Neesa Sunar

How I identified my experience of Aphantasia (mind's eye blindness), how this impacts my work as a therapist, and how I have developed ways to adapt via kinesthetic reinforcement (such as typing).

I'm playing the 1st of 12 caprices by 20th century American violist, Lillian Fuchs. (She was a teacher of my current teacher, Ann Roggen, at the Juilliard School around 40 years ago!) Recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC in May 2023.

I'm playing the 1st movement of J.S. Bach's 2nd Cello Suite in 2 MInor, Prelude movement. Recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC in May 2023.

Performance of Telemann's Fantasy No. 1 (Largo) at King Manor in Jamaica, Queens, NYC on Jan. 21, 2023. This was a performance where I discussed my recovery story as a person with schizoaffective disorder. Recorded by Gianfranco Ferlito.

Gavotte (5th) movement of J.S. Bach's 1st Cello Suite in G Major, played on viola. Performed at an open mic event on June 30, 2022 with Queens Council on the Arts in LIC, NYC.

Performance of the 1st movement of Karl Stamitz's Viola Concerto in D Major; cadenza by Beyer. With pianist Eric Malson, recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC.

I'm performing the Allemande (2nd) movement of J.S. Bach's 4th Cello Suite in E-Flat Major, Recorded at Skillman Studio in Brooklyn, NYC.

I gave a lecture at VivaViola! on March 2, 2023, where I spoke about mental health for musicians. Specifically, I described Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how musicians can utilize CBT techniques to manage negative thoughts in the practice room.

Sinovision Net filmed inside of Venture House, a psychosocial clubhouse in Jamaica, Queens. I am shown playing viola, contributing to the community overall. (Footage in Chinese and English)

Article on Venture House, psychosocial clubhouse in Jamaica, Queens, includes info on me and my viola playing! (in Chinese)

Article in Singtao USA about Venture House, featuring a bit on me playing viola! (Written in Chinese)

Article in US China Press about Venture House, featuring info on me! (in Chinese)

Violist and clinical support therapist Neesa Sunar explores how teachers can call on their own lived experience as musicians to help pupils who are struggling with feelings of sadness or futility.

An exploration on ways that CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be mistakenly used.

To aid students who have hit a barrier in learning, violist and clinical telehealth therapist Neesa Sunar provides four teaching scenarios which benefit from the empathetic approach of Intentional Peer Support