5 week PROGRAM | in-person closed group BEGINS january 11TH, 2025
Behind the Camera: Experiential Group Therapy for the Audition Journey
PILOT PROGRAM
5 week closed group therapy
Saturdays at 2:15pm – 4:45pm
(January 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8)
Maximum 4 participants
In-person at Studio B @ Nova Voice Studio
(640 W Broadway, Unit 202, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1)
$100 per session ($500 in total for 5 x 2.5 hour sessions)
“Acting culture can be brutal…They tell you to develop a thick skin so things don’t get to you. What they don’t tell you is that your thick skin will keep everything from getting out, too. Love, intimacy, vulnerability... Thick skin doesn’t work anymore. I want to be transparent and translucent.”
— Viola Davis
Do these thoughts sound familiar?
“I know what I’m supposed to do, but I still freeze when I audition.”
“I feel prepared, but I can’t shake my nervousness before an audition. How do I transmute that into the scene?”
“I want to show up authentically, but something keeps holding me back. How can I embrace vulnerability in front of the camera?”
“I understand the theory behind emotion regulation, but how do I actually apply that knowledge in the audition process?”
“Acting can be therapeutic, but it’s not therapy.”
“I could’ve done better. I worked so hard on this, but I don’t know if it’s enough. Am I cut out for this?”
“Why haven’t I heard back? Was it something about me or my performance? Did I make the wrong choices?”
“I’m comparing myself to others. Why did they book the roles, and not me? What am I doing wrong?”
about the program
This unique 5 week experiential group therapy program is designed for actors who want to gain practical tools and insights to support you through the audition process— before, during, and after. Whether you're dealing with pre-audition nerves, navigating self-doubt after an audition, or seeking ways to stay connected to your authentic self throughout the process, this program will equip you with the skills to manage emotions, build resilience, and perform with vulnerability and confidence.
In addition to audition-specific strategies, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and a stronger connection to your community of fellow actors. What you’ll learn will go beyond navigating auditions, offering tools that will benefit your overall well-being. You'll develop emotion regulation techniques, self-compassion practices, and embodied awareness that will support you in all areas of your life — both personally and professionally.
By combining somatic therapy, evidence-based techniques, and self-compassion practices, you’ll learn to transform the audition experience into a powerful opportunity for growth, creativity, and self-expression in a safe and supportive space. This program will help you move from uncertainty and pressure to a grounded, confident presence — ready to show up as your most connected and creative self, both as an actor and as a human.
What is Somatic Therapy and How Is It Relevant to Me as an Actor?
“The body is the foundation of all our experiences and is the place of transformation” — The Embody Lab
Somatic therapy involves the connection between your mind and body, emphasizing the wisdom and intelligence your body holds. Soma, a Greek word meaning "the living body known from within," refers to the way we experience and process emotions, thoughts, and sensations through our physical form. For actors, this approach is not only appropriate but also powerful as it helps you access and express emotions in a more embodied and authentic way.
As an actor, your body is your instrument — it carries the emotions, stories, and lived experiences you bring to your roles. However, auditions and performances often come with nerves, self-doubt, pressure, and false narratives which can block your ability to show up fully in your work. These “perimeters of comfort” or blocks often stem from early experiences or subconscious patterns, which can manifest in physical tension, disruption in breathing patterns, or emotional shutdown.
A somatic approach helps you reconnect with your body, allowing you to understand these protective mechanisms, so you access the full range of emotional expression. By learning to tune into physical sensations and emotional cues, you can create a more grounded, connected, creative, and authentic performance. This practice also helps you become more present and aware in auditions, transforming nerves into energy that fuels your creativity.
Moreover, some audition materials or scenes can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you're playing a traumatic experience, a heartbreak, or a deeply emotional moment, the intensity of these roles can linger in your body, affecting how you feel long after the scene ends. It's important to be able to attend to the impact of your acting materials on your overall well-being, allowing you to process and release emotions in a healthy way without carrying them into other aspects of your life.
Incorporating somatic techniques into your practice will not only improve your acting but also help you manage the stress of the audition process, change the way you talk or feel about yourself, and build a loving relationship with yourself. It will allow you to embrace vulnerability, trust your instincts, and feel more confident and grounded in both auditions and everyday life.
What is the Experiential Component to this Group Program?
This program goes beyond traditional group therapy settings. While meaningful reflections and conversations are crucial components, the real magic happens in the experiential part of the program. The group space is designed to simulate an actual audition environment, complete with a blue background, lights, a camera, and other participants acting as typical audience (reader, casting directors, directors, clients, etc.)
In this realistic setup, we’ll have the opportunity to explore and attend to what comes up for you before, during, and after the audition process in a safe and supportive container. During this exploration, you’ll also be able to apply what you’re learning into practice immediately. This structure ensure that the insights you gain are not just theoretical but also actionable, equipping you with tools to navigate real-world audition settings with confidence and new perspectives.
