In this episode I am speaking with Anna Kellerman a creative nurturer, a super connector and lateral thinker. She is an artist and a registered clinical art therapist working with both children and adults. She is a lecturer teaching the Bachelor of Art Therapy and the Bachelor of Counselling & Psychotherapy courses at the Ikon Institute of Australia.

Anna is the founder of Mama Creatives a thriving community for all types of female creatives - artists, writers, musicians you name it - she supports them and she also has her own podcast called The Creativity Couch.

Anna’s inner critic could be described as the popular school girl, a cheerleader, leading her astray with seductive misguidance.

Anna talked about how inner critics can be viewed as more than just self loathing it can be fear, rigidity and perfectionism beliefs developed in childhood playing at keeping us safe - and in a box. So we are toeing the line and not taking up space.

The inner critic voice can be more than just hateful, unkind language but also a familiar whisper, lulling us into a false sense of comfort with procrastination, unhealthy habits and self gaslighting.

In regards to children Anna’s advice is clear and profound. Sit with kids while they create. Create alongside them. Help them co-regulate by just being there and if there is a rupture - work on the repair aspect.

After years of doing the work herself so she can be of service to others Anna is the embodiment of her inner mentor. A character who is an older woman - a sparkly, flowy, sexy fairy godmother with wavy curly grey hair dancing and smiling.

There were a few points I wanted to repeat because they are so good:

Watch out for the seductive whisper of the inner critic - it shows up not just as hateful internal language.
Your triggers are your teachers
Treat yourself kindly, the way you would a good friend.
Allow all feelings to percolate - accept them.
Visualise yourself stepping into your big girl boots and embody your inner mentor.
Anna also mentions Dan Siegel (accidentally as Dan Siegelman) in the episode.

I am really grateful for Anna’s perspective as a creative and a clinical art therapist as it sheds a new light on this subject.

Find her @mamacreatives on instagram and at www.mamacreatives.com

Fiona Barrett-Clark and her lazy inner critic