Zuri is Your On-Set Therapist for TV and Film

The tv/film production profession is one of the most consuming and high stress jobs available. Many who are not a part of the industry see the glam without any idea of the stress or intensity. They are unaware of the overall toll the industry can take on your emotional and mental health. With all of that in mind, I became an On-Set Therapist for TV and Film.

As someone who works in the production world, I am extremely aware of the lifestyle that comes with it. I understand the importance of timeliness and tight schedules, the demands you may face. As an IC, I can provide reliable, flexible service, in addition to on-call or stand-by appointments if needed. I am available to provide service to individual clients or entire productions. I can support production, cast and crew.

My goal in therapeutic support is not to diagnose anyone. People unfamiliar with the therapeutic process may operate under the assumption that something needs to be “wrong” just to talk. They also may believe that something may be “wrong” with them if they meet with a therapist. This is simply not true. Having an outlet for discussion and support is a way to participate in your own self-care.

On-Set Self-Care Tips for Production

Firstly, Commit To Starting Today – Be your own on-set therapist

• Self-care is essential preventative work for both physical and mental health.
• One of the first steps in taking better care of ourselves is simply committing to doing it. 
• The key is starting small — even if it’s just setting aside a few minutes each day for yourself.

ON-SET? LIMITED TIME? – No, problem & also NO EXCUSE!

Self care for extremely busy professionals like us is difficult to say the least. Fortunately, some of the basic things we already do day to day can be transformed into self-care practices. All we need to do is set a bit of intention for the actions and choices we already make.

1. Head to crafty and grab a pack of gum or candy. Make this flavor or type different then what you may typically grab but something you like all the same. Anytime you need to check in with yourself, do it. Take a minute, release stress, etc. grab the candy or piece of gum and chew it. Don’t eat this particular candy or gum any other time. 
2. Create a reward system for yourself. For instance, instead of going to crafty, drinking water, texting, try getting fresh air. You can also try playing a phone game, or other intentional mindless activity. Whenever you can, schedule intentional time to step out or take up space for yourself. Plan ahead if possible. For example, you may want to set an alarm to go off every 45mins/1hr to do one of these things. Note to yourself to be with yourself for those few seconds or moments. Even on a busy day an alarm every 2-3 hours could support you. 
3. Take a sip of water and take 3 deep breaths with your eyes closed.
4. Take a 3-5 min walk outside.
5. Take a 10-1. Try closing yourself in a stall. Take 5 mins just to be with yourself whether you have to use the restroom or not.
6. Eat your lunch in a new place around the studio when you want to.
7. Take an alternative route to or from work.
8. Make a self care playlist you can cut on with headphones at anytime during your work day. For example, make some variety: angry music, silly music, sing-alongs, parodies, 90s jams, love songs, etc.

Types of Therapy Services Offered to Productions

as an On-Set Therapist for TV and Film

Psychotherapy for TV and Film

Psychotherapy is an umbrella term describing a range of talk therapies that address your current life issues. This is done by by examining how your mental and emotional states affect your behavior. The aim of psychotherapy isn’t in simply managing your symptoms. In creating a long-lasting outcome brought about through profound change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for TV and Film

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven approach to psychotherapy. It is designed to help people to develop effective coping strategies. These strategies will help them to deal with a wide range of psychological issues.

CBT focuses on a problem-solving approach to help people learn how to react in a different, more positive way. For this reason, when CBT strategies are not in place, situations can lead to further problem behaviors. By learning new strategies, you can also learn how to change your behavior and reactions. This aides in how to think about things in a more positive way.

Psychodynamic Therapy for Tv and Film

Accordingly known as psychoanalytical therapy, this therapeutic model helps you overcome your problems. This is done by encouraging an awareness of your inner workings both mentally and emotionally. The approach here is very much about digging deep into your psyche. This is done by connecting the key points in your life. Then examining how you dealt with them at the time. Then how those decisions continue to affect you in the present.

Integrative Psychotherapy for TV and Film

While traditional models can be effective in treatment, a single approach to your problem might not yield the best outcome. Integrative Therapists place emphasis on the individual, taking into account your personality, needs, mental capacity and motivation. From there, they offer a program that will best suit you.

Mindfulness Therapy for TV and Film

Mindfulness involves being present with yourself. We do this by bringing your full awareness to what you’re thinking, how you are feeling and acting. This has proven to be incredibly useful in combating anxiety and depression. By making a conscious effort to live more in tune with your thoughts and emotions, you’re able to improve the overall quality of your life. This is regardless of whether or not you’re suffering from mental health issues. This is great for being on set when you are having a “I just need a minute,” moment.

Play and Activity Therapy

Not all cast members or those on set are adults. Play therapy is a therapeutic approach used primarily with children. Children’s mental health needs are just as, if not more, complex as those of adults. However, they often find it very difficult to engage with forms of therapy designed for older people. A small child’s linguistic capabilities or vocabulary may not be adequate to talk about the issues that are troubling them. If they have been traumatized by an adult figure in the past, they may find it difficult at first to accept and trust a new adult authority figure.