This 5 week experiential group therapy program consists of 2.5 hour sessions offered over 5 weeks from Saturday, January 11th to Saturday, February 8th, 2025. Sessions are in-person on Saturdays from 2.15pm to 4.45pm at Studio B @ Nova Voice Studio (640 W Broadway, Unit 202, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1).
who is leading the group?
Hi! I’m Leifennie (she/her), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). You can read more about me here. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent over a decade working in the commercial, film, and TV industry, both in front of and behind the camera, across Asia, Europe, and North America.
As an actor, I often heard the phrase, “Acting can be therapeutic, but it’s not therapy.” While acting classes were incredibly beneficial in areas like scene study, expanding my choices for characters, understanding the beats and tones, and refining my craft, I felt that something was missing — me as the instrument. The classes focused on the external aspects of performance, but rarely addressed how to tend to the emotional and physical toll acting can take or how to navigate the internal blocks that prevent authentic expression.
I often found myself feeling frustrated with my performances and even at myself. I knew I had experienced the emotions required for my roles before, but I couldn’t seem to access or express them when it mattered most. It was only through my journey into becoming a psychotherapist that I began to understand these “blocks” within me. I realized that these barriers were my mind and body’s way of protecting me from the pain of potential emotional overwhelm or rejection. These protective mechanisms had served me in the past but were now holding me back from fully inhabiting my craft and my emotional truth.
Through exploring the deeper layers of my internal world and the influences of the sociocultural contexts, self-compassion, mindfulness, and somatic practices, I began to break through these walls. I learned to honor the protective parts of myself while gently building the capacity to experience and express emotions with vulnerability and authenticity. This journey not only reshaped my connection to acting, but also deepened my relationship with myself and the world around me.
As a trauma and somatic therapist, I now specialize in supporting others to move from protection to connection. My goal for this program is to offer a nurturing and encouraging space for self-exploration and expansion, while gaining the practical tools to flourish, both as an artist and as a person. We all deserve the opportunity to embrace ourselves fully and show up authentically in all areas of our lives.
In this program, I strive to meet you with a loving dash of warmth, curiosity, compassion, creativity and passion for this industry. I bring a blend of personal experience, professional insights as an actor and a therapist, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, allowing me to deeply connect with the unique challenges fellow actors face. I understand the courage and vulnerability it takes to show up as your authentic self, whether on stage, in front of the camera, or in life. My hope is to facilitate a space where your feelings of vulnerability will be welcomed, so you can begin to create a different relationship with it.
Let’s work together to explore what’s possible when you move past your “perimeters of comfort,” honor your emotional truths, and show up as the artist and person you are meant to be — fully present, vulnerable, and authentic.
WHAT will I gain FROM THIS PROGRAM?
Develop an understanding of how the nervous system influences audition experiences and emotional responses
Learn evidence-based practices to regulate emotions, maintain focus, emotional clarity, and mental agility under pressure
Increase your capacity to stay connected and creative in high-pressure audition situations
Gain tools for embodied emotional awareness to manage physical, mental, and emotional states before, during, and after auditions.
Cultivate a sense of grounded presence to enhance performance and reduce pre-audition jitters
Reframe and build a different (and more empowering) relationship with audition anxiety
Explore unconscious protective mechanisms that may limit your capacity to perform authentically and with vulnerability
Understand the role of vulnerability in acting and learn how to embrace it as a strength
Gain tools to process audition materials that may cause emotional activations and develop techniques to release lingering sensations in the body, helping you maintain emotional well-being long after the audition is over
Begin building a strong connection to your authentic Self to confidently express and perform during auditions
Develop self-compassion techniques to reduce self-criticism and foster inner kindness throughout your journey in this profession
Discover techniques to transform audition setbacks into opportunities for growth, learning, and self-compassion.
Understand the potency of somatic attunement and how it benefits both your audition experience and your overall wellbeing as a human
Curiosities you might have…
-
Think of a pilot program like a dress rehearsal—the work has already been done, and it’s as close to final as possible. The structure, content, and flow are all in place, but it’s still open to small tweaks based on your experience. While the pilot program provides the same benefits as the finalized version, it is offered at a reduced rate and limited to a maximum of 4 participants. Participants may also be asked to provide input to help shape future iterations of the program. Your feedback is invaluable and will help fine-tune the “opening night” of the group therapy.
-
A closed group is like being part of an ensemble cast—you’re working with the same “castmates” from the first session to the last. No new members will join mid-way, so we can build trust, deepen connections, and create a cohesive experience together.
-
No, this a “closed set,” meaning only registered participants are allowed to be present throughout the program. While there may be elements that feel similar to an on-camera acting class, this is a group therapy experience. Just like on a professional film or TV set, this ensures a controlled, focused environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and free to be vulnerable.
