Simply put, Pat’s expertise on the creative process has saved my skin again and again over the past 25 years. (I’m a screenwriter, journalist, author, screenwritng teacher, and former lawyer.) So, I know from experience that getting in touch with that special something inside all of us can be a scary, hopelessly frustrating, and demoralizing experience.
Thank goodness for having Pat as a very loving, insightful, wise, life coach, friend, and mentor. He has always gently but knowledgeably guided me to the heart of what I’m dying to express, but can’t find a way to do so on my own. It’s like having a therapist who just so happens to be an expert on creativity, be it for business or for any personal creative goal.
And the results have constantly proven that Pat and his unique and effective approach allows me to find those core values that make life meaningful to me and his other clients. Humans are “meaning makers” at heart, but it is almost impossible for most of us to walk that untrodden path without some guidance, encouragement, and insight. But help is at our fingertips when we work with him and his interactive approach to creativity.
His unique process just plain works, and we couldn’t ask for a more kind, wise person to accompany us on the journey to finding that creative center within us.
—Reed Moran
Emmy nominated screenwriter
Pat is a creative genius. He has a profound understanding of people and the creative process and will help unlock your hidden potential. He suggests, never demands. Encourages, never lectures. As a profoundly talented teacher, he understands that it is always about you and the work, never about him. He shines a light into places within you that you didn’t know existed, and the result is that you grow into the artist you thought you could become, able to say the things you always wanted to say. Pat is the guy for you if you want your inner creativity to come out. I highly recommend him.
–Simon Surowicz
Award Winning News Journalist; CBS and ABC; Four Emmy Awards and recipient of the prestigious duPont Award
Pat Bonavitacola understands creativity from the inside out and that makes him unique in his field. Because our insides is where all creativity begins. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to see his/her imagination flower.
–Daniel Klein
Author of New York Times bestseller, Plato and a Platypus Walked into a Bar
I’ve worked with Pat for years. Whether it was a script problem, prepping for an important meeting, setting priorities, or simply talking me down from a creative precipice or crisis, he has always been able to say the perfect thing, or give the perfect advice — in a simple, wise, practical and succinct way that cuts through all my b.s. We talk almost every day.
–Stephen Glantz
Award winning screenwriter, Wunderkinder, The Last Train
The creative process, while unique to every artist, shares some universals: routine, discipline, production, and bold risk-taking to highlight a few. Sometimes, in fact with some frequency, the creator can be his/her own worst enemy…stumbling over hurdles they have thrown in their own way. Pat Bonavitacola has a keen understanding of creativity, generally and specifically. Let the maestro open your imagination and polish your techniques. Whether it’s a fresh horizon line or reforming your stage-fright into an asset, Pat has coached marquee talent as well as emerging new voices. His customary economy of expression will open up even the most reluctant or stubborn creative spirits. Having worked with Pat for over 30 years, I hope I may be allowed to recommend him enthusiastically and without reservation.
–Douglas Steckler
“The Conway & Steckler Show,” KFI/640 AM, Los Angeles, CA; writer, “SCTV”
Pat has a talent for coaching that awakens the human spirit. He can direct a person in subtle ways that makes one understand the very best of ways to make something “click” and stick. He goes into a person’s head and finds and gives direction which leads to an eye-opening experience. We then, can understand what is best and suitable for any life-giving situation. Pat allows to let surface our inner facets that are buried, and giving us paths to your creative and artistic expressions.
–Harryet Candee
Actor, Artist & Publisher of The Artful Mind Artzine
My work as a marketing consultant often required me to make regular presentations to clients and also to other audiences about the art of promotion. The prospect always filled me with dread and my communication was always less than inspired. And yet I knew I could be better at it. Pat Bonavitacola taught me how to tap into my natural talent as a storyteller. His emphasis on relaxation, on finding the story within myself, on creating ways to relate to my audiences — all unloosed a wave of invention in me so great I began to look forward to giving talks—which, by the way, went from bland to entertaining.
–Sam Bittman
Berkshire Marketing; Independent Marketing Consultants
It’s difficult to open up when creating because so many initial concepts aren’t quite strong enough to stand up to judgement in the early stages. Pat’s years of coaching individuals to release their authentic voices into the world whether on stage, in a boardroom, or in a living room, have been so meaningful because he focuses on supporting the essence of that creative voice. Pat engages without ego and without judgement so even the most casual conversation can become just the spark of encouragement needed to take the next step with an idea or an emotion.
–Lauryn Franzoni
Strategy and Organizational Development Advisor
Pat taught me how I could create the internal conditions to bring about a more consistent creative state… this comes from a unique approach that blends relaxation, sense awareness, clarifying objectives, and removing pressure. This is the best process I’ve ever come across leading to the ephemeral “flow states” we often seek or nostalgically long for. Pat is a true gem of a teacher, one that helps you find your own method and deep energetic reserve. I highly recommend working with him in any capacity that you can.
–Scott Moraes
Owner of Great Barrington and Radiance Yoga/ Body Work Expert
I have used Patrick’s skill as a Creativity Coach in the fields of acting, writing, and presentation as a retreat facilitator. In all the realms in which I work, I have found his expertise with creative process to be astute – actually fascinating. Each session I get surprising insights and clear direction on how to correct problems and deepen my skill. Our work is not only around correcting problems and deepening skills. Patrick has a way of turning my mind around to see my work from a different perspective, but not in some way that makes it match his perspective. He turns it around so that I have deeper access to my own expression.
Not only is Pat knowledgeable and wise, he is a special kind of coach. He creates an atmosphere of welcome, fun, and respect. Pat teaches with kindness and humor, yet never avoiding what needs to be said. At the end of the day, as a student I am moved along in my learning, left wanting more.
–Sharon Kennedy
MS LMHC, Psychotherapist, Retreat Facilitator and Coach at Hoffman Institute Foundation, Actor, Writer
I have known Pat Bonavitacola as an actor, writer, teacher, and director over the years and he excelled in each of these artistic endeavors. We are both members of the Writers and Directors Unit of The Actors Studio. Pat is a wonderful director developing original material with playwrights and skillfully guiding the performances of the actors.
Pat can help you find your individual and unique processes, overcome obstacles and express what it is inside you and give it form. Pat works with “artists” of every kind and is a man of great character and artistic accomplishment. I recommend him highly as a Creativity Coach.
–Anthony Caldarella
Award winning: Stage and Film Director/Writer/Actor/Producer
I have been working on a story for several years and had hit a major creative roadblock. It’s been a personal passion project for me, but I found that I was going in circles and not making any real progress. I had lost confidence and was floundering in a sea of questions. I reached out to Pat because I had heard of him and was impressed by his approach.
Pat was incredibly helpful. He worked with me to untangle the knot that I had created giving me practical tools to help me work through roadblocks and push my thinking along. I highly recommend Pat for anyone looking to improve their creative work and process. He really thought about my personal process. His approach is thoughtful, objective and very effective. I’m now back in the flow with my project and have continued to work with him on several different projects – both personal and professional.
–Judy Wellfare
Executive Creative Director, Plus