Art Psychotherapy, Clinical Supervision & Specialist Educational Consultancy
The NDIS is changing how it funds Art Therapy. These changes mean that Arts and Music therapy will no longer be available to many NDIS participants who rely on ‘more than verbal’ therapies for their primary support. Please sign our petition to keep Creative Arts Therapies accessible in NDIS therapies.
Art Psychotherapy for Children and Young People.
Art psychotherapy offers a valuable and supportive space for children to engage with their emotions, build resilience, and enhance their self-expression. Through creative outlets, children can communicate their feelings, navigate challenges, and boost their confidence in an enjoyable, non-verbal way.
Our tailored sessions focus on children facing issues such as emotional regulation, trauma, developmental differences, and attachment difficulties. Utilising various art forms in a holistic, client-centred approach provides a safe and consistent environment where children can grow, develop, and flourish.
“Art expression is a valuable and non-threatening approach to help children develop self-understanding and improve their emotional health.”
Cathy Malchiodi (2012),
What is Art Psychotherapy for Children and Young People?
Art Psychotherapy provides a supportive and creative approach for children, young people, and their caregivers as they navigate the complexities of developmental, emotional, and social challenges. Through the safe environment of artistic expression, children can explore their thoughts and feelings creatively, which is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle with verbal communication.
This form of therapy is especially effective for children with attachment disorders, communication difficulties, and developmental challenges. It creates a therapeutic space that honours each child's unique perspective and experience. Art Psychotherapy empowers young clients to address and manage various issues, including trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Additionally, it helps parents and caregivers gain a deeper understanding of how to support their child's growth and well-being.
Research-Backed Benefits of Art Psychotherapy for Children and Young People
Enhances memory and sensory processing, supporting cognitive development.
Improves attachment, trust, and interpersonal relationships.
Builds insight into emotions, aiding in trauma recovery and emotional healing.
Reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
Fosters healthy coping skills, emotional literacy, and self-regulation.
Boosts self-esteem, confidence, and a positive sense of self.
Strengthens communication skills and the capacity for self-advocacy.
Develops motor skills, coordination, and fine motor abilities.
Facilitates emotional expression, personal growth, and resilience.
Lowers negative emotions, reduces emotional overwhelm, and decreases behavioural outbursts.
Provides life-long resources, strategies, and capacity building.
Supporting Emotional Growth Through Art Psychotherapy
Art psychotherapy empowers children with disabilities to understand, express, and manage their emotions. Emotional regulation starts with emotional literacy—the ability to recognise, understand, and communicate feelings. Many children, particularly those with communication or sensory challenges, need safe, creative pathways to develop these skills.
Through art, children can express complex emotions without needing words, which supports their communication, memory, and processing abilities—essential building blocks for emotional regulation. Aligned with NDIS goals, our approach helps children improve social connections, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. With every creative session, we foster emotional growth that leads to positive, lasting change.
About Sam
Sam is a senior Art Psychotherapist and Specialist Teacher based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. Specialising in early childhood, adolescent, and family therapy, Sam brings over thirty years of experience in mental health, youth justice, and education. She is highly skilled in working with individuals of all ages and needs in both one-on-one and group settings. Embracing inclusivity and individuality, Sam deeply respects and celebrates each client's unique qualities and diverse ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds.
Sam is committed to providing a safe, trauma-informed environment that allows clients to explore and express their inner worlds, experiences, and emotions through art-making, creative play, and self-expression. Her needs-led and multifaceted therapeutic approach employs a person-centred and postmodern methodology. This is grounded in client-led art-making and somatic, experiential, and creative expression. Her practice is influenced by Jungian principles, which help forge pathways to engage with the unconscious through creative processes and the therapeutic use of imagery. These respected, evidence-based techniques engage the mind, body, and psyche beyond verbal communication, fostering a secure and welcoming space for unrestrained creativity, self-discovery, reflection, and understanding.
Further details about Sam’s background and experience are available through the link provided below.
“Postmodern principles reinforce the belief that there is no one style, construct, and medium that is appropriate for every client.”
ALTER-MURI AND KLEIN (2007)
Following recent changes to the NDIS, clients have inquired about accessing Art Therapy through their NDIS plans. Some Support Coordinators have provided conflicting and incorrect information, so clarity has been sought from reliable sources.
NDIA, ANZACATA (The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association), and PACFA (Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia) can confidently confirm that Art Therapy, provided by Masters-qualified Allied Health Practitioners using evidence-based methods, remains available to NDIS participants.
ANZACATA’s CEO, Dr Kate Dempsey, has advised that the NDIA has informed ANZACATA that nothing has changed and nothing is planned to change. This has been confirmed by Suzi McLeod, who says:
“I have reached out to internal areas regarding communication on art therapy funding and confirmed there has been no changes to internal advice.”
Suzi McLeod, Director, Provider Engagement Branch, National Disability Insurance Agency
Cost per Hour
NSW VIC QLD ACT - $193.99
WA SA TAS NT - $193.99
Remote - $271.59
Very Remote - $290.99
Art Therapist – A person who is a Professional Member with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA).
Item Number Item: 15_610_0128_1_3
Item Name and Notes - Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Art Therapist
Other Professional – A person who is not one of the types of professionals listed above but who the provider considers to be an appropriate professional to deliver therapeutic supports in line with the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission’s requirements for the Therapeutic Supports Registration Group.
Item Number Item: 15_056_0128_1_3
Item Name and Notes - Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Other Professional
Neurobiology of Art Therapy - Research into evidence-based developments in the neurobiology of art therapy supports the premise that art therapy is particularly valuable for rebalancing brain functions that have been compromised by trauma, attachment disruption, and other losses of an emotional connection. Kapitan, Lynn. (2014)
I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first Australians and recognise their unique relationship with the land and water. I also recognise that the Mornington Peninsula is home to the Boon Wurrung / Bunurong members of the Kulin Nation, who have lived here for thousands of years and have traditional connections and responsibilities for the land we walk on.
I pay our respects to all Elders, past & present.
Always Was Always Will Be
