20 Mar The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and how a Psychologist fits within the NDIS?
An Overview: Navigating the NDIS
In this blog, we explore the following:
- What is the NDIS
- How psychology fits within the NDIS
- Eligibility requirements of the NDIS
- How our psychologists support individuals under the NDIS
Before we explore these important topics, I provide a little bit of thought that comes to my mind whilst writing this blog, I hope you find it insightful. I love to hear feedback.
Often for me, I first reach out to one of my closest friends. This would be someone with that established a level of trust going back years now. This was established (and often tested as most human relationships are over years!) by the both of us sharing countless stresses and anxiety-provoking situations, that ultimately required one another to feel some degree of vulnerability.
These moments, created trust and friendship. It allows one another to experience and learns that we have created a safe space to share difficult times with one another – without judgement.
Often talking to friends and family can result in feeling frustrated, disappointed or hurt. Without the friend or family member intentionally responding in such as way though. This also has happened to me, which is super important to add. Often family or friends do not know the best way to react to someone sharing news or information. Perhaps this individual is triggered or does not feel comfortable sitting with this level of distress and therefore responds in a matter that feels dismissive. Whatever the situation, as psychologists we know the importance of reaching out for professional help. We need to have a safe space to share our thoughts, feelings, and potentially maladaptive or dysfunctional behaviours without judgement.
Our psychologists are skilled in listening. We are trained to challenge clients when beneficial, in a safe setting that does not result in feeling threatened or dismissed. If you want to book an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists, please fill out our online contact form and we will reach out to you shortly.
To improve life satisfaction and lead a happier life, it is important to explore evidence-based treatment approaches to improve both mental health and physical health. It is an important topic that should be discussed often within families, friendship groups, and workplace settings.
Research has shown that communicating about your feelings, needs, fears, struggles and insecurities with the right person can increase interpersonal connection and improve other areas in life such as mood, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. You may benefit from speaking with one of our NDIS psychologists who is experienced in delivering online therapy support Australia-wide in rural and metro areas.
What is NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an initiative of the Australian Government to support individuals with disabilities. Overseen by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Australians under 65 years of age can apply for NDIS funding. The NDIS considers physical disabilities as well as social, cognitive, sensory, and intellectual disability. The NDIS aims to help individuals lead happier life.
How does Psychology fit in NDIS?
The role of the NDIS is to support a better life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers. The aim of our support by an experienced NDIS psychologist is to help support individuals in their physical and emotional well-being and improve help their independence and build upon their capacity in daily life.
To Access the NDIS applicants need to meet the following criteria:
● Applicants must be under 65 years of age.
● Applicants must have Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
● Applicants must meet the disability criteria.
● Applicants need to prove that they have a mental health condition.
To understand in more detail about your eligibility and the application process, you can learn more via the NDIS website here.
The role of a Psychologist in supporting individuals registered with the NDIS:
An NDIS psychologist creates a professional and safe space for clients to explore difficulties and learn a range of proven strategies to improve life satisfaction to lead a happier life.
A Psychologist supporting individuals under the NDIS can help you in the following areas:
● Family difficulties
● Health and illness
● Loss of a loved one
● Loneliness
● Avoidance behaviours, anxiety and worry
● Depression and loss of motivation
● Fatigued and reduced energy levels
● Addictions and substance use
● Behavioral problems
● Traumatic experiences
● Phobias and panic symptoms
● Stress in professional lives
What to expect from an NDIS Psychologist?
● Identify and work towards new goals
● Find relief from negative feelings
● Feel more independent
● Reduce the impact of anxiety and depression in your life
● Find new tools and techniques for coping with challenges
● Improve your social skills to develop and enhance your relationships and feel more connected
How Positive Wellbeing Psychology can help?
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we are a Melbourne psychology practice nestled in the inner-eastern suburb of Malvern. One of our services offered by our warm and compassionate psychologists is to support self-managed NDIS participants. Our primary focus is to provide comprehensive support to individuals under the NDIS, aimed at enhancing their mood, fostering social engagement within local communities, and facilitating the improvement of daily living skills. We have a special interest in supporting individuals in achieving their NDIS treatment goals.
Why consider Positive Wellbeing Pychology?
● Our psychologists understand that a range of factors may impact our mental health and functional limitations. Our psychologists are trained to find relevant history, early on in therapy that allows us to further understand and learn about your journey. We place you as the expert in your life experiences.
● We assess an individual’s history and therapy goals/needs before we collaboratively set a detailed plan of action for therapy. Our psychologists often provide suggestions on potential goals early on in therapy, based on the information you have provided to help improve life satisfaction.
● Additionally, we extend our services to organisations of all sizes, providing workplace psychologist services.
About the Author: Emily Burton
Emily is the founding Psychologist of Positive Wellbeing Psychology, a boutique psychology practice consisting of a dedicated team of psychologists committed to supporting participants under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in achieving their goals and enhancing their quality of life. Our team emphasise a person-centered approach, tailoring interventions to meet each individual’s unique needs and preferences. We strive to create a supportive and empowering environment where participants feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our team of psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in Australia.
Positive Wellbeing Psychology is a Melbourne psychology practice located in the inner-eastern suburb of Malvern. Our trained psychologists provide a combination of in-person consulting and online psychological support across Australia.
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