Performance Anxiety

Does performance anxiety currently impact you in your professional life? Whether you are playing a concerto with a symphony orchestra, clinching a deal with an important client, taking a challenging examination, or speaking up at an important board meeting, performance matters!

In order to perform at your very best, a certain amount of anxiety is needed. Anxiety is an emotional experience that actually serves to help and protect us, and when it is harnessed properly, it can aid us in performing at our very best. However, when it is left unattended, anxiety leads to crippling fears of rejection, isolation, judgment, and loss of relationships. It can even leave you feeling out of control of your surroundings and your sense of self.

Utilizing techniques learned while studying at The Juilliard School and onward during his time on the stage as an opera singer, Dr. Heilman can work with you to help you redirect and refocus your anxiety. Through learning these techniques, you will learn how to more adaptively speak to your fears so that you can have power over them, instead of the other way around.

Performance anxiety isn’t limited to musicians or actors. Professionals from all fields, including public speakers, athletes, and corporate executives, often face similar pressures. The fear of judgment, the pressure to succeed, and the intense focus on outcomes can trigger overwhelming anxiety. If you find yourself avoiding opportunities, over-preparing to the point of exhaustion, or experiencing physical symptoms like shaking hands, a racing heart, or shortness of breath, you are not alone. Performance anxiety is a common yet treatable experience.

Dr. Heilman’s approach combines his lived experience as a performer with evidence-based psychological strategies. Using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he tailors sessions to your unique needs. CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety, while mindfulness practices cultivate presence and calm under pressure. ACT encourages embracing discomfort rather than avoiding it, allowing you to perform with greater authenticity and resilience.

In addition to therapeutic strategies, Dr. Heilman’s background as an opera singer brings a unique perspective. He understands firsthand the demands of high-stakes performance and the vulnerability that comes with standing in the spotlight. This empathetic understanding creates a safe and supportive space where you can explore your fears without judgment.

You will also learn how to regulate your physiological response to anxiety. Techniques like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can calm your nervous system and restore a sense of control. By practicing these strategies, you can reduce symptoms of performance anxiety in real time and build confidence in your ability to handle challenging situations.

Beyond addressing the immediate symptoms, therapy with Dr. Heilman can also help you explore the deeper beliefs that contribute to your anxiety. Many individuals with performance anxiety struggle with perfectionism, fear of failure, or concerns about their self-worth. Working through these underlying issues can lead to lasting emotional growth and resilience.

Whether you are preparing for a major presentation, navigating career transitions, or simply seeking to overcome fear in daily interactions, support is available. Together, you and Dr. Heilman will develop a personalized plan that empowers you to step into the spotlight with greater confidence and presence.

Taking the step to address performance anxiety is a powerful act of self-care. Through compassionate guidance and evidence-based practices, you can transform anxiety into a source of strength and focus. Imagine facing your next performance or challenge with a sense of calm and clarity, knowing you have the tools to manage anxiety and perform at your best.

If you are ready to regain control and unlock your full potential, contact Dr. Heilman today to schedule a consultation. The path to greater confidence and resilience starts here.