Working with Performers and Artists

Working with Performers and Artists

By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC

Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she verbalizes, “ He is _____DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.

My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, weirdos and magicians.

If a client of mine comes into a session wanting to sleep, eyes down and teary eyed she may be feeling over whelmed by life. If she comes in with a revved up vibe, head up, good eye contact, she may be having a good day and a kick butt attitude. This client is feeling more empowered in her life.

I am present for clients wherever they are at. Sometimes they need comforting or a pep talk. Most of the time clients want to know I am listening. I feel like listening is a skill I’ve learned over time. Not everybody is a good listener. Some people appear to be listening but are just waiting for their time to talk.

Listening to me means being a witness to someone else’s story. When someone shares their story it is a sacred moment. They trust me enough to open up. I’ve heard thousands of precious stories over the past twenty years as a therapist and oral historian. I feel honored again and again.

Communication, respect and safety are keys to developing the therapeutic relationship, which is a place where healing may come.


I encourage my client to make art, sing their heart song, and dance their dance that gets to the heart of things. They are encouraged to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable. Sometimes clients come in just wanting to talk.


I do pay attention to the blabber versus reflection factor. Are clients just recounting their day or reflecting on their life experiences and making meaning for themselves? Do they seem disconnected with themselves? Connected? There is no judgment or right or wrong answer.

If someone comes in jabbering and feeling disconnected, I will encourage them to get quiet for a moment, check inside, to get in touch with what their heart wants in the moment. This may lead to meditation or drawing or maybe even silence. I am okay with silence. Being okay with silence, sitting with doubt or mixed feelings bring good lessons.

I’ve learned over the years to trust the process. I trust my clients will learn skills to empower themselves. I don’t heal anybody. I just help show my clients to learn that all the tools for healing are already within them and they just need to just trust themselves enough to dig and see them.


I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or 773-859-1276.