CBT-informed Leisure therapy
What is it?
An approach to therapy which uses strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and participation in structured and meaningful leisure activities—whether physical, creative, social, or skills-based. Rather than simply “fun and games,” each activity is tailored and integrated within a therapeutic process. This CBT-informed Leisure Therapy can help restore and enhance physical, emotional, and social functioning by tapping into the power of leisure.
What does it help with?
CBT-informed Leisure therapy can help with a wide range of challenges and goals, and it often produces improvements in areas that traditional therapy might also target, but via a different route. One of the primary things it helps with is mood improvement and depression. When you’re feeling down or depressed, engaging in pleasant activities can be therapeutic; in fact, research has shown that recreational programs that get people moving and involved in creative or social tasks can decrease symptoms of depression. Simply put, doing things that are enjoyable and absorbing can boost your mood by releasing endorphins and giving a sense of accomplishment. Leisure therapy can help with reducing anxiety and stress, building self-esteem and confidence, combatting social isolation, improving social skills, recovering from burnout, and can help people to find joy and meaning in life. Leisure therapy has also been shown to help improve the quality of life for people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Who is it for?
CBT-informed Leisure Therapy is for people of all ages and abilities who want to improve their mental health, life satisfaction, or functional skills through an active, enjoyable approach. It’s an especially great fit if you (or your loved one) find the idea of traditional talk therapy daunting or not quite your style – maybe you’re someone who opens up more when you’re doing something, rather than sitting in a chair face-to-face. If you think “I feel better when I’m active or busy, rather than when I’m just talking,” then therapeutic recreation might be a good option for you. It’s also ideal for individuals who have lost touch with their hobbies or social life due to mental health issues, stress, or other life circumstances; we often say it’s for anyone who needs a gentle nudge to get re-engaged with living.
How does it work?
CBT-informed Leisure Therapy starts by exploring the kinds of activities that once brought you joy, connection, or purpose — or what you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet. It then supports you to gradually reintroduce or build these into your life in a way that feels achievable and meaningful. With the help of your therapist, you might identify past or new leisure interests, engage in goal setting and problem solving, participate independently (or with the therapist) in leisure activities, and be supported to sustain and get all the benefits of improved social and recreational activity.
Why choose us?
Our practice is passionate about therapeutic recreation - it's somewhat of a niche service, particularly when you begin incorporating psychological strategies to maximise the benefits. Most importantly, we strive for the benefits of leisure therapy to be sustainable - by aiming to establishing lasting leisure lifestyle changes and engaging with new community connections and hobbies that you can continue to engage with and benefit from, long after our sessions have ended.
What are the fees?
Our standard fee is $232.99 per 50-minute session incorporating CBT-informed leisure therapy. Given that CBT is an evidence-based approach to treating many mental health conditions, you may be entitled to a rebate of $98.95 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year if your GP feels this approach would be suitable for you and completes a Mental Health Care Plan.
For clients receiving support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), sometimes your NDIS plan can fully fund these sessions. Feel free to contact us or raise this with your support coordinator if you have questions.
How to get started?
If CBT-informed Leisure Therapy sounds like something that could benefit you or a loved one, the next step is to reach out and let us know of your interest. It might also be worth considering talking to your GP about whether CBT coupled with leisure and recreation could be beneficial for your mental health and suitable for referral using a Mental Health Care Plan, entitling you to subsidised sessions.