Blog Posts

Unlock Your Writer's Block

6/25/2018

UPDATE: Rescheduled to a new date & time
2-4 pm Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Did you know writer's block is temporary? It sure doesn't feel that way when you're in it. It can be helpful to know others are in the same boat, though. Feel free to join us for the next Unlocking Writer's Block workshop. You will learn more about why you get blocked and how to endure, and even thrive, during the times that feel empty and unproductive. You may gain a new sense of hope and appreciation for your creative process. See you soon!

Unlocking Writer's Block With Rachel Moore, LMFT
10 am-12 pm July 8, 2018
San Diego Writer's Ink
SDWI members: $30
Nonmembers: $36
Click here to register

Free Talk at the San Diego Central Library!

6/19/2018

I'm happy to announce I'll be offering a free community talk at the San Diego Central Library at 6:30 pm Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018.

This will be an interactive chat for people who are interested in learning how creativity can help improve their mood and their life. Please see the video above for more information, or click here.

Artist's Way Workshop Starts in September!

6/11/2018

Registration Opens Aug. 1, 2018

Someone asked me recently what my favorite thing is about my job as a therapist. I said it's facilitating Artist's Way Workshop therapy groups, hands down. I've been leading groups based on the book by Julia Cameron for more than 10 years now, and I look forward to it every time. There's something magical that happens when a group of people gets together to support one another in the service of art and creativity. And the spiritual element of Cameron's book adds a deeper dimension to the process.

I hope you can join us for the next 12-week Artist's Way Workshops in September, 2018, in San Diego. This time there will be both weekend and weekday options. More information: The Artist's Way Workshop

-Rachel Moore, LMFT

P.S. Click here to sign up for email alerts about the next Artist's Way Workshop. Please contact Rachel if you have any questions.

Therapist Profile in SD Voyager Magazine

5/15/2018

I was honored to be included with several other inspirational San Diego businesspeople recently in SD Voyager Magazine. Here's an excerpt from my interview:

"The thing I’m most proud of in my business is being an EMDR practitioner because I think this type of therapy can help clients resolve issues quicker and more effectively than talk therapy alone. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The theory is that during REM or dream sleep, the brain organizes memories in a way that makes sense to us and doesn’t cause distress. When there is trauma, however, this process can be interrupted. Memories can get “stuck” and become stressful, which can look like fear, anger, addiction, or other upsetting emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. EMDR can help move traumatic memories through the brain in a more adaptive way and reduce distress. EMDR practitioners do this by using 'bilateral stimulation' — either having the client move their eyes back and forth or listening to alternating tones, for example. It’s not known exactly why or how this works. There have been many studies, though, showing EMDR to be effective. ...

"What sets me apart from other therapists is my background in creativity. I’m a writer and a musician (I have sung on many stages in San Diego) and I know what it’s like to juggle a job and creative pursuits. I also get why, for many of us, art gives us a reason to live. My clients don’t need to spend time explaining to me why creativity is important to them — I understand it because I live it every day."

You can find the full interview here.

What People Don't Say About Creativity

4/12/2018

Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

No one talks about how hard it is to be a creative person. Actually, no one talks about how hard it is to do anything. Of course, we talk a lot about how busy we are, and how it's hard to fit everything into the day. But that's just the ego at work; we get kudos for being so industrious. We usually don't get praise, however, for being quiet, thoughtful, and artistic.

After I graduated from my master's program, it took me awhile to decide what I wanted to do next — the 3,000 hours of experience needed before sitting for the therapist licensing exam seemed insurmountable at the time, especially after just completing 2 1/2 years of school. I started a creativity coaching business while I was still school, and I decided to give entrepreneurialism a try. It was a bumpy path. The first business development workshop I went to resulted in me breaking down in tears. No one else was crying; they all seemed to have it together. I didn't get why I was the only one feeling apprehensive and intimidated.

Later I asked a friend about this — we were both part of a co-working organization for women in business. Her reply was: "We all feel scared, but no one talks about it."

I find this is also true for many writers, artists, and musicians. It's sometimes hard to admit to our fears, worries, and anxieties, even to ourselves.

Here's the thing, though — that squishy, vulnerable place we avoid in ourselves is also the seat of our creativity. And when we expose it to the light, it allows others to reveal their vulnerable sides, too. And that connects us. I think this might be the je ne sais quoi of great art. What makes something meaningful is also what makes it scary.

If you're feeling isolated in your creative anxieties, you're not alone. Seek out help and support where you can (one brave woman at that co-working space created a FailCon, where we all got together monthly to talk about our biggest disappointments — it was fantastic). There are other people out there who feel scared, too. I think the best remedy for fear is connection.

No one gets out of here alive, but we can create some beautiful art, relationships, and meaningful exchanges while we're here. Have courage, and know there are others out there who, like you, are looking for a place to call home.

* * *
Rachel Moore, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist in San Diego, California. She specializes in helping creative people overcome trauma and anxiety with EMDR therapy. Rachel also facilitates 12-week therapy groups based on the book "The Artist's Way," by Julia Cameron.
More info: www.rachelmoorecounseling.com

A Creative Life Can Be a Happy Life

4/6/2018

To be creative is to be bold. It takes audacity to put something new out into the world. The act of creation can also bring light to things we or others may have chosen to bury. To be creative takes courage.

Sometimes an artistic life can feel lonely, confusing, or frightening. In general, our culture doesn't offer a lot of understanding to artists. If you want support or help to clarify your life purpose, please schedule a time to talk with me or sign up for updates about the next Artist's Way Workshop therapy group.

You don't have to be alone. Your voice deserves to be heard. All it takes is the first step.

-Rachel Moore, LMFT

VIDEO: Chit Chat With a Therapist!

1/2/2018

Note: We don't spend all of the video sideways! Things get straightened out around the 3-minute mark. ;)

I joined Melissa DaSilva, LICSW, for a fun New Year's chat about being in private practice. Please feel free to check it out if you'd like to learn more about my approach and how I became a therapist.

P.S. Happy New Year! :)

P.P.S. Registration for the next Artist's Way Workshop, beginning February 2018, is now OPEN! Check it out here.

VIDEO: Artist's Way Workshop 'Basic Tools'

12/19/2017

How can mornings pages and artist dates help you? They are the basic building blocks of recovering your creative spirit. But what are they and how do I do them? Check out the video to find out! :-)

P.S. The next 12-week Artist's Way Workshop therapy group will meet Sundays starting Feb. 4 in San Diego. Registration begins Jan. 2, and space is limited. Click here to receive updates via email.

Save the Date! Artist's Way Workshop 2018

12/11/2017

Join us for the 2018 Artist's Way Workshop therapy group. We'll meet for 12 weeks — 10 am-12 pm Sundays, starting Feb. 4. Please click here to add your email to the interest list. Registration opens Jan. 2!

Facebook Live: Are You in a Holidaze?

12/5/2017

Why does this time of year feel so weird for so many of us? It's supposed to be happy, and it is, yet sometimes it can also feel sad or even tragic. Maybe it's the culmination of everything from the year right before we begin a new one...

If you're in need of extra support right now, please feel free to contact me for a free, 15-minute phone consultation.

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