A practical workshop that builds confidence in responding when someone discloses distress, conflict, harm or a difficult experience at work.
Learn how to listen well, respond safely and support others without overstepping or burning out.
HEARING THE HARD STUFF is an interactive workshop designed for creative workers and leaders who want to respond more effectively when someone discloses something difficult.
In creative industries, hard conversations rarely happen in formal settings. They surface backstage. Between meetings. On tour. In rehearsal rooms. Over text. In moments that feel unplanned and emotionally charged.
This session focuses on what to do in that moment.
Participants learn practical listening skills, emotional regulation strategies and clear boundaries so they can offer meaningful support without becoming the fixer, therapist or emotional container for everyone else.
Why HEARING THE HARD STUFF?
Creative work is emotionally demanding and identity-linked. When distress shows up, it can feel personal, urgent and messy.
People may disclose:
- Burnout or overwhelm
- Conflict with colleagues
- Bullying or harassment
- Financial or job insecurity
- Mental health struggles
- Personal crisis
Without guidance, responses can unintentionally minimise, escalate or take on more responsibility than is appropriate.
Many leaders and peers worry about saying the wrong thing. Others overcompensate and promise more than they can deliver.
HEARING THE HARD STUFF helps participants move from panic, avoidance or over-functioning to calm, skillful response.
Because how we listen shapes safety, trust and culture.
What the session covers
In this session, participants explore:
- Why difficult conversations feel confronting or high-stakes
- The difference between listening, advising and rescuing
- How to regulate your own nervous system when someone shares something intense
- Practical listening frameworks that increase clarity and reduce defensiveness
- Language that validates without escalating or over-promising
- How to set boundaries while still being supportive
- When and how to refer to appropriate supports
- Available resources, including the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline and specialist services
Participants leave with practical scripts, clearer boundaries and increased confidence in responding when hard conversations arise.
Who is it for?
HEARING THE HARD STUFF is designed for:
- Managers and team leaders
- Artist managers
- Department heads and supervisors
- HR and wellbeing contacts
- Peer supporters
- Anyone likely to receive disclosures in a creative workplace
It is suitable for both emerging and experienced leaders, and for organisations seeking to strengthen psychological safety.
How it works
Duration: 3.5hrs
Format: Online or in person
Delivery: Interactive, discussion-based and skills-focused
The session includes guided exercises, real-world scenarios and structured reflection.
HEARING THE HARD STUFF can be delivered as a standalone workshop or integrated into a broader mental health, psychosocial safety or Respect@Work strategy.
Clinically speaking...
Creative workers frequently disclose distress, crisis and experiences of harm to peers and managers rather than formal services. Without appropriate skills, these moments may be mishandled, leading to escalation or unaddressed risk.
HEARING THE HARD STUFF builds the capacity of individuals who are likely to receive disclosures from people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma or suicidal ideation.
By strengthening safe response skills and referral pathways, the program supports early intervention and helps reduce the progression of acute psychological distress.
Get in touch to explore how we can support your team to respond confidently when the hard stuff surfaces.
The serious stuff
Support Act is a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI).
This means our primary purpose is to relieve distress, hardship and suffering, and to support people who are experiencing, or are at risk of, significant vulnerability.
Our PBI status reflects our commitment to delivering programs that provide genuine public benefit, are responsibly governed, and remain focused on supporting those who need help most across the music and creative industries.
Our programs are proudly supported by Creative Workplaces
