Danielle Lemer, Dip. Couns., MBACP
THE COUNSELLING STUDIO
S p a c e f o r y o u r v o i c e
Counselling for Creatives
For singers, performers, actors, writers, musicians, artists and creative professionals
"Counselling for creative people, not because creativity is the problem, but because the emotional cost of creative work can be very particular."
Creative work can bring joy, meaning, connection and a deep sense of aliveness. It can also bring pressure, rejection, comparison, uncertainty and self-doubt. When the work matters deeply, it can be hard to separate what you create from who you are.
There is the work itself, and then there is how you feel about the work.
For many creative people, self-worth can become tangled with recognition or feedback. You may know, logically, that your value is not defined by an audition, a review, a role or a publication, but emotionally it may not feel that simple.
Therapy can offer a space to explore those pressures without needing to perform, impress, explain the industry, or pretend you are fine.
This page speaks most directly to performers and creative professionals, but if what's written here resonates with you regardless of your work, you're just as welcome to get in touch.
The Inner and Outer Pressures of Creative Life
Creative people often live with both internal and external pressures.
The inner pressure might sound like:
“Am I good enough?”
“What if I’ve missed my chance?”
“Why can’t I just be happy with what I’ve achieved?”
“What if I’m not as good as people think?”
“What if I’m never recognised in the way I hoped I would be?”
The outer pressure might come from rejection, comparison or financial uncertainty, social media, criticism, auditions, deadlines or the need to keep putting yourself forward.
Over time, these pressures can affect the ability to enjoy the work itself.
Frequestly Asked Questions
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How do I know if counselling is right for me?
You don't have to be in crisis to come to counselling. Many people come because something doesn't feel quite right anymore. You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or finding that you're coping on the outside but struggling underneath. Counselling offers a space to explore what's happening and make sense of it at your own pace.
How often will we meet?
Most people choose to attend weekly, as this provides consistency and helps build the therapeutic relationship. Some people move to fortnightly sessions later on, depending on their circumstances and what feels right for them. We can discuss this together.
Do I need to know what I want to talk about?
Not at all. It's common to arrive without a clear starting point. Sometimes people know exactly what's brought them to counselling, while others simply know that something needs to change. We can begin wherever you are, and together we'll make sense of what feels important.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an important part of creating a safe therapeutic space. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions, such as where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else. If a situation like this were ever to arise, I would aim to discuss it with you wherever possible.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you're hoping for, and any questions or concerns you might have. There's no pressure to tell me everything at once. The first session is simply the beginning of understanding your story together.
How do I get started?
The first step is simply to get in touch. I offer a free introductory telephone call where we can talk about what you're looking for, answer any questions you may have, and see whether working together feels like the right fit. There's no obligation to book further sessions after the call.