Improv for anxiety
The Improv for Anxiety program is designed to help people with mild to moderate anxiety build awareness and skills which help to manage their symptoms in work, home, and social situations. The class is co-led by an improv teacher and a therapist. The program was developed by Unscripted improvisers and teachers in partnership with licensed therapists to practice improv through a therapeutic lens. This class is not therapy and should not replace therapy, but provides an interactive and joyful opportunity to practice applying skills for anxiety management and awareness.
No improv experience or clinical diagnosis for anxiety required to participate. Each class will focus on a theme relevant to managing anxiety through improv principles and play. Participants must be 18 and over. Registration is non-refundable, and we encourage all participants to attend at least 5/6 sessions for the best experience. Financial assistance is available. See below for instructor bios and FAQs!
This six-week class is offered both in person and online. In person classes meet at Third Coast Comedy Club in Marathon Village (1301 Clinton Street, Nashville, TN). The online classes meet through Zoom.
Can’t make this session? Sign up on our waitlist to hear about the next class.
We offer both online and in person classes for this program.
Meet the facilitators for Improv for Anxiety
FAQs
What will each class cover?
Week 1: Yes and Listening/Being Present!
Week 2: Get Out Of Your Head
Week 3: Mistakes are a gift
Week 4: Understanding The Inner Critic
Week 5: Trust
Week 6: Play + Celebration
What does a typical class look like?
Starts with a Check-in circle - Name Game (every time!) - Games that focus on the week’s theme (see outline)-Reflection(throughout) - Free Play - Compliment Circle Closing
who will be in the class?
Class size is limited to 16 people in person, 12 online. Two instructors leading the class. Other “instructor” types may participate, but no one will be “watching”. Everyone in the room participates, you won’t be “observed”.
What is different about this class from a regular improv class?
Each class focuses on ideas from improv which can help you learn to manage anxiety symptoms. We take time to talk through your process, reaction, reflection, and general thoughts. The class is open, encouraging, and designed to move at the right pace for each person to feel supported.
What are the clinical elements to the class?
The class is not therapy, but the therapeutic facilitator is a trained mental health professional, and the class is designed to be therapeutic. Facilitators will administer short, validated measurement tools (self-reported pre and post assessments) for participants to complete before and after the 6 weeks.
This is an online version of our Improv for Anxiety course. Join the fun from the comfort of your home! This class runs for 6 weeks on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm CST over Zoom. Class size is limited to 12 participants.