Let’s get real. If you’re an entertainer, you’re already a pro at managing energy, setting a mood, and navigating rejection like a boss. But what happens when the music fades and the fantasy ends? For many, the toughest part of the job is clocking out of the persona and clocking back into *you*. It’s a mental grind that therapist Dr. Monique Martinez-Quiros knows all too well, and she’s ready to tackle it head-on.
Dr. Monique, a relationship expert and therapist who specializes in working with entertainers and other high-achievers, is bringing a no-holds-barred seminar to the upcoming ED Expo on Monday, August 25th. Titled “For Entertainers Only,” it’s designed to be a sanctuary for those tired of explaining, justifying, and shape-shifting for a world that doesn’t always get it.
The High Cost of Code-Switching
“Let’s be real,” Dr. Monique says in a preview of her talk for ED Magazine, “being an entertainer means you’ve already mastered reading energy, setting a vibe…and flipping the switch between fantasy and survival.” The problem, she points out, is that the switch can get stuck. The emotional labor doesn’t always end with the shift, often bleeding into relationships with partners, family, and even oneself.
This isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks. It’s about building iron-clad boundaries to protect your peace. Dr. Monique gets to the heart of the issue with a sentiment many in the industry will find painfully familiar:
“Being in this industry often means code-switching so hard you forget who you are. You’re a master of the mask, but underneath all that is someone who deserves peace, connection and respect.”
Why This Is a Game-Changer Now
The conversation Dr. Monique is starting couldn’t be more timely. In an industry increasingly dominated by creator-owned platforms, the lines between public and private life are blurrier than ever. The 24/7 access that fans have through social media and subscription sites means the need for strong mental boundaries has moved from the stage to the smartphone. Performers are constantly “on,” managing not just a club floor but DMs, comments, and the endless demand for content. This seminar addresses the modern reality of the industry, where emotional burnout is a very real professional hazard.
The “For Entertainers Only” session promises to be a practical toolkit for navigating these challenges. Dr. Monique plans to unpack heavy-hitting topics, including:
- How to set boundaries without feeling like you owe anyone an explanation.
- What to do when people confuse access to your performance with entitlement to your person.
- Strategies to be present in your personal life without carrying the weight of your work home.
Come Home to Yourself
This isn’t about becoming “less difficult” or watering yourself down. According to Dr. Monique, it’s the exact opposite. It’s about claiming your space, unapologetically and fully. The goal is to walk away with concrete language to protect your energy and tools to separate your identity from your job.
For too long, entertainers have been asked to manage everyone else’s comfort. This seminar is a powerful reminder that their own peace is non-negotiable.
As Dr. Monique powerfully concludes, “This is about being respected. Fully, loudly and unapologetically YOU! You’ve done enough shape-shifting. Now it’s time to come home to yourself.”
Curious to learn more or have questions for the session? You can reach out to Dr. Monique directly on her Instagram, @KeyRoseLLC, or visit her website, KeyRoseLLC.com.
* Photo from exoticdancer.com
