Find Inner Harmony
JB Psychotherapy provides therapy for anxiety and relational trauma tailored for performers
Who You Are
You are unique in your ability to listen to external, and your own internal spaces. You may self-identified as "highly sensitive" (regardless of which sense is the sensitive one!). You are very much aware of other people's energy, and can interpret and embody these sensations. You find yourself having to navigate challenging relationships and power dynamics throughout your training and careers as a way to maintain your success.
You arrived in these mediums as a means of acceptable self-expression when you were not being seen or heard when you needed it in other areas of your life. You are a deeply feeling, gifted person, who has often felt othered in your social circles.
In my experience, performers have often experienced complex or cumulative trauma prior to, or during, their training and careers, which can have a dramatic effect on performance anxiety, memorization, ability to receive and apply feedback, and accept rejection.
The Performer
About Me
Jessica Bassmahon, MA, MMus, BMus
Registered Psychotherapist
Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), Allied Healthcare Professional and Trainer
Get to Know Jessica
To begin, I am grateful to live upon the land of many First Nations and the Métis. From the Anishinaabeg to the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis. I want to acknowledge that the land on which I live is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.
The territory is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
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With an extensive background as an award winning, international operatic soloist and singing instructor to high level performers, I have dedicated the past 17 years to helping performing artists navigate complex work environments and foster both their personal and professional growth.
My approach is centered around relational and somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS) modalities, which will allow us to collaboratively explore the various parts of yourself and how they interact. By integrating somatic IFS with gender- and neuro-affirming practices, I aim to create a safe external space for you to develop a safe internal environment.
As you cultivate inner harmony, you may find that your confidence in both your performance skills and relationships are enhanced, empowering you to express your true self with authenticity and strength.
Services
Thank you for considering my services! I offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and how I can assist you. Following the consultation, I offer individual psychotherapy to residents of Ontario (in-person in Hamilton, ON), and virtually to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, in 60-, 75-, and 90-minute options. For those working or living abroad, I offer virtual International Performance and Voice Coaching and Consultation Services with a somatic IFS lens. Let's work together to discover you in all your multifaceted glory.
Free, 20-minute Phone Consultation
Use the contact form to book a free consultation to discuss your hopes, and how I can best help you.
Individual Psychotherapy
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in good standing with the CRPO and can accept most insurance plans. Psychotherapy is a longer term process that helps you explore deeper intention and meaning behind your reactions and behaviours. We will work collaboratively toward healing old wounds and unblending protective parts using somatic and IFS informed tools.
Along with performers, I also work with arts instructors, coaches, conductors, directors, and high level academics.
Performance and Voice Coaching & Consultation Services
Coaching and consultation services are usually shorter term committments and work toward one specific goal, like an audition or performance. Together, we will work through material that is causing you to feel frozen, stuck, or panicked. Usually, technique is not the issue, and we will explore what's causing the blocks and work through them together using somatic and IFS tools.
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For folks in leadership and production roles, I am available for consultation to help you better accommodate performers and create safer spaces that help to enhance production quality.
FAQs
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1. Do you see people who aren't performers?
Yes, absolutely! Many of my clients are not artists or in performance industry careers. I like to define "performer" in many ways, not only in the literal sense. If the term "performer" or "performing" resonates with your experience in the world, whether it be in relationships, workplaces, and/or if you find yourself masking in different aspects of your life, let's talk!
2. I notice I'm feeling symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, but I haven't had what I believe to be "trauma".
You don't need to have experienced a "big T" trauma personally to be affected. There are many different experiences that may have led to you feeling this way. Sometimes small things can add up over the years, or perhaps you've experienced vicarious or epigenetic distress, or been affected by systems that have caused harm.
3. How long will this take?
Unfortunately, every case is unique and everyone is different. Together, we can collaborate on the plan, and see how things unfold. I like to front load the first 4 - 8 sessions close together, and then we can discuss your needs and goals moving forward, and assess the frequency of appointments. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions!