The Snug
and creative industry
We are living in an ever-changing world, and whilst the creative industry now has an increased understanding of the impact that working in either film, tv or the fashion industry can have on all those involved mental health (there are a number of organisations that are elevating the conversation, such as, www.filmtvcharity.org.uk, www.bewellcollective.co.uk), there is still work to be done. The key is that we have to start prioritising our mental health just as much as we do our physical health.
Before becoming a counsellor and psychotherapist, I worked for over 15 years as a model agent, in addition to having family and friends working in film and TV. I wanted to create a space at The Snug where I can help as a therapist as well as being able to bring an innate understanding of your working environment, and the unique set of challenges it brings for those working in the creative industry, both in front of the camera and behind it.
Sometimes we all need a little help to make sense of what is going on in our lives and to find ways of coping when things start to feel difficult or overwhelming. This has never been more so than now, with the increasing demands put on those working in the industry.
The Snug offers one-to-one counselling, either face to face or via Zoom, as well as Walk and Talk therapy. My aim, as an integrative therapist, is to adapt my style to a client’s unique needs and to give them the ability to discover their own way forward, in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
In front of the camera
Therapy is a very personal experience and, for many, the career you have chosen can look incredibly exciting and glamourous, but I know very well that this is not the whole picture.
My job is to create a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore what is going on in your life at the moment, in addition to giving you the tools to deal with the feelings and emotions that you are experiencing. My approach is to utilize different forms of therapy such a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, and Mindfulness techniques and adapt them to your unique needs.
The world of modelling and acting is complex, with pressure brought on by success and expectations surrounding that, as well as its precarious nature, which can often lead to insecurities and vulnerability. The pressures of social media, financial expectations from those around, and the ones you have for yourself, as well as having to navigate this continuously evolving and, at times, fickle industry, are just a few of the issues that you face and that can at times be challenging. I believe strongly in the power of talking therapy and the help that it can bring. So please do get in touch if you feel it may help.
Behind the camera
Whilst there is no doubt that working in the film, fashion and entertainment industry can be exciting, creative and fun, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges which for many can result in struggling with their mental health.
The unpredictability of being freelance, long hours and periods away from family and friends, with varying work schedules can often lead to burnout. A recent study said that 90% of people working in the industry have struggled at some point with poor mental health. Changes need to be made and the stigma that surrounds mental health in this working environment must also change.
For agents working with models and actors, the pressure can feel enormous. With the need to navigate other people’s expectations, employers, clients and their talent, work is long and pressured and at times highly stressful. The often relentless cycle of the film and fashion industry can make it incredibly difficult to prioritise your own mental health, and this needs to change. The first step is to recognise that speaking about how you have been feeling may help.
How can I help
Sometimes we all need a little help to make sense of what is going on in our lives and to find ways of coping when things start to feel difficult or overwhelming.
My job is to create a space where you have the freedom to explore those feelings, and together work towards better emotional health.
Some of the areas I work in:
- Anxiety – Stress – General worry
- Depression – Exhaustion
- Pressure – Burnout
- Social media – Body image
- Loneliness – Feeling stuck
- Anger – Bullying
- Low self esteem – Confidence
- Depression – Feeling Sad
- Relationships – Separation Anxiety
- Social Anxiety – Work Related
What to expect
Phone
The first step is to text me on 07715 296741 or email me at kimvond@hotmail.co.uk . I will get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a mutually convenient time to speak over the phone.
Talk
I offer a free 20-minute telephone appointment at a time suitable for both of us, to have an informal chat about how counselling works. This is an opportunity to find out a little bit of information about each other and for you to ask any questions you may have. We can then arrange a mutually convenient time for our initial consultation, and I will then email you a client consultation form to fill in and return prior to our initial meeting.
Initial Consultation
This is an opportunity to talk about why you think you need therapy. We explore these feelings and take the time to discuss what has been going on in your life. This will be the first time we have met, so whilst it is important to bring as much as you can in terms of yourself to the session, I always keep in mind that we do not know each other yet and the therapeutic relationship will organically happen over time. The key at this stage is for me to create an environment of trust from the start.
This initial meeting allows you to ask anything about me and my approach, you may come with a list of questions, or you may feel that you just want a chat at this point – you are a blank canvas. I will have sent you a client consultation form which you will have returned, and we will go through that together. After this initial consultation, I will email you with my thoughts and if you choose to go ahead and I feel I am able to offer you effective therapeutic support and that my approach is going to be useful to you, we will arrange our first counselling session together.
Counselling Sessions
Normally I would advise that these take place once a week on the same day at the same time. The reason for this is that it lowers the stress around attending therapy, creates often much needed stability and trust, and gives you more energy and attention for what really matters. However, I understand that this may not always be possible with work often coming in at the last minute and long unpredictable hours, so I am happy to be more flexible.
I practise on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 3pm, and Thursday from 9am to 7pm. Saturdays 10am until 1pm.
All sessions are either face to face or via Zoom, and last 50 minutes. For costs, please refer to FAQs.
