Burning, not Burnout
Between funding cuts and a lack of societal recognition of the contributions of artists, bureaucratic hurdles, the professionalization of artistic work, and the challenges of balancing career and personal life, many artists struggle to maintain the passion that first drew them to their craft. Instead of feeling energized by their creative pursuits, they may experience exhaustion, disillusionment, or even burnout—draining their work of the very vitality that makes it meaningful.
This workshop offers a reflective and practical space to explore how artists can sustain their creative fire without burning out. We address key questions such as:
How can we recognize the early signs of burnout and develop strategies for prevention?
What role do rhythms of work, rest, and renewal play in maintaining long-term artistic vitality?
How can artists navigate external pressures—financial, bureaucratic, and social—without losing their artistic core?
What practices and mindsets can help reconnect with the intrinsic joy of artistic work?
Through a combination of discussion, experiential learning, and peer exchange, participants will explore practical tools for balancing dedication with sustainability. We will experiment with different approaches to energy management, creative flow, and setting boundaries—acknowledging that an artistic career is a long journey that requires resilience, adaptability, and self-care.
This seminar is not just about avoiding burnout; it is about finding ways to keep the artistic fire alive in a sustainable, nourishing way. Participants will leave with new perspectives, concrete strategies, and a sense of connection to others facing similar challenges.
About Heather:
Heather O’Donnell is a psychologist (M.Sc.), Artistic-Systemic Therapist (DGSF), and the founding director of TGR The Green Room. Drawing on her own transformative journey from professional pianist to therapist after career-disrupting injuries, Heather has spent years developing innovative approaches to support individuals seeking health recovery, self-actualization, and sustainable well-being.
Her academic path began with a B.Sc. in Psychology from Freie Universität Berlin, followed by an M.Sc. in Prevention and Health Psychology from SRH Hochschule. She also holds a certificate in Musicians’ Health from the Kurt Singer Institute / Universität der Künste Berlin and is trained as a mindfulness teacher (MTTC) by Christopher Titmuss and Ulla König and as an Artistic-Systemic Therapist (DGSF).
Heather specializes in helping clients move beyond dead-end situations, exploring the root causes of blockages and uncovering blind spots. She works with individuals navigating illness and health challenges, career transitions, and major life restructurings. Having lived across multiple continents, Heather also supports clients in understanding and navigating intercultural dynamics, providing guidance rooted in personal experience and cultural insight.
Beyond her one-on-one work, Heather advises organizations on systemic change and leadership development, fostering healthier, more sustainable workplace cultures. She has presented at international conferences, including the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) Symposium at University College London (2024) and Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City (2017, 2021), the European Network of Cultural Centers’ (ENCC) conference in Spain (2022), OTM On The Move’s forum on Mental Health & International Cultural Mobility (2023), the World Piano Conference in Serbia (2016), and the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Germany (2015).
As a guest lecturer, Heather has worked with institutions such as Columbia University, the New England Conservatory, Rhodes University in South Africa, and the Lebanese Higher Conservatory of Music. From 2017 to 2019, she served as a faculty member at the Eastman School of Music, offering workshops on well-being and professional development. In 2024, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC).
Heather’s mission is to help clients (re)discover their potential, find resilience, and design ways of living that align with their values and aspirations.