Hi all,

Does anyone know of a good counselor who understands the struggles actors goes through? PM me if you do.
There are a few not so nice things related to acting that really knocked my confidence on the head over the years and would like to get some support and resolve it with the help of a professional.

Thankee!

I hope you've received some suggestions...

I hope so as well Starbuck. It can be tough. I've got my degree in counseling and know how hard it can be to find the right fit as well.

The Actors Fund may be able to hook you up. I'm not sure of the qualifications, but you can find them through www.sag.org.
Good luck
Jim
http://www.myspace.com/jamesmartinkelly
http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0446457/

Thanks for the support and also that link. Actually, this must be harder than I thought as no PM's came in. And when you think about it, actors really do need this kind of self care due to the harsh realities of the business.

Its expensive for counselors especially when u make hardly minimum wage or wait tables. Is it mostly covered by health insurance or do u have to pay?

It depends on your insurance coverage. Some will give you coverage for mental health, some will give partial and some will give none. You need to check with your health care provider.

Most good therapists can help you out with the struggles you are encountering. The important thing is to find someone you are comfortable with! Start with general referrals from peers and friends. It's wonderful you are reaching out for help--the acting lifestyle can do a number on anyone.

Step one would be to say which city you're in....

In LA, I think half the therapists WERE actors (Marcia Cross was still seeing patients when she started on "Desperate Housewives"). My own had a bigger IMDb than I did (not that that's that hard...)

If you're out here, you might simply ask prospective therapists if they are or know therapists who are former actors.

This said, issues are issues, and under all the acting crap is your own understanding of yourself and your own worth, and if you find a therapist who can coax that into growth like a healthy green plant, well, their knowledge of the industry may prove irrelevant.

Hi Starbuck and anyone else who's seeking some therapeutic help...

I'm a Certified Life Coach for actors whom are Entering or Exiting the Performing Arts. I had persued acting myself for 6 years and discovered a greater passion to help people overcome internal barriers. Here's my URL if you would like more information-http://www.LifeCoachforActors.org

I hope that you found some resources to help you, Starbuck.

I think Jim gave you some excellent advice. It should apply to NJ as well as CA.

eric dammann 212 223 8085