Why Creatives Resist Therapy: The Myth of the ‘Suffering Artist’
Last Updated 09 May 2025
The world of creativity is often painted with broad, dramatic strokes-full of passion, inspiration, and, all too frequently, pain. The myth of the ‘suffering artist’ suggests that true creativity springs from emotional turmoil and that therapy, by soothing this suffering, might somehow dull the creative edge. For many creatives-artists, writers, musicians, and performers-this myth becomes a barrier to seeking help, even when mental health challenges threaten their well-being and their work. At Mayfair Therapy, we believe it is time to challenge this narrative and explore how therapy can support, rather than stifle, creative brilliance.
The Origins and Endurance of the ‘Suffering Artist’ Myth
The image of the tortured, misunderstood genius is deeply rooted in Western culture. From Van Gogh’s struggles with mental illness to Sylvia Plath’s poetic anguish, society has long linked creative greatness with suffering. This romanticised archetype is perpetuated by literature, film, and even the creative industries themselves, reinforcing the idea that pain is a prerequisite for authentic art31920.
Yet, this narrative is not only misleading but also damaging. It reduces the complexity of the creative process to a single, flawed equation: Poverty + Suffering = Art. Far from being a necessary ingredient, suffering is often a barrier to sustained creative output and personal fulfilment. By glorifying pain, the myth can prevent creatives from seeking support, normalise mental health struggles, and perpetuate unhealthy work environments19.
Why the Myth Persists
Historical examples: Stories of artists who struggled are more widely told than those who thrived in stability.
Cultural fascination: Society often values art that emerges from adversity, seeing it as more ‘authentic’.
Industry pressures: Creative industries sometimes exploit this myth, justifying poor working conditions or low pay as part of the artistic journey19.
The Real Impact: How the Myth Harms Creatives
Believing that suffering is essential to creativity can have profound consequences. Many creatives internalise the idea that their mental health challenges are not only normal but necessary. This can lead to:
Reluctance to seek therapy or support, for fear of ‘losing their edge’116.
Normalisation of anxiety, depression, and burnout within creative communities19.
Exploitation and poor working conditions, as suffering is seen as a badge of honour rather than a problem to be solved1920.
The myth also silences diverse voices. Creatives from marginalised backgrounds, who may already face systemic barriers, are especially vulnerable when their struggles are romanticised or dismissed as part of the creative process19.
The Cost of Glorifying Pain
Loss of talent: Many promising creatives are driven out of their fields by untreated mental health issues.
Stagnation: The belief that pain is necessary can lead to creative blocks, rather than breakthroughs6.
Isolation: Creatives may feel misunderstood or unsupported, increasing their sense of alienation2.
Why Creatives Resist Therapy
Despite increasing awareness of mental health, many creatives remain hesitant to seek therapy. This resistance is complex, rooted in both personal fears and cultural narratives.
For some, therapy is seen as a threat to their creative identity. The fear is that resolving inner turmoil might ‘flatten’ their emotional landscape, making their work less compelling or original. Others have had negative experiences with therapists who failed to understand the unique pressures and motivations of creative life2.
Fear of losing creative spark: Worry that therapy will ‘fix’ what makes them unique216.
Misunderstanding by therapists: Traditional therapy can feel too rigid or pathologising for those who live and work outside conventional norms2.
Belief in self-sufficiency: Many creatives pride themselves on their independence and resilience, seeing therapy as an admission of weakness17.
Legacy anxiety: For some, the fear of being forgotten outweighs the fear of death; therapy that does not address this drive can feel irrelevant2.
The Limitations of Traditional Therapy for Creatives
Not all therapy is created equal-especially for those whose lives and identities are entwined with their art. Standard therapeutic models may struggle to accommodate the intensity, non-linearity, and existential concerns that often characterise creative minds2.
Therapists who approach creatives with a ‘fix-it’ mentality risk missing the point. The darkness, extremes, and contradictions that fuel creativity are not flaws to be eradicated, but aspects to be understood and integrated. Therapy that tries to impose ‘balance’ or normality can feel alienating, even insulting, to those who see their art as an extension of themselves2.
Understanding, not fixing: A therapist who honours the complexity and intensity of creative life.
Flexibility: Approaches that adapt to the rhythms and needs of the creative process.
Recognition of legacy and meaning: Therapy that acknowledges the drive to create something lasting and meaningful2.
For a more in-depth look at how therapy can be tailored to individual needs, read about the benefits of online therapy.
The Role of Psychodynamic Therapy in Supporting Creatives
Psychodynamic therapy offers a depth-oriented approach that is uniquely suited to the needs of creatives. Rooted in the exploration of unconscious processes, it helps individuals understand the origins of their patterns, conflicts, and resistances41113.
Rather than ‘curing’ suffering, psychodynamic therapy seeks to make sense of it. By bringing unconscious motivations and fears into conscious awareness, creatives can gain greater freedom and flexibility in how they relate to their art, their emotions, and themselves411.
Addressing Resistance in Therapy
Resistance is a natural part of the therapeutic process, especially for those whose identities are closely tied to their struggles517. In psychodynamic therapy, resistance is not seen as an obstacle to be overcome, but as valuable information about the client’s internal world.
Exploring the roots: Resistance often reflects deeper fears about change, loss of identity, or vulnerability51517.
Building trust: A strong therapeutic alliance allows for honest exploration of these fears, without judgement or pressure.
Creative integration: Therapy can help creatives channel their emotional intensity into their work, rather than being overwhelmed by it6.
For more on how psychodynamic therapy works, visit our psychodynamic therapy service page.
Debunking the Myth: Creativity Without Suffering
Contrary to popular belief, creativity does not require suffering. Many artists produce their best work in periods of stability, support, and well-being320. Emotional turmoil can sometimes act as a catalyst, but it is not the source of creative power. In fact, untreated mental health issues are more likely to block creativity than to enhance it6.
Therapy can help creatives move beyond the myth, allowing them to:
Sustain their creative output over the long term.
Develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Break cycles of self-doubt, perfectionism, and burnout.
Voices from the Creative Community
“It’s not the suffering that creates the art-it’s the artist that creates the art in spite of the suffering.”1
“Van Gogh was a great artist not because of his mental illness, but in spite of it.”3
“Art made by miserable people is not better than art made by happy people.”16
Practical Steps: How Creatives Can Embrace Therapy
For creatives considering therapy, the first step is to challenge the internalised belief that suffering is necessary for artistic success. Therapy need not be a threat to creativity; it can be a powerful tool for self-understanding, resilience, and growth.
Find a therapist who understands creative life: Look for someone experienced with artists, writers, or performers.
Communicate your fears: Be open about your concerns regarding therapy and creativity.
View therapy as a partnership: Therapy is not about being ‘fixed’, but about exploring and integrating all parts of yourself.
Use therapy to explore creative blocks: Psychodynamic approaches can help uncover unconscious conflicts that may be stifling your work6.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Creativity and Well-being
The myth of the ‘suffering artist’ has held sway for too long, discouraging creatives from seeking the support they deserve. At Mayfair Therapy, we believe that creativity and well-being are not mutually exclusive. Through psychodynamic therapy, creatives can gain insight into their inner worlds, break free from limiting myths, and sustain their creative gifts for a lifetime.
If you are a creative professional struggling with these questions, we invite you to take the next step. Book a confidential consultation with Mayfair Therapy and discover how therapy can support both your art and your well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or professional advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or before making changes to your health, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.