I am writing to express my profound concern and disappointment regarding the recent changes to the NDIS guidelines that de-identify arts and music therapists as allied health professionals with comprehensive evidence-based training in psychotherapy. This misrepresentation is not only a grave injustice to the dedicated professionals in our field but constitutes an act of professional erasure akin to identity terror. It undermines the valuable services we provide to individuals with disabilities and strikes at the core of our professional identities. Creative arts therapies have a rich history rooted in established psychotherapeutic methods, such as Carl Jung's work.
To assert that our practices lack evidence-based foundations is not only false but also a blatant disregard for the extensive research and accumulated knowledge within our field. This includes the groundbreaking work conducted at recognized institutions such as La Trobe University and Melbourne University, which have developed and delivered comprehensive programs, along with thousands of research and fellowship programs that have been and continue to be supported by Commonwealth funding.
It is unacceptable that the tireless efforts of these institutions, and the countless professionals who have dedicated their careers to advancing creative arts therapies, are being undermined by the limited capacity of decision-makers within the NDIS. The NDIS's actions are a disheartening step backward in an era where inclusivity and evidence-based practices should be paramount. Reducing creative arts therapies to mere "skill-based methods" perpetuates harmful stereotypes, fuels ableism and discrimination against individuals who benefit significantly from humanistic, trauma informed and recovery oriented approach to therapy.
This mischaracterization has caused immense stress and disruption to the vital work we do with children and adults facing mental health challenges. It also undermines the trust and rapport we have built with our clients. By denying our professional identity and the therapeutic foundation of our work, the NDIS is perpetrating a form of holocaust on our profession, attempting to erase our contributions and diminish our value.
We hold the government accountable for the misinformation disseminated by its federal organizations and the decisions made based on these inaccuracies. We demand immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure that arts and music therapists are accurately recognized for their qualifications and the evidence-based therapies they provide.
The creative arts therapy community is united in our opposition to this discriminatory treatment. We will actively advocate for the restoration of our rightful recognition within the NDIS framework and for policies that prioritize the well-being and participation of individuals with disabilities in our programs.
We urge you to join us in this critical effort. Together, we can ensure that the NDIS upholds its commitment to inclusivity, evidence-based practices, and the genuine support of individuals with disabilities.
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