ANXIETY, STAGE FRIGHT, AND OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESSORS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

As a concert pianist and Juilliard graduate with two degrees, I performed with (or despite of) stage fright for many years. Because of this, I came to the decision it was important to gain a better understanding of what interfered with doing what I loved and was trained to do. So, I returned to school at The University of Michigan where I graduated with 3 more degrees – MSW, MA (psychology) and Ph.D. (psychology and social work). Wishing to explore the deeper layers of stage fright and other psychological roadblocks, I subsequently completed training as a psychoanalyst at the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute.

I bring my unique background and education in mental health and music  to my work as well as my passion and experience about coping with performance anxiety, the psychological impact of COVID-19 on self-esteem and careers, and the value of music in mental life and in promoting social justice.

I have treated individuals in discovering emotional barriers so that they can pursue and fulfill their professional and personal ambitions. I offer evaluations, consultations, coaching for auditions, and job interviews, test and presentation anxiety, and writers’ block. I am available for presentations, workshops, Town Hall conversations, courses, and other creative programs that are specifically designed for groups. During COVID-19, I have been teaching courses and interacting with various groups around the stressors connected with the Pandemic, work, and career change, and music and social justice (via Zoom).

I have treated countless individuals over many years and helped them discover barriers to feeling competent so that they can pursue and fulfill their professional and personal dreams.