Embodiment, Body Image and Self-esteem – Spring 2026
About the series
Join us for a series of expert-led workshops to support actors and stage management professionals in building skills for improved mental health and sustainable creative practice. The sessions are facilitated by experienced practitioners who regularly work with performing artists.
Each of the six sessions focuses on a specific challenge, practical techniques for self-care, and support strategies. Each session works as a one-off or you can join all six.
Best of all, these workshops will be held online, so you can join from the comfort of your own home (and feel free to have your camera on or off as you prefer!).
Coping With Rejection
Depression and Low Mood
Embodiment, Body Image and Self-esteem
ADHD and Neurodiversity
Vocal Health for Actors
Bullying and Harassment
Learn more about the other webinars
Embodiment, Body Image and Self-esteem
Being an actor or stage manager is physically demanding. However, the industry can be incredibly focussed on the look of that body. Constant monitoring and feedback on our body and our looks can take a toll on our self-esteem and lead to issues around body dysmorphia.
Join dramatherapist Heather Turkington for this workshop on embodiment, body image and self-esteem. We will take a compassionate approach to understanding how working as an actor or stage management professional can impact your feelings about your body.
In this session we will look at:
- Where our self-esteem comes from
- What a healthy self-esteem looks like
- The causes of low self-esteem
- Explore the concept of embodiment
- Discover how and why body dysmorphia can impact actors and stage managers
- Time for reflection, discussion and questions
Facilitator: Heather Turkington
Heather Turkington is a dramatherapist based in Co.Armagh in Northern Ireland.
Heather’s work sees her specialising in complex trauma, and holds post as Psychological Trauma Therapist in the NHS, working with people experiencing PTSD as a result of the NI conflict.
She also works privately and freelance in both therapeutic and organisational roles.
Actors’ Trust
The entertainment industry can be a collaborative, creative and exciting one, but it can, at times, be isolating and insecure. Actors’ Trust (which used to be known as the Actors’ Benevolent Fund) is here to provide a place of community and support for actors and stage management through our range of grants and wellbeing services.
We’ve been supporting industry professionals across sound, stage and screen since 1882. Today, we continue to make the greatest possible difference to a community that brings so much meaning and inspiration to others.
Whether you are in need of help or would like to support us, we are here and would love to hear from you.
Find out more or follow us on Instagram @actorstrust
BAPAM
The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) is the largest provider of clinical services to the UK’s performing arts sector, working with actors, music creators, performers, production professionals, dancers and other creative practitioners. The charity provides free, bespoke clinical advice and care from expert clinicians in a range of disciplines, responding to requests for help with mental health, musculoskeletal care, vocal health, hearing concerns and some eye care and dental health issues. With expertise gained in evidence-based practice and research in the field, BAPAM’s free workshops and online resources share knowledge and skills to support good health and sustainable creative careers.
Related events
Low mood and depression can affect anyone and the pressures of a creative career can sometimes make those feelings feel even heavier.This session, presented by dramatherapist Heather Turkington offers a safe compassionate space to better understand depression, recognise early signs, and explore ways of supporting yourself (and others) through difficult periods.
People with neurodivergent traits (diagnosed and undiagnosed) can find themselves with challenges at work. Without support and understanding, it can be hard to communicate your needs. And if the people around you dont understand your approach, you can feel lost and isolated.
Your voice is one of your most valuable tools and caring for it is essential for a sustainable career.This session, with Senior Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Sally Dennis, focuses on vocal wellbeing, prevention of strain, and healthy habits to support your voice through rehearsals, performances and beyond. This session is presented by Actors Trust, in partnership with BAPAM, the largest provider of clinical services to the UKs entire performing arts sector.
Bullying and harassment have no place in the creative industries yet many people still experience this at work.This webinar with dramatherapist Heather Turkington, provides a safe space to explore these issues, understand their impact, and learn about boundaries, support and routes forward.