Attuned Collective: Shining A Spotlight On Mental Health and Wellbeing for Artists
We are a multidisciplinary hub of psychologists, creative arts therapists, social workers, and allied health professionals based in Adelaide, committed to meeting the unique needs of Australia’s arts community — starting in South Australia and expanding nationally as our resources and programs grow. We draw on multiple approaches including mindfulness based therapies, performance psychology, sports psychology, creative arts therapy and trauma informed approaches including somatic work.
Why Artists Need Tailored Support
Studies in Australia and overseas consistently indicate that people in the arts experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and problematic substance use than the general population. Multiple surveys (Eynde et al., 2016; Support Act, 2022) show that mental distress among artists can be over twice as prevalent as in other sectors, heightened by issues like unpredictable schedules, low income, and performance pressures. Alarmingly, recent data also highlights significantly elevated levels of suicidal thinking.
Among the most common challenges is performance anxiety, affecting musicians, dancers, actors, visual artists, and more. While some turn to quick solution like beta-blockers or alcoho, research increasingly supports evidence based interventions that cater to all of the demands of a creative career and go beyond just symtom relief.
Our collective of performance psychologists, senior psychologists, creative art therapists and other allied health pracitioners draw on relevant approaches from mindfulness based approaches (e.g. ACT) performance psychology, sports psychology, creative art therapy, trauma informed methods, somatic work, education and cognitive research to provide support for artist's and crew mental health and wellbeing as well as preparing them for high stakes performances such as auditions and exams.
Mindfulness based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and group-based approaches not only reduce anxiety but also help normalise shared concerns about performance anxiety, mental health and wellbeing.
Attuned Collective arose to fill these gaps, aiming to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and artist-centred support that is evidence based, holistic and based on a genuine appreciation of the benefits and challenges of being an artist in Australia . Our mission is to make performance psychology, mental health care, psychosocial safety and wellbeing as integral to the creative process as rehearsals and warm-up, empowering artists to thrive.
Stay In Touch With Attuned Collective
The Attuned Collective will send occasional updates to our community when there are new initiatives and services to be shared, or when we are seeking input and support. We won't spam you, nor will we sell your details.
Our Services: A Holistic Approach
At Attuned Collective, we recognise that artists need performance psychology, creative arts therapy and mental health and wellbeing support tailored to their distinctive challenges—such as performance anxiety, irregular work schedules, and creative pressures. Our multidisciplinary team combines clinical knowledge and experience, lived experience in the arts, and a commitment to holistic care. Below you’ll find an overview of the key services we offer, each designed to meet artists where they are and empower them to flourish onstage and beyond.
Individual Therapy
We currently offer one-on-one sessions with psychologists, social workers, or creative arts therapists and will be continuing to expand our network of professionals. Using evidence-based approaches such as ACT, we address performance anxiety, depression, burnout, addiction, trauma, bullying, relationship issues, and other challenges prevalent in artistic careers. These services are offered both face to face in Adelaide and online via telehealth.
Employee Assistance
For organisations or venues employing artists, our tailored Employee Assistance services provide confidential mental health support. This ensures creatives have access to clinicians who understand the demands of the arts sector.
Performance Enhancement Coaching
Distinct from therapy, these coaching sessions focus on optimising stage presence, mental skills, and goal-setting. Ideal for those looking to refine their craft without necessarily needing clinical intervention.
Face to Face Workshops, Seminars and Masterclasses
Our interactive sessions—both in-person and online—cover topics like stress management, performance anxiety, building resilience, and self-care strategies. These can be adapted to schools, universities, arts organisations, or community groups.
Online Short Courses and Signature Courses
Alexandra Frost is developing two online courses which will be launched in 2026:
Managing Performance Anxiety: Mind & Body Skills for Performers
Designed for senior students and performing artists who want to transform their relationship with performance anxiety. Learn evidence-based strategies to channel nervous energy, sharpen focus, enhance stage presence, and perform with confidence.
The Attuned Performer: Developing Peak Performance
A comprehensive program for performers ready to elevate their artistry. Drawing on current performance psychology and other relevant research and extensive experience in working with artists, this course guides you through building sustainable confidence, deepening performance enjoyment, and developing the mental and somatic skills that support excellence—from practice room to audition to stage.
