​Working as a performing arts professional brings unique challenges that can impact on your mental health. Worries relating to financial issues, uncertainty over career, performance anxiety, a lack of routine and structure, difficulties connecting with others are some of the common experiences that can have a significant impact on your mental health overtime.
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It can be difficult, as a performing arts professional, to find a dedicated space to explore some of the things you are finding difficult. This is why we set up a specialist service and have committed to create a safe space where creative professionals can feel able to explore challenges that may be arising as a result of a creative career.​​
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​The first step is to get in touch to discuss your current needs and explore what support might be available to you. As a practice, we are able to provide self-funded therapy, if you are in a position to fund your own sessions, or we can explore funded options through the Royal Society of Musicians or other schemes.
We offer therapy for performing arts professionals, including professional musicians, composers, actors and dancers. Our director, Dr Anna Chiara Sicilia, is part of the BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) Directory of clinical specialists and healthcare practitioners.
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The benefits of psychological therapy
People working in the performing arts are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than the general population. The industry increasingly recognises the need to support artists with mental health difficulties but there is still limited support available.
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Talking through your experiences with a qualified mental health professional can be beneficial in supporting you to manage the emotional distress you are experiencing and start the journey to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.
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Our psychologists can support you with specific issues, like performance anxiety, or more general mental health and other issues you may be facing.
What can I do if I am worried about my mental health?
If you are worried about your mental health, it is important to remember that help is available. If you have seriously harmed yourself or you don't feel that you can keep yourself safe right not, call 999 or go straight to your nearest Accidents and Emergencies department (A&E; click here to find your nearest A&E department).
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If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and need support, you can:
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Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment;
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call NHS 111 for out of hours help;
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contact your local mental health crisis team.
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Funding for psychological therapy
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There are support organisations for performing arts professionals, which are able to provide funding on some occasions. There is funding available through the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) , through different schemes so this can be good place to start, to find resources and explore what support might be available to you.
We have also now registered as a referral partner for the Royal Society of Musicians, which enables us to help you access funding for psychological therapy, if you are a professional musician, a former professional musician or someone aspiring to embark on a career as a professional musician. If these criteria apply, please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss funding options. ​​
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