Part 1: Mental Health Coaching for Artists: Stress, Self-Doubt, and Boundaries in the Music Business

Success in the music industry often sounds like glitter, charts, and a handful of lucky breaks. In reality, it happens much more quietly: between two messages you don’t dare to send. On nights when you discard the third version of a song—not because it’s bad, but because you’re wavering. In decisions no one sees: Do I say yes to this gig? Do I set boundaries? Do I post now—or do I take a breath first?

Because success doesn’t just happen in the studio. It happens in your head. In your body. In the way you deal with pressure, with criticism, with comparisons, with the eternal “more.” And sometimes the biggest difference isn’t the better sound—it’s the better foundation. If you’re at this point, professional coaching can be exactly what gives you momentum: structure when things get chaotic. Clarity when everything happens at once. And a mirror when you lose sight of yourself.

We at recordJet know these issues well—from almost 18 years of working with independent artists. That’s why in this article we introduce you to people from the industry we believe in and are convinced can help you. We consciously see ourselves as facilitators. We don’t offer coaching ourselves, but introduce you to experienced experts who can support you individually as an artist.

In addition to the topics of artistic & professional development and performance & presence—which will be presented in the next parts of our new series “Coaching for Musicians”—there’s one topic that somehow stands above everything else: mental health. Because no matter how good your strategy is, how strong your branding works, or how confident you are on stage—if the pressure becomes too great, self-doubt slows you down, or you constantly push beyond your limits, growth quickly turns into overwhelm.

That’s why we’re starting our series with the area that often decides everything in music, but is rarely truly discussed: mental health & inner attitude. In other words, dealing with pressure, self-doubt, boundaries, motivation, and what happens when the outside world gets loud—and you still have to stay grounded.

Nathalie Mong

Mental Health & Psychologically-Based Artist Development

Nathalie Mong is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and mentor for musicians.

With her project “True Colors,” she offers psychologically-based coaching for artists—focusing on identity, self-worth, and mental stability. Under the umbrella of “Music & Soul,” Nathalie also gives mental health workshops, offers individual psychological counseling, and advocates for awareness around mental health in the music industry.

Nathalie lives with her family in Rostock and loves being in and by the sea. She’s a big fan of mindfulness.

Focus: Perfectionism, self-doubt, routines & structure, dealing with setbacks, artist identity, mental health in the music business.

Ideal for: Artists who want to be successful AND healthy—and understand mental stability as a career foundation.

Nathalie’s contacts: www.musicandsoul.de, email: nathalie@musicandsoul.de

Ludivine Aubry

Mental Strength for Artists & Creatives

Ludivine Aubry is an M.Sc. psychologist, psychological psychotherapist in training, and psychological counselor. She supports people in dealing with stress, self-doubt, exhaustion, and personal challenges—with the goal of developing more clarity and stability.

She also hosts the podcast “Musik im Kopf,” in which she openly discusses mental health in the music industry with musicians and industry professionals.

Focus: Self-doubt, performance pressure, stress & exhaustion, creative blocks/writer’s block, stage fright, high sensitivity, crises & resilience.

Ideal for: Artists who want to stay mentally stable while they grow—and don’t wait until everything falls apart to seek help.

Ludivine’s contacts: Website: https://www.ludivineaubry.com, Email: mail@ludivineaubry.com

Ludivine Aubry Coaching Mental Health

Ariane Petschow

Marketing Strategy & Mental Health—So Artists Shine Without Burning Out

Ariane Petschow is a marketing strategist, systemic-psychological coach, and music industry expert. With “Mind your Buzziness,” she combines marketing and career strategy with mental health coaching, so growth doesn’t come at the cost of health.

Focus: Healthy work structures, creative resilience, pressure around releases & visibility, self-promotion without self-loss, 1:1 coaching for reflection and structure.

Ideal for: Those who want to grow—without burning out.

Ariane’s contacts: Website: https://www.mindyourbuzziness.com/de-artist-services, email: ari@mindyourbuzziness.com

Why Mental Health Coaching for Artists Isn’t a Luxury

Many invest first in what’s visible: production, promo, marketing, videos. And sure—all of that is part of it. What often falls by the wayside, though, is the foundation: inner stability, clarity, and the ability to make good decisions under pressure.

Because the biggest blocks rarely arise in the studio. They arise in your head. When comparison gets too loud. When self-doubt sets the pace. When you function even though you’ve long since noticed you need a break. This is exactly where professional mental health coaching can help: to better process pressure, set boundaries, sort through thoughts, and regain agency—long-term, not just for the next release.

If one of the people in this article resonates with you, feel free to contact them directly. You’ll find the contact details in each profile.

In the end, it’s not about “functioning better.” It’s about staying grounded while you pursue your path. Coaching isn’t a sign of weakness, but of professionalism: you get perspective, structure, and tools before the pressure or procrastination consumes you. If you feel that an outside impulse would be helpful right now, take a close look at the coaches—maybe the right support is there, so you don’t just make music, but also stay well while doing it.