Art Therapy
Through art, movement, music, and dance, our registered creative arts therapist is able to assist clients with processing emotions, enhancing creativity, and develop healthier coping mechanisms in a supportive environment.
Group Therapy
From mindfulness-based programs to performance-focused groups, we offer small-group sessions facilitated by mental health professionals experienced in the arts.
Somatic Practices
Some practitioners integrate yoga, mindful movement, and trauma-informed somatic practices drawing on approaches such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to help artists reconnect with their physical selves—especially beneficial for those who find purely cognitive approaches less effective or for performers who are very connected to their bodies.
Peer Support Networks
We facilitate peer mentoring and group forums where artists can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. These networks help reduce isolation and stigma, fostering a sense of community.
Voice Coaching
Specialised support for performers and speakers looking to improve vocal technique, manage vocal strain, and build confidence—whether for singing, acting, voiceovers or public speaking.
Digital & Printed Resources
We’re developing meditations, guides, and other tools specifically designed for creative professionals. These can be accessed online or distributed at workplaces and events.
Workplace Education
Our team provides training on psychological safety, mental health awareness, and resilience strategies to foster healthier, more supportive arts environments—onstage, backstage, and beyond.
Consultation for Arts Projects
For directors or producers tackling mental health themes in their work, we offer expert consultation to ensure accurate, respectful portrayal and safe working conditions for cast and crew.
Future Partnerships & Services
As we grow, we aim to include physiotherapists, speech pathologists, audiologists, and other relevant practitioners—offering a truly holistic, mind–body approach tailored to the needs of individual performers. We are looking to partner also with other professional bodies or organisations to increase access to our services.
Download Our Submission
Download a PDF of our submission for the SA Mental Health Commissioner's Community Mental Health Boost Grant
Meet our members
Here is a brief introduction to members of the Attuned Collective
Alexandra Frost
Founder of Attuned Collective, Director and Senior Clinical and Performance Psychologist at Attuned Psychology, Family Therapist, Professional Vocalist
Nicole Hendry
Senior Registered Psychologist - Experience with individual therapy and workshops in organisational settings
Shankari Sundaram
Senior Mental Health Clinician, Mental Health Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Tanya Voges
Creative Arts Therapist specialising in Dance Movement Therapy, Dance Artist
Sarah Collyer
Registered Psychologist in private practice (Rise Consulting) Professional Singer/Vocal Coach
Alexandra Lopez
Brand voice strategist and specialist coach (Alexandra Lopez Studios)
Eduardo Sacco Caprotti
Exercise and sport scientist/ Movement/High Performance coach. Studying Masters of Creative Arts Therapy
Brett Williams
Family Therapist and Business Counsellor/Advisor
Steve Davis
Marketing Consultant, Arts Critic, Performer
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we have already fielded. We hope they help.
Absolutely. Many of our clinicians offer flexible appointment times, including evenings or weekends, and online telehealth sessions. We understand the irregularities of creative work and strive to accommodate your schedule.
Yes. Performance anxiety is one of the most common challenges for artists. Our therapists and coaches—some with performing backgrounds—use evidence-based methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Coaching, sports and performance psychology based skills to build practical, sustainable coping skills.
We offer a range of options, including reduced-fee sessions for eligible clients, and some practitioners such as our Creative Arts Therapist, Tanya Voges run group or online programs that may be more affordable. We’re also exploring funding partnerships to broaden access to low-cost or subsidised care and support in the future, recognising that fees may be a barrier. If cost is an issue please subscribe to our mailing list to hear about any further updates in this area in 2026 and beyond as we seek to launch new online programs and other service modailities to address this concern..
We’re based in Adelaide with a primary focus on supporting South Australian artists at this stage. However, as our network expands, we plan to offer more online telehealth and interstate services, so please reach out no matter where you are located.
We welcome discussions about grants, sponsorships, or other collaborations that enable us to develop and extend our programs. Your support helps us reach more artists in need and advance the overall wellbeing of the arts community.
Links to articles and resources
Here is a small but growing list of articles written by Attuned Collective members, and other items we hope you'll find helpful.
Contact Us
Address
278 Melbourne St, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
Phone
08 8361 7008ABN
41626315893