We fund various expressive therapy programs to support people in our region with low-intensity mental health issues.
What are Expressive Therapies?
Expressive therapies use creative processes such as art, drama, dance and movement as a therapeutic way to improve an individual's overall wellbeing including their mental health. These types of therapy focus on the creative process, utilising a wide range of materials and exploring several different techniques as part of the therapy.
Expressive therapies not only enhance the emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals and improve self-esteem but have been shown to have a range of other benefits including:
Benefits of Expressive Therapies
- Helps manage difficult behaviours and feelings
- Reduces stress
- Allows expression of emotions that may be hard to verbalise
Expressive Therapy Programs
Noro Music Therapy
Noro Music Therapy is a 13-week music program that uses music eg. singing, playing instruments, dance, songwriting, recording and performing to actively support people to help improve their health, confidence and wellbeing. The program is delivered in the Blue Mountains and Penrith.
Resourced Music Therapy
Resourced Music Therapy is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program for people aged 12 and over. It combines music and visual arts processes to facilitate expression and exploration of difficult emotions and experiences to support emotional healing. This program is delivered in three groups with one group in each Penrith, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury LGA. Penrith is now closed, with spots remaining in Hawkesbury (delivered from Merana) and Blue Mountains.
KidsXpress
KidsExpress are running a comprehensive program for 18 children at Kingswood Park Public School. This closed referral program includes elements of individual therapy, group art and music therapy, and playground connection activities tailored to the unique needs of each child. Please note that referals have now closed for this program.
