What does it mean to be truly free in our creativity? How do obstacles—both personal and societal—shape the way we express ourselves? In this episode, I sit down with Sara Henya, a Philadelphia-based composer, singer, harpist, guitarist, pianist, and music teacher, to explore these questions and more. Sara shares her journey as an artist, her deep connection to the Tourette Syndrome (TS) community, and her reflections on neurodiversity, resilience, and self-acceptance.

We dive into her experiences at the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome’s events, the impact of music therapy, and the role of executive function in creative pursuits. Plus, we discuss the obstacles to creative freedom—both in general and specifically within the TS community—and how Sara has navigated them.

Episode Highlights:

[00:22] Introduction – Welcoming Sara Henya and diving into her background as a multi-talented musician and composer.

[2:40] The Power of Community – How Sara and I met through the NJCTS and our work with the Tim Howard Leadership Academy.

[7:32] Songwriting for Change – The process of writing an Academy song with students and the joy of collaborative creativity.

[9:21] Tourette’s and Creativity – How TS forces innovation and adaptability, shaping the artistic process in unexpected ways.

[14:03] Healing Through Music – Sara’s personal reflections on therapy, trauma, and using music as a tool for self-expression.

[20:00] Breaking Up with a Therapist – The importance of self-advocacy and knowing when to walk away from unhelpful therapy experiences.

[27:43] Neurodiversity Within TS – Understanding the vast range of experiences within the TS community and how it fosters resilience.

[33:08] Coping Strategies for ‘Bad Tic Days’ – Practical tools and techniques Sara uses to navigate high-tic days.

[44:47] Creative Freedom & Overcoming Blocks – How self-doubt and executive dysfunction can limit creativity, and strategies to push through.

[46:01] Sara’s Upcoming Projects – A sneak peek into her Philadelphia Fringe Festival show and where to find her music and videos.

Links & Resources:

🌐 Sara Henya’s Website – www.sarahenya.com
📘 Facebook – www.facebook.com/sarahenyaharpist

Tim Howard Leadership Academy

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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