The Missing Piece in Performing Arts Training: Why Mental Fitness is Non-Negotiable
As a Clinical & Counselling Psychologist specialising in performance psychology, I’ve worked with many performers: musicians, singers, actors, writers, directors and other artists who come to me with the same frustration: “I know I can do this, but something keeps holding me back.”
Performing artists are indeed the elite athletes of the arts. The demands are staggering: vocal endurance, emotional vulnerability, split-second coordination with others (conductors/ orchestra/ other colleagues) , and the pressure of delivering a flawless performance night after night. Yet while athletes have sports psychologists as a standard part of their training, performers are often left to figure out the mental side of their craft alone.
Why Mental Training Isn’t Just for Athletes
The parallels between elite athletes and performers are undeniable:
- Both require years of technical training.
- Both must perform under intense scrutiny.
- Both face high stakes—whether it’s an Olympic medal or an opening night on a stage.
Yet while an athlete’s regimen includes strength conditioning, nutrition, and mental coaching, performers often focus solely on their technical craft (although I am pleased to report I see this changing as the awareness has been increasing). Singers spend hours refining their vocal technique, dancers drill choreography relentlessly, but how many have structured mental training to match?
The Myth of “Just Push Through”
One of the most damaging beliefs in the performing arts is that mental struggles, such as performance anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism are just part of the “gig”.“If you can’t handle the nerves, maybe this isn’t for you.”
This attitude is not just unhelpful, it’s harmful.
Anxiety isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a physiological response to pressure. The difference between a performer who thrives under pressure and one who crumbles isn’t talent – it’s mental fitness.
What Does Mental Training Actually Look Like for Performers?
Mental training isn’t about becoming robotic or suppressing emotions. It’s about:
- Building Emotional Agility – Learning to channel nerves into focus rather than panic.
- Cognitive Reframing – Shifting from “What if I fail? “to” I’m prepared, and I can adapt.”
- Mindfulness & Presence – Staying connected to the performance rather than spiralling into self-criticism.
- Resilience Conditioning – Developing strategies to recover from setbacks (a bad review, a missed note, a rejection).
Unlike generic self-help advice, performance psychology tailors these tools to the unique pressures of live performance.
The Gap in Training: Where Are the Performance Psychologists?
A violinist wouldn’t expect a football coach to fix their bow technique – so why do performers often end up with mental coaches who don’t understand their world?
Most traditional therapists aren’t trained in performance-specific challenges. Meanwhile, sports psychologists, while helpful, may not grasp the nuances of artistic expression. Performers need specialists who bridge both worlds.
What Can Performers Do Now?
Until mental training becomes as standard as vocal warm-ups, here’s how artists can start integrating it:
✅ Normalise Mental Fitness – Just as you wouldn’t skip vocal practice, schedule mental conditioning.
✅ Work with a Performance Psychologist – Seek someone who understands both psychology and the arts.
✅ Use Evidence-Based Techniques – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness have strong research backing for performers.
✅ Build a Supportive Network – Peers, mentors, and coaches who prioritise mental resilience.
Final Thought: Art Thrives When the Artist Does
The best performances happen when technique, emotion, and mental clarity align. If we want performers to sustain long, healthy careers and deliver their most compelling art, mental training can’t remain optional.
Interested in exploring more? Feel free to have a read through different sections of my website, check my Instagram or contact me via email below:
Dr Maja Jankowska
HCPC registered Clinical & Counselling Psychologist & Performance Specialist
www.expansionpsychology.com
performers@expansionpsychology.com
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional therapy. If you are experiencing severe distress, please consult a licensed mental health provider.
It’s time to treat the mind with the same rigor as the voice, the body, and the craft. Because the greatest performances don’t just come from talent—they come from preparedness.