My Approach

First things first

Before I get into my specific coaching approaches, it's helpful to know a few things about my style more generally.

Wholistic framework

My over-arching aim is to address you and your situation wholistically, regardless of the particular approach that is emphasized. You do not live in isolation from your environment - your personality, your relationships, the way you treat your body and live outside your performance situation all need to be considered for any intervention to be truly effective.

I always do an evaluation before our sessions even begin so we can hit the ground running.

Collaborative style

Although I bring expertise in the field of performance psychology, I do not in any way presume to be the expert in your life (that's you!). Nor do I believe that there is one way to enhance performance. Each person and situation is unique - that is why I offer different coaching tools to match your particular needs. I am committed to listening without judgment, coming alongside you as we work together to discover your own path to performance mastery - offering guidance, support, and encouragement at every step.

The psychological side of performing

High-performance training in the arts has traditionally focused on the technical and physical aspects of performing. Typically, little consideration is given to the psychological dimensions that make the difference between a good performance and an awesome one. In contrast, it's common for high performers in sports to employ sports psychologists. They understand the necessity of training the craft of performance - which is a related, yet different skill set! Of course, coaching also includes practical strategies to improve your practice sessions.

So how do you beat performance anxiety? What are ways to improve your rehearsals so they are more productive? How can you prepare more effectively for performances? How can you keep your attention focused when the pressure is on?

The MAC approach to performance enhancement

This is my primary approach to working with performance enhancement and performance anxiety. Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment coaching was developed specifically for athletic performance in 2007 and has since been applied to performing artists and others whose careers demand high-level performance under pressure.

Instead of trying to change negative thoughts and emotional states and control for an optimal performance state, the aim of MAC is to

develop a nonjudgmental acceptance of thoughts and emotional states as well as what is going on in the environment
direct attention externally to things that are task-relevant vs. an internal self-focus
clarify what your values are and choose actions and goals that align with these

In my experience it is difficult and perhaps even impossible to make yourself feel or think a certain way. It can be much more effective to practice acceptance of what is and direct attention to the things that are important in the moment. This is supported by research studies comparing MAC with traditional approaches that emphasize control of thoughts and feelings.

In our work you will:

Build awareness and acceptance of your internal and external experience through mindfulness
Bring mindfulness and intentionality to your performance preparation for more effective results
Learn self-regulation through poise and attention
Develop a new way of relating to your thoughts and emotions
Connect with your purpose - why your performance domain is important to you
Implement simple, brief exercises to relate what is learned in session to what you are doing in rehearsal or on stage

Psychological Skills Training

Though MAC is my primary approach in working with high-level performers, I also believe there is value in more traditional Psychological Skills Training (PST). PST is learning how to regulate your body and mind to optimize performance at the various stages of performance preparation. Many of these skills can be integrated into the MAC approach to enhance poise and attentional focus. These strategies have shown to be effective for Olympic athletes and have been adapted for performers in other domains that demand high levels of skill in high-pressure situations - including the performing arts.

Strategies include:

Mental rehearsal
Body regulation (e.g. relaxation)
Contextual interference practice
Imagery
Breathing techniques
Goal setting
Self-talk
Attentional control
Systematic desensitization/exposure
Cognitive restructuring
Pre-performance routines

All high-level performers use at least some of these strategies and most people can benefit from adding to their "toolbox" of psychological skills.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

EMDR is an effective protocol to enhance performance and reduce problematic symptoms associated with performance anxiety (e.g., clammy hands, disorientation, brain fog, or freezing up). Sometimes individuals have difficulties moving past performances that haven’t gone well or auditions that didn’t bring the desired results. They can stay stuck in unhelpful narratives that continue to plague their current performances. EMDR allows performers to reprocess these memories, create new, more empowering interpretations, and envision themselves performing as they intend to.

EMDR does not require extensive retelling of traumatic experiences. By using simple bilateral stimulation (usually tapping or eye movement), it

Stimulates the brain’s natural processing capabilities
Facilitates the integration of painful memories so they no longer trigger unhelpful responses

Working through negative events that are still impacting you today can bring you to a place where you are empowered to move forward.

Check out the EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) website for more information on how EMDR works.