Counselling for Dancers

03/11/2025

As we know, dance demands immense physical, emotional, and mental commitment, of which pressures of perfection, rejection, and competition can weigh heavily on dancers. Hence, addressing these challenges requires not just mental health professionals but individuals who deeply understand the unique intersection of psychology and the arts.

Catch a whole new episode on building an online community with Terry Hyde, founder of Counselling for Dancers . Link in below! 👇😁

https://www.backgrounddancer.com/s3e7

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02/11/2025

MYTH:
It takes 21 days to form a new habit.

FACT:
That idea came from a 1960s self-help book, not science. Modern research shows that habit formation can take between 18 and 254 days, depending on how complex the behaviour is.

For dancers, this matters.
Replacing negative self-talk, retraining muscle memory, or developing a more compassionate mindset all rely on neuroplastic change — your brain’s ability to rewire itself through repetition.

So next time you’re frustrated that a new mindset or correction hasn’t “stuck” yet, remember:
🕰️ You’re not failing — you’re rewiring.

24/10/2025

The Counselling for Dancers reminder series - designed to inspire and support vocational dance students and professional dancers ✨

Stay Flexible: Adaptability is essential in navigating the dynamic world of dance! 👯

22/10/2025

The Counselling for Dancers reminder series - designed to inspire and support vocational dance students and professional dancers ✨

Manage Performance Anxiety: Develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, to stay calm under pressure. 💖

15/10/2025

05/10/2025

The Counselling for Dancers reminder series - designed to inspire and support vocational dance students and professional dancers ✨

Stay Curious: Continuously seek knowledge and new experiences to enrich your craft 💖

02/10/2025

The Counselling for Dancers reminder series - designed to inspire and support vocational dance students and professional dancers ✨

Embrace Vulnerability: Allow yourself to be open and authentic, fostering deeper connections and artistry 💖

22/09/2025

✨🩰 I had a great time last Thursday night at the centenary celebration of The RAD Scholars in a celebration titled ‘Springboard to Success’ 🩰✨

On the panel was Wayne Sleep, Marion Tait, Anita Young, Marguerite Porter, Terry Hyde and Rebecca Trevitt. It was chaired by RAD's Artistic Director Alexander Campbell (📸 photo 3).

📸 Photo 1: All panelists and the Chief Executive, Elizabeth Honor CB
📸 Photo 2: Ruth Mair, Anita Young and Terry Hyde.

In the audience were many other Scholar alumni, with long reminiscent chats afterwards ❤️

Thank you to Eleanor Fitzgerald for inviting me to join the discussion panel and for organising history side of this event 🙏

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13/09/2025

TESTIMONIAL 🫶

The therapy sessions with Terry Hyde have been a crucial experience in helping me navigate a particularly difficult period in my life, during which I had to confront myself and a range of conflicting emotions. In a time of great uncertainty and difficulty, the professional support I received became a valuable resource. Speaking openly with an expert about my thoughts, emotions, and the challenges I was facing allowed me to approach those weeks with a more positive perspective. I never felt alone but rather guided through a process that would ultimately give me the tools to deal with various life situations—both personal and professional—with greater awareness and peace of mind.
Looking back at how I saw myself before the sessions compared to how I feel now, I can honestly say that I’ve experienced a deep change in my approach to life. Thanks to the tools and techniques I gained during the work with Terry, I’ve learned to handle situations that once seemed stressful or complicated in a completely new way. I’ve learned to shift my perspective, focus on what truly matters, and most importantly, to listen to myself better—understanding my needs and my limitations in a deeper way.

The most significant change I’ve noticed is in my ability to accept myself for who I am, without judgment or the constant urge to change myself at all costs. This process of self- acceptance, which is now becoming a part of all areas of my life, has had a profound impact on my personal growth. Today, I feel more in harmony with myself, and as a result, my relationships with others—both personally and professionally—have greatly improved.
The inner peace I’m cultivating reflects positively in my daily interactions, making every aspect of my life more balanced and fulfilling.
A key aspect of this journey has been the specific, targeted support that Terry has provided, especially through his expertise in the world of dance. As a dancer myself, his ability to understand and integrate the unique dynamics of this field has helped me overcome many obstacles in balancing my dance career with my personal life. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve improved my relationship with my work, approaching professional challenges with greater awareness, and above all, learning to manage the relationship between my artistic role and my personal life in a healthier way.
Thanks to his experience and professionalism, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on past mistakes I made in my approach to dance and, more generally, in how I lived my career.
This process of self-awareness has allowed me to grow significantly—not only as a professional but also as an individual.

I can say with certainty that I will not be ending my work with Terry, as I feel his support has been vital and will continue to be essential for my well-being and personal evolution. His expertise, attention to detail, and sensitivity are invaluable elements for me to continue my growth—both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, the sessions have been a fundamental part of my psychological and personal well-being, and I am deeply grateful for the support and professionalism he has offered me.

12/09/2025

Looking forward to joining my fellow panellists at the Royal Academy of Dance on September 18th for 'Springboard to Success'. The scholarship programme was pivotal in my dance journey, and I'm passionate about ensuring young people continue to have these life-changing opportunities. Excited for this meaningful celebration! 🩰✨

Book your spot now, join us in-person OR online: https://tinyurl.com/m8ccjnu4 🌐

(Photo from a Royal Charity Gala at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in aid of the RAD, with many international dancers, two of whom were Margot Fonteyn and her then partner Michael Somes who has his hands on my shoulders. I was 11 years old then).

30/08/2025

Whether you're trying to nail a new trick, increase the number of pirouettes you can hit in an audition or whether you want to start a new business or dance school SMART goals are a powerful tool for achieving your objectives.

They provide clarity, focus, and motivation, and help you organise your time and resources more efficiently. By setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, you increase your chances of success significantly. Remember, the key is not just in setting SMART goals but also in committing to them and regularly reviewing your progress. Start setting your SMART goals today and take a step closer to realising your dreams and ambitions. ✨

The Counselling for Dancers reminder series - designed to inspire and support vocational dance students and professional dancers 👯‍♀️
..

Unlocking Success with SMART Goals - Jessica Dunbar (2024)
SMART Goals: A How-To Guide - University of California
(Worksheets available - https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/_files/performance-appraisal/How+to+write+SMART+Goals+v2.pdf)

26/08/2025

Please join me tomorrow in my webinar organised by . The booking link is below and on my story ❤

'Join the fantastic Terry Hyde to discover how to recognise performance and audition anxiety in your students and the difference between Fixed and Growth mindset.
Terry is a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). He has been a psychotherapist and counsellor since 2010, and is now CEO of STEPPS charity. Terry is a wonderful person to learn from, we can't wait to join his session...

🌟The session is part of our Encompass Online Dance Conference: August 27th
🌟Other conference topics include: utilising Dance Awards, business and branding and social media for beginners.'

✅Book now: https://www.bbo.dance/eve.../encompass-dance-conference-2025