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.
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 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 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.
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. Sidrah Muntaha is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working privately and in the NHS, with adults experiencing severe mental health difficulties. She provides individual therapy, group work and supervises/trains mental health professionals delivering psychological treatment. In her private practice, she sees performing artistes, musicians and creatives who are experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, Psychosis, PTSD and other mental health difficulties. Sidrah has over 20 years of experience working in the NHS, and is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy and Systemic Therapy. She also incorporates music in CBT (CBT-music) to support psychological formulation and treatment.
Dr. Tom Mountjoy is an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist with substantial experience across mental health, clinical health psychology, and neuropsychology settings (NHS and Independent Practice). He is also a published Composer/Producer and multi-instrumentalist, working exclusively in television and film production music, and splits his time between these two professions.
Tom has a genuine interest in the Arts and a solid understanding of many challenges faced by people working in this field. He is experienced in working therapeutically with high-performing individuals from a range of industries, and is dedicated in offering quality mental health input to working-age adults.
Clinically, Tom provides assessment and therapy services that address a variety of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, as well as workplace-related challenges and occupational stress. He has additional interests in acquired brain injury, neurological conditions, medically unexplained symptoms and neurological-like symptoms, and adjustment to living with chronic health conditions and disability.
In terms of therapeutic approach, Tom predominantly uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy informed approaches but adopts an integrative style. He offers remote consultations (nationwide) and face-to-face appointments (central Leeds). Tom sees individuals aged 18 upwards and works clinically on Mondays and Tuesdays; please expect a delay in response outside of these times.
Areas of interest:
Mental Health, including:
• Anxiety
• Depression and low-mood
• Stress and adjustment to difficult life events
• Panic Attacks
• Phobias
• Self-esteem and assertiveness
Occupational Health:
• Workplace stress management
• Developing resilience
• Managing work-life balance
• Specialist assessment and support
Physical Health:
• The psychological impact of living with physical health conditions such as neurological conditions (including acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, stroke), chronic health conditions, and medically unexplained and neurological-like symptoms (such as non-epileptic attacks and functional movement disorders)
• Living with other difficulties related to health conditions, such as chronic pain and issues relating to self-identity
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.
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
Provides psychological support to performers across numerous domains including music, sport, drama, dance and business. Has worked with many professional and student musicians through the Incorporated Society of Musicians as well as Healthy Conservatoires. Expertise in psychology of optimal performance, overcoming performance anxiety, mental health and wellbeing.
Greg has worked on developing many top musicians psychological approach to performance and frequently runs workshops with the Incorporated Society of Musicians, across the UK for musicians seeking to enhance their own performance levels and cope with the high demands of a career in music. Greg, in collaboration with his wife (Dr Ally Daubney) also runs numerous workshops for music teachers to help them effectively handle their students' music performance anxiety.
In conjunction with his wife, Greg has published two books centred on effective psychological approaches to performance management. The first is a practical resource for music teachers to provide them with strategies to help their students handle music performance anxiety and is entitled Performance Anxiety: A Practical Guide for Music Teachers. The second is a hands on psychological approach to optimising music performance for developing and professional musicians.
Phil Johnson is a Sport & Performance Psychologist and coach with extensive experience helping creative practitioners with problems including depression, anxiety, performance trauma, addiction, eating disorders, burnout, injury, self-harm, bullying, PTSD, relationship breakdown. Phil practises in Bristol and also provides online sessions. He uses techniques including brainspotting to help people overcome trauma.
Monia Brizzi is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. She consults in Canary Wharf and as an assessing clinician at BAPAM London.
She has worked with BAPAM for 13 years providing psychological assessment and treatment to professional performers and those in training, including orchestral soloists and players, conductors, composers, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, circus artists, stage managers and other performing arts practitioners.
Monia has a special interest in performance psychology and the psychological dimensions of physical and chronic conditions (somatic symptoms, illness, pain, fatigue, voice problems, tinnitus, musculoskeletal issues, hypo and hyper mobility, functional disabilities, injuries). She also consults on performance anxiety, panic attacks, low mood, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, self-esteem, shame, addictions, dissociation, complex trauma, and career transitions.
She has been interviewed by BAPAM: www.bapam.org.uk/arts-health-practitioners-in-focus-arts-specialist-psychologists-and-psychotherapists/, Classical Music magazine: Health and Wellbeing: Performance Anxiety and Healthy Conservatories Network.
Monia has worked on Wellcome Trust supported art-science projects at University College London Hospital. Facilitated art and psychology symposia with the Society for Existential Analysis and Professor of Art David Cotterrell for the national festival Creativity and Wellbeing Week. Convened Performing Arts Healthcare Conference with Professor of Music Daniel Leech-Wilkinson and BAPAM Senior Manager for Special Projects Dan Hayhurst at King’s College London: Phenomenology and the Arts and https://www.bapam.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SEA-BAPAM-Hermeneutic-Circular-April-2020.pdf. Collaborates with musicians: Challengingperformance.com, dancers: Dance and Choreomania, and other artists and scientists: https://www.artichoke.uk.com/cosmoscope-research-colloquium/.
She has published and presented her research at national and international conferences for over 17 years, including the 2022 annual conference of the Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare - Enhancing Wellness and Resilience in Performing Arts - with a collaborative article with Dr Anthony Ordman on ‘Understanding subconscious influences in complex mind-body presentations as the key to alleviating career-threatening symptomatologies’.
Recent publications in performing arts medicine include The Psychologist (British Psychological Society), Existential Analysis (Society for Existential Analysis), and Therapy Today (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
‘I have worked alongside Monia Brizzi, the psychologist and psychotherapist, for quite some time now, having met her when we gave lectures and webinars together for The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM). I am always deeply impressed by Monia’s depth of understanding of the human mind when health is a challenge. And in clinical practice, Monia Brizzi is one of the most talented and insightful psychologists with whom I have had the pleasure to work. I often refer patients to her whose complex physical pain presentations may be compounded by deep, often unconscious psychological responses to their pain. By gently and tactfully exploring these inner thoughts with kindness and patience, Monia can often bring considerable and lasting relief to patients, who feel deeply understood and helped in this way. Monia combines compassion and understanding with an expert theoretical basis for her work, and I can thoroughly recommend her as an expert and trusted colleague with whom it is often very illuminating to one’s own practice to discuss cases with her.’ Dr Anthony Ordman, Consultant in Pain Medicine
A dialogue between Professor Mine Doğantan-Dack and Monia Brizzi: Pedagogical and clinical perspectives on musicians’ health - Music and Mental Health Group, a study group of the Royal Music Association
https://musicmentalhealthgroup.wordpress.com/2023/03/30/a-dialogue-between-mine-and-monia/
https://musicmentalhealthgroup.wordpress.com/2023/03/30/preface-a-dialogue-between-mine-and-monia/
In December 2023, Monia and colleagues presented at the Music, body, and embodiment: new approaches in musicology conference:
Monia Brizzi (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) – Prof. John Crawford (Trinity Laban Conservatoire) – Dr. Maiko Kawabata (Open University / Royal College of Music), Musical Expression from the Whole Self: The Need for Body-Mind Integration in Performing Arts Education and Medicine
This paper, an interdisciplinary collaboration between a psychologist, a music conservatoire pedagogue, and a musicologist, explores the ideal for musicians to develop mind, body and emotions holistically towards the goal of giving authentic self-expression to the performance of Western classical music. Yet all too often, mental, physical and emotional functions are disconnected or even conflicted — a situation we collectively recognise and seek to ameliorate in our students and clients, with each author drawing on individual expertise. Why does this happen and what would it take to achieve an integrated approach? Crawford’s pedagogical outlook, drawing on his own lived experience as a professional violinist, places a strong emphasis on mind-body integration approaches, especially the Alexander Technique. Along with the optimal functioning of the body and correct body conception, an indispensable element is the desire of the musician to actually express something, yet too often the weakness or even absence of this desire is overlooked or ignored. Kawabata identifies the need for a joint-up approach having noticed that music pedagogy and related disciplines are not in dialogue, e.g. there are clear overlaps between the ‘body map’ in Alexander Technique whereby anatomical understanding informs intelligent movements and ‘body schemata’ in phenomenology whereby the violin and bow become part of the violinist’s body. Such theoretical connections have implications on a practical level, as revealed during a conservatoire workshop co-run by Kawabata and Crawford. Brizzi observes the deep-rooted yet limiting assumption in the performing arts that reduces the body and the self to separate objects and identifies tools and technique as agents; she points out that disturbance is often an attempt to break out of this rigidity and the benefits of an integrated approach for the whole self. She highlights the implications for performers’ health and wellbeing from a clinical perspective.
Sophie Bruce is a person-centred Sport Psychologist who applies psychological techniques and experience to coaching performers and those working in the performing arts. Her approach draws from the frameworks of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and focuses on optimising performance through using a very tailored and customised approach with the individual performer or in a team context. Some specific areas which Sophie may work with you on include: managing and overcoming performance anxiety and stress, goal setting, helping build skills for performing under pressure, improving motivation, confidence and communication.
Zababa is a specialist service led by Clinical Psychologists Dr Anna Colton and Dr Katie Russell who have 50 years combined experience in clinical practice, in both the NHS and independent work. Zababa offers individual, bespoke psychology sessions with clients across the life span, as well as sessions to parents, families, groups and couples. They can work online and in person, and as a team of experienced psychologists have expertise in most areas. The team have supported artists and creatives of all ages with stage fright and all things performance, emotional and behavioural difficulties, mental health & wellbeing. Katie and Anna have significant eating disorder expertise and offer specialist eating disorder treatment and second opinion consultations. A number of different psychological models including CBT for adults and children and young people, systemic therapy and hypnotherapy are employed by the team, who work collaboratively with clients and other multi-disciplinary professionals, drawing on thorough clinical experience as well as theoretical models to inform and underpin treatment.
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