Summary / Intro In this episode, Megan Wimberley sits down with Dr. Tara Fox, Assistant Clinical Professor and Clinical Director at Sacred Heart University, to unpack the complex relationship between anxiety and creativity. Together they explore how anxiety shows up for artists and art business owners, how to recognize when it becomes more than a passing feeling, and how to build tools that help rather than hinder your creative life. They discuss real experiences—from living with anxiety as an artist and business owner to understanding the science behind stress responses. They also share practical ways to find balance, self-compassion, and forward momentum in your art and daily life. Show Notes Anxiety touches so many artists- from racing thoughts in the studio, perfectionism disguised as productivity, or the moment you freeze before sharing a new piece of work. In this heartfelt conversation, Megan Wimberley sits down with Dr. Tara Fox, Assistant Clinical Professor and licensed professional counselor, to unpack the layers of anxiety and what it really means to live (and create) with it. Dr. Fox shares her personal journey with ADHD and anxiety, breaking down the difference between everyday worry and a diagnosable disorder. Together, Megan and Dr. Fox explore why getting a diagnosis isn’t about labeling yourself—it’s about understanding yourself, and learning how to find your own version of balance. They talk about how anxiety often hides behind ambition and overwork, especially for artists trying to build a career. From the outside, it can look like drive or discipline—but underneath might be fear, self-doubt, or a nervous system constantly on alert. Through laughter, honesty, and vulnerability, they shed light on how our brains trick us into thinking we’re “just fine” when really we’re running on fumes. You’ll hear about the four anxiety responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how each can show up in an artist’s life: sending that angry email after a rejection, abandoning a creative project out of fear, or over-committing to please everyone else. But you’ll also hear how awareness and compassion can transform those same patterns into strength—how sensitivity can become intuition, and how anxiety can actually deepen your creativity when it’s managed with care. If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety keeps you from showing up fully as an artist—or if you’re simply curious about how creativity and mental health intertwine—this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and that there’s strength in understanding yourself deeply. Key Takeaways Anxiety is normal—but when it consistently interferes with your work, relationships, or well-being, it deserves attention and care. Diagnosis brings information, not identity. It’s a tool for understanding, not a label of limitation. Artists often live in the gray area between high sensitivity and high performance—learning to pause, breathe, and check in with your body is crucial. The body keeps the score. Chronic stress patterns can become automatic; awareness helps you break them. Anxiety can fuel creativity when managed well—enhancing empathy, intuition, and depth of perception. Healthy coping means returning to balance, not escaping. Self-compassion is non-negotiable. Your compassion is incomplete if you don’t extend it to yourself. Help exists. Finding the right therapist or counselor is a sign of strength, not weakness. Resources & Links Referenced in this episode: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Psychology Today – Find a Therapist Open Path Collective – Affordable Counseling Directory Cowgirl Artists of America – cowgirlartistsofamerica.org About Dr. Tara Fox Dr. Tara Fox is currently the Clinical Director and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Sacred Heart University. She received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Texas Tech University in 2019. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) for the state of Texas. She is passionate about mental, physical, and emotional wellness and has worked as a rural provider since 2009. She has presented and published on topics including bereavement, boundaries, burnout, compassion fatigue, counselor identity, integrated behavioral health care, integrated health care, mindfulness, online learning, rural counseling, secondhand depression, self-reflection, and telehealth counseling services. Companies mentioned in this episode: Cowgirl Artists of America Sacred Heart University Texas Tech University Open Path Collective Psychology Today Wayland Baptist University
