.
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.
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.
Performing arts specialist physiotherapy, specialist vocal physiotherapy, acupuncture. Extensive experience helping performing artists of all different disciplines including many West End performers with musculoskeletal problems. Expert in muscular tension in professional voice users, injury prevention and treatment in dancers, posture and musicians' health operating in The Midlands with Franklin Physiotherapy Ltd.
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.
Korina has taught Alexander Technique to many performing arts clients. Teaches at drama colleges including RADA, and works with musicians including Hampshire County Youth Orchestra. Worked with musicians such as pianists and violinists presenting with aches and pains, tension when using voices, and performance anxiety. Several practice locations in Hove and East Sussex.
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.
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.
Laura is a qualified and accredited counsellor and psychotherapist, providing one-to-one sessions online and in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She works with people experiencing a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, anger, relationship difficulties and low self-esteem.
As a trained dancer and dance teacher with 15 years’ experience in the performing arts sector, Laura is passionate about working with performers, dancers and students. She provides a safe and supportive space where you can speak about and process anything that is bothering you, whether related to your career or other life experiences.
Laura is trained in a variety of different styles and tailors her approach according to each client’s individual needs. Her main training is in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy, but she also draws on CBT, positive psychology and creative therapy tools. She is a member of the National Counselling Society.
Laura offers a free, no-obligation consultation to find out more about counselling and consider whether it's right for you. If you choose to continue with counselling sessions, BAPAM members get a discount.
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".
2017 Trained Mindfulness teacher: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - University of Bangor;
2007-2013, M Mus (Distinction) Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), B Mus (Hons) RCS (formally RSAMD) including Erasmus exchange to Geneva Conservatoire
Lee Holland is a Performance Coach, holding an MSc in Performance Psychology from Edinburgh University. Lee also has a Masters in Performance (Distinction) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Post-Graduate Professional Coaching Certificate and an Executive Coaching qualification accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) through Full Circle Global, Edinburgh.
Lee is qualified to teach both Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Living course (MBLC) curriculums. Her teaching certificates are from the Centre of Mindfulness Research and Practice, Bangor and the Mindfulness Association, Scotland. Lee lectures at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on two degree accredited modules ‘Mindfulness for Well-Being and Performance’, and ‘Mental Skills Training for the Performer’.
Lee is experienced in working with classical orchestral musicians. She can help with issues relating to performance anxiety, coping with pressure, lack of confidence, focus and distraction issues, planning and organisational challenges, motivation, leadership and public speaking, and practice management and planning.
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.
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.
Logan Lefler is a specialist performing arts physiotherapist and the Clinic Manager at NEUROTOUR London. He is experienced providing physiotherapy support for Broadway, West End and touring productions and performers. He has worked with musical theatre performers, musicians on tour, ballet dancers, orchestral musicians and vocalists. Conditions treated include vocal strain, low back pain, disc herniation, sacroiliac dysfunction, joint impingement, neurological disorders, post-operation rehabilitation, ligament tears, strains, pains and tension. He has provided backstage physiotherapy care and worked on injury prevention measures, considering factors such as raked stages, heavy costumes, props, demanding choreography and vocal demands. He is a trained Mental Health First Aider.
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.
Lucinda Drayton is a BACP accredited Integrative Counsellor helping clients with issues including performance anxiety, low self esteem, fear-based issues, grief, anxiety and depression, gender issues, and relationship breakdown and/or challenges. Lucinda provides psychotherapy and psychoeducation, deep relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation and emotional freedom work (tapping, similar to EFT).
Lucinda is also a singer-songwriter. "I understand the particular challenges faced by those in the performing arts. The insecurity of work, the audition process, dealing with rejection and the stresses of performing. It requires a particular kind of resilience to be able to cope with life as a performer".
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 Flock (she/her) is a massage therapist, vocal coach, and published researcher. She was endorsed for the prestigious Global Talent Visa (under Exceptional Promise Criteria) by Arts Council England. She has published research in the peer-reviewed academic journals Voice and Speech Review and the Journal of Singing (in press). Her latest research is titled 'Developing a Vocal Manual Therapy Intervention for the Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Professional Voice Users: A Pilot Study of Two Elite Singers'.
She holds an MA in Music Theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and a BA in Drama from the University of Virginia (with honours). She also trained at Ithaca College’s BFA Musical Theatre programme. Lydia qualified as a Holistic & Deep Tissue massage therapist with Jing Advanced Massage Training and specialises in Vocal Massage & Laryngeal Manipulation. She is the founder of her private voice coaching company, Flockstars Coaching and works as a vocal massage therapist at the Voice Care Centre in London. Lydia highly values continued professional development and is in the process of completing her Certificate in Advanced Clinical Massage with Jing Advanced Massage Training (exp. 2022).
