BAPAM: Building Confidence — Self-esteem, Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome

About the event

The Musicians' Union has partnered with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) to offer a series of free lunchtime online workshops designed for professional musicians.

Led by Heather Turkington, these interactive sessions explore some of the most common challenges musicians face throughout their careers. You'll gain practical, evidence-based strategies to support your mental wellbeing, build resilience, recognise when you might need additional support and develop healthy habits that can help you thrive both on and off the stage.

The sessions are free for MU members with priority given to members based in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Members from other regions who would like to attend are welcome to register their interest by contacting the Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Office. To register for a session, please email sni@themu.org.

Whether you're at the start of your career or have years of experience, these sessions offer practical advice and space for reflection in a supportive, musician-focused environment. We encourage members to attend as many sessions as possible to build a toolkit of strategies that can support both your wellbeing and your career. View the full MU x BAPAM event series.

What to expect

Periods of self-doubt are common in creative careers, but they don't have to define your experience. This session explores the factors that influence self-esteem and offers practical tools to help you develop greater confidence and resilience.

We'll cover:

• Where self-esteem comes from and what healthy self-esteem looks like.
• Common causes of low self-esteem and imposter syndrome.
• Practical ways to build confidence and challenge self-critical thinking.
• Guided reflective exercises and group discussion.

About the trainer

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.  She also works privately and freelance in both therapeutic and organisational roles. In her spare time she is an actor and musician.

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