How Creative Arts Therapy and EFT Tapping Support Individuals on the NDIS
From personal experience, I know just how challenging it can be to access the right support system when we are faced with chronic illness and disability. Finding someone who understands our unique experiences and provides the care we need is the first step. The next obstacle is budgeting for the care we require. Thankfully for those eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, accessing those supports has been made more affordable.
The NDIS aims to provide support and services to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. In some cases, carers and family members are also granted access to mental health support funds. Over the years, I’ve supported people from all walks of life, including ADHD and autistic people, chronic fatigue and chronic pain sufferers, as well as those with selective-mutism, OCD, C-PTSD, depression and anxiety disorders.
While traditional forms of therapy are valuable, alternative approaches like creative arts therapy and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping are gaining recognition for their ability to support individuals on the NDIS in unique ways. As a psychotherapist, my modern approach to mental health combines innovative tools from creative arts therapy and clinical EFT with evidence-based research in neuroscience. During our sessions, you will see how these tools offer unique avenues for self-expression, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Creative Arts Therapy:
Creative arts therapy encompasses various forms of expressive arts, including visual arts, somatic movement, dialoguing, and writing. This therapeutic approach recognizes the inherent connection between creativity and emotional well-being, offering individuals a non-verbal means of communication and self-expression.
For individuals on the NDIS, creative arts therapy can be particularly beneficial in several ways:
Self-Expression: Many people with disabilities may find it challenging to articulate their thoughts and emotions verbally. Creative arts therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can express themselves freely through art, music, or movement.
Emotional Regulation: Engaging in creative activities can help regulate emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. Through painting, sculpting, or playing music, individuals can explore and process complex feelings, leading to a greater sense of emotional balance.
Social Connection: Creative arts therapy often involves group settings, fostering a sense of belonging and social connection among participants. For individuals on the NDIS, this can be especially valuable in combating feelings of isolation and building relationships with others who share similar experiences.
Empowerment and Confidence-Building: Creating art or participating in artistic activities can instil a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. For individuals with disabilities, achieving success in a creative endeavour can be particularly empowering, challenging societal perceptions and stereotypes.
EFT Tapping:
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping is a form of psychological acupressure that involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on a particular issue or emotion. This technique is shown to calm the amygdala stress response and promote nervous system regulation, easing emotional distress and alleviating pain.
For individuals on the NDIS, EFT tapping offers several potential benefits:
Stress Reduction: EFT tapping has been shown to reduce levels of stress hormones in the body, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm. For individuals managing the challenges of disability, this can be especially valuable in coping with everyday stressors.
Anxiety Management: Many people with disabilities experience heightened levels of anxiety related to their condition or societal pressures. EFT tapping provides a simple yet effective tool for managing anxiety symptoms, allowing individuals to regain a sense of control over their emotions.
Pain Management: Chronic pain is a common issue for those with certain disabilities. Even when EFT Tapping is not able to directly address the underlying cause of pain, it can still help alleviate symptoms by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, thus enhancing overall well-being.
Emotional Resilience: By practising EFT tapping regularly, individuals can develop greater emotional resilience, enabling them to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and adaptability.
Creative arts therapy and EFT tapping offer valuable resources for those on the NDIS, providing alternative avenues for self-expression, emotional regulation, and personal growth. By incorporating this modern approach into your support plan, you can enhance your overall well-being and quality of life, and feel empowered to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. As awareness grows and access to these therapies expands, more individuals on the NDIS will have the opportunity to benefit from the transformative power of creative expression and innovations in psychology.
You can start your journey to wellness today by meeting with Ashleigh for a 1:1 discovery call and learning more about the transformative powers of a somatic psychology approach.