Lydia works with vocalists, actors, singers, speakers, and patients with any musculoskeletal voice-related issues, such as globus pharyngeus or a sense of a ‘lump’ in the throat, freeing up belt voice quality, muscle tension dysphonia, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms, loss of range or smooth transitions between vocal registers, difficulty swallowing or swallowing disorders, jaw and tongue root tension (including TMJ), vocal tiredness or fatigue. Lydia also offers assessments in manual therapy, myofascial release, advanced stretching techniques, laryngeal manipulation and self-care exercises.
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.
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.
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.
Maria trained in music performance at the Royal Academy of Music (cello) and has worked as a freelance musician and teacher (currently at The Academy of Contemporary Music). She is a qualified music therapist of more than 25 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 GIM modifications, which can be used where there is trauma or severe mental health issues, and can also integrate Breath Body Mind practices to help with stabilising the nervous system, through mindful movement and Coherent Breathing.
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
AIM Awards: Level 3 March 2014, BEd (Hons) Primary (Middle Age Range 8-12)
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".
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.
Mary Monro is an Osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council with over twenty years experience in treating musicians, actors and crew with all sorts of health problems. "I use gentle, hands-on techniques, including cranial osteopathy to help you achieve better health".
Mary offers osteopathy, cranial osteopathy, vocal osteopathy and paediatric osteopathy, and she can help with issues relating to difficulties or limitations with the voice e.g. jaw, sinuses, palate, neck, diaphragm issues, physical aches and pains related to performance and anxiety and stress related issues.
Mel Toy is a Performance Coach, songwriter, vocalist, and researcher, holding a BA Hons in Creative Musicianship and an MSc Psychology. She provides a tailored service which helps clients understand their experiences (emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural) and perform with greater confidence, self-esteem, and enjoyment. Coaching sessions aim to limit the psychological inhibitions that may stem from conditions such as Performance Anxiety (stage fright/nerves) or from strategies adopted during the development and treatment of vocal injuries. Mel has supported established performance professionals and emerging artists across a variety of styles and artistic medium. Mel is also a vocal coach and singing teacher and has a special interest in working with singers and professional voice users, particularly with contemporary and musical theatre vocalists. She can help with issues relating to a lack of confidence in performing, career and artist development, artist identity exploration, performance anxiety, vocal technique concerns, and creative blocks (e.g., songwriting concerns).
Mel is currently undertaking doctoral research through the Department of Culture, Communication, and Media with University College London’s Institute of Education, investigating the ongoing implications of music performance anxiety on the wellbeing of contemporary singers.
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.
Melanie Padron Golding is a counsellor, musician and recording artist who started work counselling children and young people. Melanie now works with a range of age groups, including young people under the age of sixteen and adult musicians, assisting them holistically in addressing mental health, resilience, identity, work-related stresses and public exposure. She has experience working with issues relating to gender transition, sexual orientation, eating disorders, substance and alcohol abuse, social disengagement, low self-esteem, confidence, family conflicts, loss, separation & divorce, suicidal tendencies, and self-harm, and offers support for mental health conditions such as depression, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, and PTSD. Melanie has also supported neurodivergent clients such as people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Michael Cousin is an Art Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist whose focus is on working with those who have experienced multiple traumatic events or have diagnosed disorders, mainly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizoaffective Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
Prior to his training, Michael was a contemporary artist and curator with over 20 years of experience of national and international exhibitions. He has a BA (Hons) and Master’s Degree in Fine Art and a Master’s Degree in Art Psychotherapy (2016).
Michael is experienced in working with actors. "As a self-employed creative myself I understand the professional difficulties that presents, and also the emotional strain this can create which can in turn exacerbate underlying mental health conditions or traumatic experiences".
Michael Gale is a highly experienced NHS physiotherapist with a special interest in dance, circus and singing performance. He has a background as a contemporary dancer, having trained at The Place and worked with various choreographers over several years. He combines his insight as a performer with clinical expertise, understanding performers’ need for specialist care and rehab.
Michael provides NHS services at Guy's Hospital - referrals can be made by NHS GPs via eRS for the attention of Michael Gale.
Conditions managed include persistent pain, musculoskeletal injury, post-operative rehabilitation, spinal problems, Upper and lower limb problems.
Michael has expertise in manual therapy, exercise therapy including Pilates, acupuncture and aquatic therapy. For patients with a Lambeth or Southwark GP, imaging, diagnostics and onward referral to medical/orthopaedic services is available.