I completely understand if you have questions or concerns before committing to the group. Your discernment process is important and I want to make sure you feel fully informed. You can book a call with me here. My goal for our conversation is to guide you toward clarity, no matter the outcome of your decision. I want to support you in making the best choice for your acting journey. YOU are the expert of your life!
-
Yes, confidentiality is expected of all group members. It’s as if we’ve signed a NDA—no revealing the “cast members” or sharing any of the details of the “script” outside the group. What’s shared in the group stays in the group, both during the process and after the program ends. The main exception to confidentiality is if someone’s safety is at risk, in which case action will be taken to protect their well-being. This commitment to confidentiality allows for a safe, trusting space where participants can dive deep into their experiences without fear of judgment or external disclosure.
While I can’t guarantee the actions of every participant, if there’s ever a “spoiler or leak” during our work together, we will address it openly and safely in the group. As the facilitator, I’ll ensure that it’s handled with care and respect.
-
Yes and no. Only the "audition" portion of the program will be recorded, and the rest of the session will remain private. Participants will be asked for consent to be recorded, and consent is ongoing—meaning you can change your mind at any time.
If you’d like a copy of your recordings, we’ll need to sign a release of information form and process your request before the program ends. Recordings will be deleted one week after the program concludes, ensuring your privacy is respected.
-
It depends on our relationship with each other! We’ll need to have a conversation to ensure we can maintain a clear “fourth wall” between personal and therapeutic boundaries. If we both feel confident about setting those boundaries, you’re welcome to join the ensemble!
-
Yes, you can! Before that happens, we’ll have a discussion to check in with how we feel about it and address any concerns that might arise. Your past or current therapeutic work with me will not be mentioned without your permission. Extra care will be taken to ensure that anything discussed in your individual sessions doesn’t carry over into group therapy, maintaining the integrity of both experiences.
-
I appreciate your enthusiasm! Once your participation is confirmed, you’ll receive a detailed email with instructions outlining the next steps. In the meantime, you can start preparing by selecting a 2-3 page scene that you can practice with during the program. Ideally, choose a scene that will evoke an emotional activation of about a 6 or 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. This will help you engage deeply with the material without overwhelming you, allowing for a meaningful experience in the program.
-
Yes, it’s possible, but it will look a bit different. The individual sessions will be virtual, and instead of having a group setting with interaction, you’ll be performing a monologue on your own. We’ll still focus on emotional regulation and self-compassion, but the format will be tailored for a one-on-one experience.
-
Yes! There are exciting plans for future sessions. Complete the form below and stay tuned for more details on upcoming offerings—there might even be a few surprises along the way!
-
I have developed this program as a form of therapy, and some insurance providers include group therapy in their coverage. To confirm coverage under your benefits plan, consult with your insurance provider or workplace regarding group therapy provided by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) or Canadian Certified Counsellors registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). This ensures you have accurate information about your reimbursement options.
-
Once you’re in, your spot is reserved for you, just as an actor is thoughtfully cast in a film. A recast or change of actor can alter the tone and flow of the movie, and similarly, altering your participation can influence the program. However, life is unpredictable, and though refunds are typically not offered, here are some options:
Withdrawal before the program start date:
A full refund is available for withdrawal requests made at least 14 days before the program start date.
A 50% refund is available for withdrawal requests made at least 7-13 days before the program start date.
No refunds will be provided for withdrawal requests made less than 7 days before the program start date.
Withdrawal after the program start date:
No refunds will be issued once the program has started. I understand that circumstances can arise that may lead to your withdrawal, and I am committed to addressing your reasons in a supportive, one-on-one discussion. Additionally, if appropriate, we can explore these concerns within the group therapy setting to ensure you receive the support needed. My goal is to help you navigate any challenges that come up, find the best path forward, and maintain the integrity of the program for all partcipants.
Exceptional circumstances:
If an unexpected situation arises (e.g., medical emergencies), refund requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Your well-being is my priority, and I’m here to support you to find the best solution.
What others are saying?
“Having undergone the immense pressure, anxiety, and stress involved in the audition process several times, Leifennie's new program on developing self-compassion and the psychoeducation necessary to understand the biological processes involved in emotional regulation is an incredible opportunity for aspiring actors everywhere.”
Education Consultant (anonymity preserved for confidentiality)
“As a working actor and stunt performer, I understand the perilous thoughts that can invade one’s mind in an industry full of rejection and self-doubt. Leifennie’s program passionately explores methods and actionable steps specifically targeting the auditioning process to alleviate the stresses of the mind, and find ways to relate, understand and compassionately dissect one’s thoughts for a healthier outlook. If you’re a serious actor or performer who understands the struggles of navigating the auditioning process, it’s sure to be an elevating and enlightening experience. “
A Voice from the Industry (anonymity preserved for confidentiality)
How do I sign up?
Still have questions or concerns?
Schedule a video call with me here.
Or email me at connect@sondertherapylounge.com.
Or text/call me at +1 (778) 915 5185.