Support for artists and creatives
by Ruben de Haas
You can't change the past,
but you can change the way
you experience the present
Welcome
You may have arrived here by chance or because it was recommended to you. Perhaps you are just curious, perhaps you are feeling like you may need some help. However you ended up here, welcome.
Like the tree here in this photo, we all started somewhere small and ended up growing taller. Some of us have great memories of the past, some had a really tough time and many have something in between.Unlike this tree, when wé are young we need others to take care of us. And even when most often our caregivers have no bad intentions, we all experience moments when we do not get what we need at the time.Interestingly, most of what happens in the first years of our lives, we don't even remember. But it sure did happen and it had a big impact on the way we experience the world around us and our lives nowadays.
Create freedom
If you are still reading, you must be curious. As mentioned, we all develop as we grow up shaped by things we do not remember.Now, the first step is not to remember these moments, nor is it to change any of our current behaviour. The first step is simply to become aware of the way we are right now and how we experience our lives.Using techniques from PRI therapy (Past Reality Integration) we can develop the skills to become aware and learn the tools to help ourselves in any moment or situation we do not feel good anymore.As we work together, I will assist you to:
Understand how the mind works
Develop a practise to self-observe
Connect or reconnect with emotions
Change habits and patterns of behaviour
Common problems
Three key moments in which artists tend to get stuck are:Beginning
To start a new project or a new way to work can feel very difficult. Especially after some initial succes it may feel hard to get back to a playful state of mind and feel the space to create new work.Finishing
After the initial part of creation some artists may find themselves running into a challenging time to finishing a project. Making decisions which darlings to kill or not feeling the energy to keep going with it can stop the flow which was there at the start.Sharing
Once the work is complete it's time to expose it to the world. One might experience a fear to share it and what the responses will be. Or another kind of block may prevent feeling ready to share it.These are just some examples of moments in the creative process where one might get stuck. Reach out to discuss the one you are facing.
Other issues
Wanting to change but getting stuck, or postponing what you actually want to do. I will list a few below, but feel free to reach out with the challenge that you are facing at the moment.Having a fear to disappoint people or getting irritated or not feeling understood.Experiencing a pressure to sell and produce new workFeeling like you want to raise your fees or prices but scared to do soHaving a love-hate relationship with Instagram / other socialsGetting into thoughts of self-doubt, a fear to fail or to be a fraudStressing around deadlines or about finances or overworking yourselfPerfectionism or a pressure to make something greatDealing with loneliness, feeling heavy depressive moods or getting overwhelmed
How it works
We will meet and talk about your situation. If we decide to work together, we'll plan around 2 sessions per month. A session takes around one hour and can be in real life or online.Three pillars of the PRI method are thinking, feeling and doing. In our meetings we speak, but you'll also make contact with feelings of the body and emotions. Inbetween the sessions you continue to work by yourself.The PRI method is a skill you’ll learn. With practise, you will not need someone else for therapy or coaching. It's a tool you'll have for the rest of your life.The hourly rate is €50, excl btw. If you have a business, the sessions are tax deductible. If the price an issue but you do want support, don't hesitate to get in touch. We will discuss your options, as there is always a way.
About me
Born as the child of two creatives, I was encouraged and supported to create from a young age. During weekends we would for example make stamps from potatoes and decorate a table cloth. When I was seven, I started an after school drawing club together with my mother. Creativity was always there.This resulted in a diverse journey working as a circus performer, hosting a radio show, going on world tour with a rockband, opening an art & design store and presenting a series of art exhibitions.Around 2019, I discovered PRI therapy when a relationship ended. It changed my life and empowered me to follow my desire to live and work as a fulltime artist. Along the way I discovered that I enjoy supporting other creatives on their journey in helping to feel more playful and free.
