For over 25 years, one of my passions in life has been photography. As an artist, I understand the life long vitality of artistic growth and practice, and I understand the importance of creativity to one’s perception of the world. As a professional counselor I treat issues and concerns unique to artists, performers and other creative individuals.

You may be a visual artist, a performing artist, fine artist, songwriter, graphic designer, architect, or multidisciplinary artist, OR you may simply identify as a creative thinker who considers creative qualities to be integral to your everyday life and sense of self. Artists can spend a significant part of their lives devoted to self-expression through their art, and they make many sacrifices to bring to life diverse forms of expression. Our world, as a result, is a richer, more vibrant place.

Let’s talk about the highs and lows of the creative process. It can feel like a rollercoaster at times! You are not alone. Many artists experience days, weeks, or months of numbness, feeling isolated, moodiness followed by times of high energy, passion, and creativity. Many creative individuals consider this to be an integral part of their identity as artists. Instead of working against these patterns of shifting moods, I encourage my clients to work with these highs and lows, integrate them, make use of them and channel them appropriately through their art. Let’s examine together ways of balancing the intense and passionate periods of creative work with healthy self-care and self-compassion.

The arts and entertainment industry comes with its fair share of occupational stressors: rejection, performance anxiety, isolation, maintaining lasting relationships, employment uncertainty, and balancing career demands with family life. Let’s see what we can do together to bring about beneficial changes to your emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being and reach for creative fulfillment.

You may be looking to transition out of the workforce, or you find yourself facing an empty nest. Perhaps you are embarking on the “second act” of life, one yet to be created. It’s never too late to rejuvenate and expand the creative spirit within! And as we age, we have great wisdom to share! Let’s explore together the role creative expression plays in your life and get to know the parts of you that identify as an artist. I can help you discover some basic tools that will assist you in finding your inner strength and tap into a source of energy that will set in motion your “second act” of life.

The artist’s journey is real. Your artist’s journey is unique to you. It comes with the promise of change, of passion, of fulfillment and self-actualization. Spend less time worrying about having everything mapped out perfectly in advance. The process of Art is more about self-discovery rather than pre-planned self-expression. Let the great adventure begin, the full expression of your truest and highest self.