Emotional Wellness Tools for Artists: Overcoming Your Inner Critic with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez
As artists, we’re often told to push through challenges and keep creating no matter what. But what happens when your own mind becomes the biggest hurdle? That’s where emotional wellness and mindset work come in—topics we recently explored on the latest episode of Art & Cocktails with Dr. A. Yanina Gomez.
Dr. Gomez is a psychologist, author, and co-founder of The Art NXT Level Academy. Her passion for helping creatives thrive goes beyond just practical career advice—she dives deep into the mental and emotional obstacles that can hold us back from realizing our true potential. In this episode, she shares invaluable insights and tools to help artists overcome inner struggles like shame, self-sabotage, anxiety, and the relentless inner critic.
Why Emotional Wellness Matters for Artists
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the idea that creativity flows best when there’s harmony between the mind, body, and soul. Dr. Gomez emphasizes that taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as honing your craft. Without addressing internal blocks, even the most talented artists may find themselves stuck, burned out, or unable to take the next step in their careers.
Dr. Gomez’s approach includes a unique perspective influenced by the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model—a therapeutic approach that encourages identifying and understanding different “parts” of yourself. Instead of suppressing your inner critic, she recommends developing a relationship with it, understanding its purpose, and harmonizing it with your core self. This way, your inner voices become collaborators rather than obstacles.
Practical Tools for Emotional Regulation
Whether you’re facing creative blocks, self-doubt, or decision-making paralysis, Dr. Gomez offers practical tools to help regulate your nervous system and regain clarity. Here are a few strategies she recommends:
Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing techniques can help calm your system, making it easier to think clearly and make decisions.
Movement Practices: Whether it’s a brisk walk, dancing, or even push-ups, physical movement can break the cycle of mental overwhelm.
Gratitude Journaling: Re-centering your thoughts around gratitude can help shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
Identifying Your Inner Parts: Acknowledging and dialoguing with the various parts of yourself, especially the critical or fearful voices, allows for a more compassionate and integrated approach to emotional wellness.
Mindful Media Consumption: Starting your day with positive reflections rather than negative news helps prime your mindset for creativity and resilience.
Navigating Uncertainty as an Artist
Dr. Gomez also addresses a common struggle many artists face—feeling irrelevant or lost in today’s chaotic world. She encourages artists to reconnect with their original purpose and passion, reminding us that art is more than just a product—it’s a profound way of processing and expressing our experiences. By grounding ourselves and remembering why we create, we can move past fear and doubt and continue making work that resonates with our souls and our audience.
Discover More Tools for Your Artistic Journey
Dr. Gomez’s new book, Today's Working Artist, serves as a comprehensive guide for artists looking to build not just their skills but their emotional resilience. Structured as a reflective journey, the book is designed to be revisited again and again, helping you grow and evolve as an artist and individual.
You can find Today's Working Artist on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or request it from your local bookstore. You can also connect with Dr. Gomez on Instagram @dryaninagomez or visit her website at DrYaninaGomez.com.
Tune In to the Episode
If you’re ready to dive deeper into emotional wellness for artists, don’t miss this episode of Art & Cocktails. It’s a raw, insightful conversation filled with practical wisdom and actionable strategies to help you thrive creatively and mentally.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and discover how to silence your inner critic and embrace your full creative potential!
