testimonials | partners | booking information | FAQs

I offer psychological counseling and performance coaching to a wide range of clients, including musicians, dancers, artists, executives, expats, and others. Some ways of working together are:

• Resourcing: identifying external and internal resources to navigate difficult phases

• Artistic Systemic Therapy: addressing psychological needs through artistic means and a systemic approach

• Career restructuring and transition

• Navigating interpersonal challenges with colleagues, family, and friends

• Exploring Integration into a foreign culture and society

• Managing, taming, or even befriending performance anxiety

• Cultivating the conditions that enable peak performances

Themes that often arise in our work include:

• Burnout

• Perfectionism

• Managing Stress

• Work-Life Balance

• Performance Anxiety

• Identity

• Complex Trauma (in training: CCTP/CCTP-II)

• Relationship Issues (partner, family, colleagues, friends)

• Narcissism and its Impacts

• Creative Blockages

• Meaning and Purpose

My work is informed by various psychological approaches, for example: systemic, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered psychology, by my academic studies (MSc Psychology, Certificate in Musicians’ Health from UdK / Hans Eisler, Artistic Systems Therapist training), and by my life experience.

Psychological counseling is available in my center: The Green Room in Cologne, Germany. These sessions can also be conducted online.

Lectures, Workshops, Residencies:

Testimonials

"In the beginning, I was wrestling with career challenges, performance anxiety, self-doubt, burnout—the whole package. Your compassionate and thorough approach not only helped me tackle these hurdles but also allowed me to sort through layers of identity, as an artist and just as a human. Big thanks for that journey." Cellist, 32 y.o.

“After a lifetime dedicated to training as an artist, Heather has guided me in separating my sense of self from my artistic identity. This was a pivotal step in my healing process, enabling me to perceive myself as more than merely the career I embarked upon at a very young age. I attribute my ability to move forward with gratitude for a life devoted to a singular pursuit, seeing it not as a loss but as a stepping stone to something greater, to Heather's remarkable insight and perfectly balanced challenges.” Visual Artist, 30 y.o.

“Thank you for creating a nonjudgmental and welcoming space for exploration that has been a source of comfort and empowerment throughout our sessions.” Executive, 56 y.o.

"I want to convey my sincere thanks for your dedicated commitment, expertise and support.” Composer, 49 y.o.

“Thank you for walking with me during the time I couldn’t play [because of injury]. I needed that support badly. I’ve got my life back on track and am really appreciative of your part in this.” Jazz Pianist, 52 y.o.

“I waited to do this work until I couldn’t avoid it any more. I wish I had started earlier. I really appreciate your support, your patience, and the honest words when they were needed.“ Violinist, 37 y.o.

“Thank you for working with me through my crisis moments when I was culture-shocked and home-sick”. Psychologist, Expat, 38 y.o.

“We are so grateful for your work with … [a student pianist considering entering a conservatory study program]. We have the feeling that she now has more informed perspective about what challenges she will face in her future career and what skills she needs to face these challenges… Thank you.” Parents of am 17 y.o. pianist

Booking / Prices / Conditions

Please book a free initial consultation (c. 45 Minutes) here:

In Person in TGR The Green Room (Cologne, Germany)

Online

If you choose to continue, psychological counselling and Artistic-Systemic Therapy are priced at 100 € per session (60 minutes). I hold a certain number of spots each week free for those who cannot afford the full price and/or who are experiencing acute difficulties and need to be scheduled quickly. Please speak with me about these options at our initial consultation.

In case of cancellation, please give me 24-hours notice, otherwise I have to charge you for the session.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you accept insurance payments?

I cannot accept insurance payments. However, I do hold a certain number of spots each week free for those who cannot afford the full price and/or who are experiencing acute difficulties and need to be scheduled quickly. Please speak with me about these options at our initial consultation.

• Do I have to be in Germany to work with you?

Um Gottes Willen, nein! (Heavens, No!). I work with clients from all over the world, from the USA to Asia. We just have to work out solutions for timezone challenges. Take into account that my working languages are English and German.

• Do you only work with artists?

No, I have clients coming from very diverse backgrounds and professional contexts. Because of my background as a former musician, I do tend to work with artists and other people from creative industries (i.e. actors, cultural workers, architects). But I’m grateful to have contact with people from all walks of life. It enriches my work.

• How many sessions do I need?

This is impossible to answer without first talking to you. At our introductory session, we might set forth a plan. The client always takes the lead in determining how long our working relationship should be. Some clients choose short interventions: about 5 sessions. I have also had the privilege to work with other clients for years. If our working contract is open-ended, I will periodically check in with you about how to continuously shape our work together so that it best helps you. You will never, EVER, be pressured to extend our working relationship.

• Are there people you can’t work with?

It’s rare, but in certain cases, I will refer a client to another mental health professional or organization. I often do this in cases in which (for example) I feel hospitalization might be necessary. Please don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation. I will be transparent with you if I believe my services are not appropriate for you. I will also point you to resources that can help.

If you have other questions feel free to ask them through the contact page:

Here is one more quote…

 "Life is a process of time, and time cannot be fixed. Without learning to know ourselves as intimately as we possibly can, we limit our choice. Life is not very gratifying without freedom of choice. Change is very difficult with no alternatives in sight; we then resign ourselves to not dealing with our difficulties as if they were prescribed by fate."

Moshé Feldenkrais