Clinical Psychologist for NDIS Participants: Understanding Capacity Building Psychology.

Clinical Psychologist for NDIS Participants | Understanding Capacity Building Psychology

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist for NDIS Participants | David Hennessy, a clinical psychologist, smiling outdoors beside a river at sunset, representing a calm and supportive approach to NDIS capacity building psychology. — David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist @hennessyclinicalpsychology

A common area of confusion relates to the difference between capacity building psychology under NDIS funding versus mainstream psychological treatment. They share similarities but serve very different purposes.

What Is Capacity Building Psychology?

Under NDIS funding, psychological support focuses on building daily functioning, not clinical treatment of illness. Capacity building is about strengthening the skills required to live as independently as possible.

When funded by the NDIS, my role is capacity building and involves:

developing emotional regulation strategies
improving communication and social participation
strengthening planning and problem-solving abilities
building confidence in community settings
creating structures and routines that support everyday independence
developing coping strategies for sensory overload, fatigue, pain, or behavioural challenges
understanding patterns of behaviour and making workable adjustments
navigating life transitions such as school, work, housing, or community engagement
improving functional skills by supporting memory, attention, or executive functioning

What Is Psychological Treatment?

Psychological treatment is part of the mainstream health system and is not funded by the NDIS.

The NDIS does not replace mainstream health services. Instead, it supports people with physical impairments that, after being fully treated, remain permanent and significantly impact daily functioning.

Conditions That I, as a Clinical Psychologist, Can Support Under the NDIS

Below is a combined list of psychosocial, physical, neurological, sensory, and developmental conditions that I, as a clinical psychologist, can provide capacity building support for. The essential requirement is that the condition is fully treated, but continues to create enduring functional impairment in areas such as daily living, communication, emotional regulation, decision making, or community participation.

Psychosocial and Mental Health Conditions

anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety and panic disorder
depressive disorders
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
post-traumatic stress disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder
personality disorders
chronic or severe mental health conditions that cause long-term functional impairment

Physical, Neurological, and Sensory Conditions

I also support participants living with permanent physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments, including:

cerebral palsy
acquired brain injury, including stroke and traumatic brain injury
spinal cord injury
multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
chronic or irreversible respiratory disorders
visual or hearing impairment
intellectual disability
global developmental delay
neurological or physical disabilities related to amputation, congenital conditions, or chronic neurological disease

Support in these contexts may include:

adjustment to disability
problem solving and decision making
fatigue management strategies
pain coping techniques
behaviour support
routines for independence
building confidence in daily tasks and community settings

Capacity Building Psychology in Practice

Drawing on years of clinical practice, counselling work, and my earlier background in the trades, I have seen how people thrive when support is practical, workable, and grounded in real life. The NDIS is designed to strengthen a person’s functional capacity so they can engage more fully in daily activities, relationships, and community life. Understanding this distinction helps participants, families, and support teams access the support that genuinely fits their goals.

Specifically we:

understand the functional impact of the condition
develop practical strategies for emotions, sensory overload, fatigue, or frustration
build independence in self-care, travel, community access, and decision making
strengthen routines that support work, learning, volunteering, or social connection
support behaviour change using evidence-based approaches
complete psychological and functional capacity assessments that inform planning
assist participants and care teams to reduce behaviours of concern using trauma-informed, person-centred practices

Enquiries / Appointments

https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/contact/

Online NDIS Referrals

Related Blog

Illustration of David Hennessy, a clinical psychologist, seated thoughtfully in a therapy room at Hennessy Clinical Psychology in Varsity Lakes, reflecting on long-term values and moment-to-moment desire.

Applied Psychology for Everyday Life

What We Value Long-Term Is Not the Same as What We Desire Moment to Moment

Why what we desire in the moment often conflicts with what matters to us long-term. This article explores the psychology behind short-term relief, long-term values, and how psychological flexibility supports meaningful living over time.

Illustration of David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist, seated in a therapy room, representing a calm, trauma-informed approach to understanding pain and the autonomic nervous system.

Therapy Approaches & Psychological Skills

How the Autonomic Nervous System Responds to Pain

Pain is shaped not only by the body, but by how the nervous system evaluates threat and safety. This article explains how the autonomic nervous system responds to pain and how psychology can support pain management as part of a multidisciplinary approach.

David the Psychologist, a bald clinical psychologist wearing a colourful paisley shirt, seated calmly in a therapy room at Hennessy Clinical Psychology, reflecting on attachment wounds and emotional safety. Subtle text reads: David the Psychologist @hennessyclinicalpsychology

Trauma & Attachment

What Are Attachment Wounds?

Attachment wounds describe how early relational experiences shape emotional regulation, adult relationships, and nervous system responses. This article offers a clear, compassionate, evidence-based explanation of what attachment wounds are and how healing is possible.