Helping people of different abilities flourish in life through Art Therapy & the NDIS
"Disability is not a brave struggle or 'courage in the face of adversity.'
Disability is an art. It's an ingenious way to live."
- Neil Marcus
Creative Ways of Living
Using a strength-based approach to help people find their own path to a creative and connected life
Live Softly Art Therapy works with neuro-diverse people, from late-teens to adults who have different abilities, helping people to express themselves to be seen and heard in their own unique way. This strengths-based approach is empowering for people who may not feel understood or catered for by the mainstream & traditional talk-based therapies.
At Live Softly we work creatively with our clients, responding to each client as an individual with a unique gift to share and their own way of communicating this in the world. We help our clients to find their strengths and ways of connecting with others to create a full life of meaning, creativity and joy.
Our art therapy sessions support the aims of the NDIS by providing people with disability better access to personalised and innovative services; moving from a service led approach to personalised, client-centred care.
Art therapy recognises that quality of life includes relationships, emotional, physical and material well being, self determination and personal development.
In cases where the person with a disability might have difficulty in communicating needs and wishes art therapy provides new creative tools for relating with self and others.
The client is helped to identify their unique personal goals and a person-centred approach is used to help the person achieve the quality of life they aspire to.
In an art therapy sessions, a person might choose to look at what having a disability means to them, and explore their sense of self and identity thus helping them to find their own meaning and increase their sense of self empowerment.
How can Art Therapy benefit someone with a disability?
We work with a range of clients with disability and tailor our approach differently for each client. Many clients who have not responded to other therapies find art therapy opens up new pathways for them. The basis of this is the therapeutic relationship, centered in deep respect and empathy for the individual.
We believe a person with a disability is differently-abled and art therapy can help to connect a person with their inner resources; enabling them to create meaning and engage in life in a new way.
We see disabilities as a creative opportunities, with the client we explore this and identify skills, as often clients will have heightened abilities and sensitivities in areas that may not have been previously recognised or positively acknowledged.
Greater self awareness helps the client to understand their own needs and how to best meet these. Our art therapy sessions seek to empower and awaken self esteem in a person, acknowledging that they know best what they need.
We work with people who have:
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Intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability
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Autism spectrum disorder
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Asbergers Syndrome
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Sensory Processing Disorder
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Rigid thinking styles
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Chronic Illness/Conditions
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Body image issues
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Major life changes
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Carer support
What changes can I expect?
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Improved creativity, self-esteem
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Increased sense of self empowerment
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Increased sense of self care & self awareness
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Reduced stress & anxiety using art and mindfulness
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Reduce depression and fatigue
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Improved interpersonal skills
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Enhanced mind-body connection
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Development of life-long coping skills
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Identification of personal resources and needs
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Increased sense of meaning and purpose
Is Art Therapy for me?
If you are interested in art therapy, you may be relieved to know it is not about being an artist, infact, no art experience is necessary. Expressing yourself through art can have many beneficial therapeutic effects, especially for people who may feel disempowered or disconnected.
In our art therapy sessions we use use client-centered counselling and creative tools to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals.
Elise will tailor the sessions to the individuals needs, to support you in achieving your NDIS goals, and will discuss this prior to your first session.
A client may choose to begin with counselling and if they choose to engage in art processes we may use drawing, painting, clay, collage or many other mediums as agreed in the session. Sessions are client led and art is introduced gently as the client feels ready.
Enquire about a Private Session Today
How much does it cost?
NDIS appointments:
$140 per session (50-60 mins)
$200 extended/initial session (1.5hrs)
Where are you Located?
Our art therapy studio is at 47 Neridah St Chatswood, NSW, Australia
We also offer online sessions via Zoom
If you have accessibility requirements or other needs please let us know prior to your first appointment.
How do I book an appointment?
Click on the 'Contact' section of this website above to make an enquiry or email elise@livesoftly.co to discuss your individual needs.
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NDIS Client Procedures
Live Softly Art Therapy can only engage with NDIS clients that are either self-managed or plan-managed. Our Services are covered under the category Improved Daily Living/15_043_0128_1_3 Therapeutic Supports.
Please note we do not manage or advise on NDIS plans/budgets/categories and usage, this is the responsibility of the client to manage available funds and ensure our services are covered in their plan categories and plan dates prior to making a booking.