The World Needs Creatives with Rachael Sardelich

06. How to Live With a Creative Mind: Expert Episode with Dr Julie Crabtree

Rachael Sardelich

I am thrilled to welcome today’s guest, Dr. Julie Crabtree, to the show. Julie is an experienced and highly sought-after clinical psychologist and the Director of Zebra Psychology, a practice dedicated to working with creative individuals. Her curiosity and passion for understanding the inner workings of the mind, led her on an extensive research journey, culminating in the completion of a Ph.D. in clinical psychology through UTS.

Alongside her research and clinical experience, Julie personally interviewed many creatives about their processes, resulting in the successful creation of her own. Together with her musical husband, Jeff Crabtree, Julie has co-authored "Living with a Creative Mind," an operating handbook for creatives everywhere. .

In today’s conversation I pick Julie’s brain about some of the revealing ideas in her book that shape a fresh perspective on understanding the exceptional and distinctive qualities of the creative mind. Julie and I both work in the field of creative mental health and as my work is rooted in a more spiritual approach and Julie’s has a foundation in intensive research and psychology, I felt that we could have an interesting conversation exploring where our different worlds might intersect. 

We dive into the realms of:

  • The key characteristics of the creative mind
  • The common complaints Julie sees in her practice
  • The impact of the Covid lockdowns for creative thinkers
  • Why creatives often feel misunderstood and invisible
  • The challenge and magic of “skinlessness”
  • How to build emotional resilience as part of creative mastery
  • Supportive practices and routines for creative minds
  • The role of meditation and mindfulness
  • Julie’s take on a spiritual view as a supportive anchor for creative minds.


Key Links:

Dr Julie Crabtree’s website 

Explore Julie’s book “Living with a Creative Mind”

Learn more about Vedic meditation



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Website - www.rachaelsardelich.com


The original painted work in the show design was hand painted by artist Sarah Darling.
Episode editing, engineering and the creation of our original musical score was created by Camilla Rose Sullivan.