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One night, at 1:15am, I was stuck on writing this very episode—all about why creativity is inherently healing— when I stumbled upon an episode of another podcast that I had recorded eight years ago in which I was interviewed about my own creative process and why I believe—yep—creativity is inherently healing. I was stunned to find that I had said many of the things I intended to share here—even sharing the same quote on improvisation that I'd prepared! Out of that happenstance came this off the cuff, reflective episode on the nature of being in relationship with past versions of ourselves, and how the creative process reflects key features of why therapy itself is transformative.
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Also in this episode I chat about…
- the main tenant of improv that reflects the nature of psychological health
- how accepting loss is similar to editing an essay
- the role witness plays in healing and transformation
- the presumptuous nature of the “How To Be Alive” title, and how it asks just as many questions as it answers
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Mentioned in the episode:
- The 2016 episode of The Appetite: Bonus Episode: Poet and The Appetite Host Carter Umhau on Healing Through The Creative Process
- My Artist’s Way workshop, which begins March 5th, 2026: and is all about creative recovery and deepening your relationship to yourself. There are still spots available! Register now for the Artist's Way: https://www.carterumhau.com/artists-way-course-page
- Free Play by Stephen Nachmanovitch
- Opal: Food + Body Wisdom, an eating disorder clinic in Seattle
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Keep in touch and get a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process, or join me in class. Get an exclusive playlist when you subscribe to my newsletter:
My newsletter: https://carterumhau.substack.com/
My website: https://www.carterumhau.com/
Sign up for my Artist's Way workshop: https://www.carterumhau.com/artists-way-course-page
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Original music by Aaron Davidson
Editing by Hans Anderson
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DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions are my own and are not intended as mental health advice, nor are they intended as a replacement for therapy.
Get full access to How to Be Alive at carterumhau.substack.com/subscribe
