Psychologist
Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts
- Member of the Australian Psychological Society
- Chartered Psychologist & Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society
- Member of the Musical Theatre Educators' Alliance (Vice Pres. International Representatives)
- Member of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance - Equity Aust
- Member of MEAA Wellbeing Committee
- Member of Equity UK
- Member of the Australion National Association of Teachers of Singing
- Member of Performing Arts Medicine Association
- Member of the British Voice Association
- Member of Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare
- Member of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts Psychology
- Certificate IV: Training and Assessment
- Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology
- Post Graduate Diploma in Musical Theatre (Royal Academy of Music)
- Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (Teaching Musical Theatre & Voice)
- Licentiate of Trinity College London (Musical Theatre performance)
- Estill Master Trainer (Estill Voice International)
- Master of Social Health
- Master of Counselling Psychology
- Master of Music
“I am a professionally trained actor/singer and a registered Psychologist.
The state of mental health for those in the creative arts has been found to be significantly worse than the normal population. Rates of anxiety, depression, drug use and suicide are all at least three times higher.
And it is preventable.
I work in Psychology with children, adolescents and young adults. I work in theatre - performing, writing and directing. I bring 12 years of professional experience and training from both sides - Psychology and performing. The intersection between the two worlds is increasingly a topic concerning the arts industry and arts education.
Every performing arts school, institution and organisation (professional or community) I have spoken to over the last 5 years has talked to me about the increase in students and performers who experience anxiety or mental health issues, and yet they and the students aren’t really helped in knowing what to do about it. I’m passionate about helping change this.
I have a desire to address this in the most helpful and practical way possible.
My aim is to help performers, students, teachers and companies make sense of mental health in the creative arts. I can talk the talk because I walk the walk. Basic psychology principles are helpful but are hard to connect to the daily reality of working in the industry. This is where I step in.
It’s my view that the industry deserves to know what the psychology world knows. Performers should be told how their brains work. It’s not fair that they don’t.“
Please note that Simon does not offer individuals one-on-one psychological services or treatments through this site. However, your wellbeing is important and we are always happy to refer you to other health professionals and helpful services. Click on the buttons below for resources, websites apps and books.
RESOURCES
Click below for fantastic info, tips and inspiration from our friends at Fit For Broadway NYC, and Arts Minds UK
“Blessed are the cracked.
For they let in the light.”