Get creative - the benefits of including art therapy in your NDIS plan

It’s internationally recognised that participation in the arts is an important aspect of maintaining health and wellbeing.

Art therapy isn’t often discussed when it comes to available supports within the NDIS, but getting your creative juices flowing holds many benefits. Creativity unlocks the right side of your brain and allows you to develop new and varied skills.

We’ve answered the big questions around art therapy and the NDIS. Read on if you’re thinking that art therapy may be the key to helping you achieve your goals.

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is an allied health profession. Art therapy sessions are conducted by trained therapists who incorporate a variety of creative practices in their therapy sessions.

Art therapy doesn’t just involve the typical mediums of painting or drawing. Art therapy can also include singing, dancing, drama or learning a musical instrument.

Art therapy can have positive impacts on the physical and physiological wellbeing of participants.

What are the benefits of art therapy?

The benefits of art therapy are many and varied. Here are just a few of the ways art therapy can have a positive impact on participants:

• Improving creativity and creative problem-solving

• Improving communication and social skills

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Introducing participants to alternate ways to express themselves

• Increasing self-worth and self-esteem

How do I include art therapy in my NDIS plan?

Art therapy is classified as an allied health service, like physiotherapy and speech therapy. It falls under the categories of participation, recreation or skills development.

If individual therapeutic support or group therapy support funding is included in your NDIS, you’ll likely be able to use this funding to participate in art therapy.

As art therapy is a lesser-known practice of therapy and the benefits are not yet widely realised, it might be wise to prepare a personal statement to take your NDIS planning meeting. By outlining the positive impacts of art therapy and the way it will help you work towards your goals, you’ll be able to better advocate for the inclusion of art therapy in your plan.

We’re here to help

Got any questions regarding art therapy or other support services? Contact our friendly team for a chat.