In this episode we chat to counsellor and supervisor, Mary Burch about how to find a good therapist, what questions to ask, what to expect, and how to leave, should you want to! Mary is head of counselling for <a href="https://www.industryminds.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Industry Minds</a>, a mental health charity for the arts in the UK. For helpful links and a directory of therapists see <a href="https://www.bapam.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BAPAM.</a>&nbsp; This podcast was made by the Actors Benevolent Fund. If you are an actor or a stage manager who is struggling, please get in touch with the ABF by visiting our website at <a href="http://www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk</a>&nbsp;

Unpacking Therapy

In this episode actor and dialect coach Katie Heath discusses her experiences being a neurodivergent actor, and the performers she now works with. She is joined by her wife, coach and designer, Lisa Marie Hall as they advocate for neuro-inclusive ways of working in the industry.&nbsp; Links to helpful organisations: <a href="https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Right to Choose</a>, <a href="https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British Dyslexia Association</a>, <a href="https://adhdaware.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADHD Aware</a>, <a href="https://adhduk.co.uk/diagnosis-pathways/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Diagnosis Pathways</a>, <a href="https://www.dyspraxiauk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dyspraxia UK</a>. This podcast was made by the Actors Benevolent Fund. If you are an actor or a stage manager who is struggling, please get in touch with the ABF by visiting our website at <a href="http://www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk</a>

Neuroinclusivity

In this episode we chat to Giles Terera (Hamilton) and Marilyn Cutts (Fascinating Aida, Wicked) about identity – be it stereotyping, being pigeon holed, or the difficulty of knowing yourself fully when you have to adapt to different environments. They are joined by therapist and counsellor, Fiona Macbeth.&nbsp; If you have been affected by this subject and feel you need help, there are several places to find support: <a href="https://www.bapam.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BAPAM</a> and <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mind</a> can signpost you to multiple practitioners and groups. If you need support immediately, you can call the<a href="https://www.samaritans.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Samaritans</a>.&nbsp; This podcast was made by the Actors Benevolent Fund. If you are an actor or a stage manager who is struggling, please get in touch with the ABF by visiting our website at <a href="http://www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk</a>

Identity

In this episode we chat to two prolific actors, Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street, Broadchurch) and Andrew Jarvis (RSC, Lord of the Rings) who discuss ageing in the industry. Trigger warning: this episode contains references to rape in the context of characters played.&nbsp; This podcast was made by the Actors Benevolent Fund. If you are an actor or a stage manager who is struggling, please get in touch with the ABF by visiting our website at <a href="http://www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk</a>

Ageing in the Industry

In this episode Omari Douglas (It’s a Sin, A Little Life) shares his experiences of rejection in the industry, and how he has learned to deal with it. He is accompanied by coach, Lisa Marie Hall.&nbsp; If you have been affected by this subject and feel you need help, there are several places to find support: <a href="https://www.bapam.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BAPAM</a> and <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mind</a> can signpost you to multiple practitioners and groups. If you need support immediately, you can call the<a href="https://www.samaritans.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Samaritans</a>.&nbsp; This podcast was made by the Actors Benevolent Fund. If you are an actor or a stage manager who is struggling, please get in touch with the ABF by visiting our website at <a href="http://www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk</a>

Dealing with Rejection

In this episode we chat to Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education, Emma), who discusses her experiences of crippling performance anxiety, and is accompanied by therapist and counsellor, Fiona Macbeth.&nbsp; If you have been affected by this subject and feel you need help, there are several places to find support: <a href="https://www.bapam.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BAPAM</a> and <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mind</a> can signpost you to multiple practitioners and groups. If you need support immediately, you can call the<a href="https://www.samaritans.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Samaritans</a>.&nbsp; This podcast was made by the Actors Benevolent Fund. If you are an actor or a stage manager who is struggling, please get in touch with the ABF by visiting our website at <a href="http://www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk</a>

Performance Anxiety

Covering issues from performance anxiety to rejection to ageing, each episode of The ABF Podcast features established actors sharing their experiences, accompanied by a therapist or coach to unpack the subject and offer practical advice.

The ABF Podcast

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