Understanding Therapy Goals in the NDIS: Who Writes Them and Why They Matter

carli215
Aug 5
2 min read

When you hear the phrase “therapy goals” in the NDIS world, you might picture formal documents, complex assessments, or funding paperwork. But really, therapy goals are just that — goals. They describe what you want to work toward, and they help guide your supports in a clear, meaningful way.

So, who actually writes these goals, and why do they matter so much?

Let’s break it down.

✍️ Who Writes Therapy Goals?

Therapy goals in your NDIS plan are written with you — not just for you. The process usually involves:

You (the participant) — or your family/carer, if you need help expressing your goals
Your allied health team — such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, or psychologists
Your support coordinator or LAC — to ensure the goals align with your plan and funding categories

The most effective goals are co-designed. That means they’re written in partnership with you, based on what you want to achieve — not just what a therapist thinks is important.

🎯 What Makes a Good Therapy Goal?

NDIS therapy goals are meant to be specific, measurable, and person-centred. A strong therapy goal usually includes:

🧠 A clear focus (e.g. communication, mobility, emotional regulation)

⏳ A realistic timeframe

🔁 The type of support needed (therapy, assistive tech, daily practice, etc.)

✅ A way to track progress

Example: “Over the next 12 months, improve ability to initiate conversations in social settings, with support from a speech pathologist and weekly social group practice.”

🧩 Why Are Therapy Goals So Important?

Therapy goals matter because they:

Guide your therapy sessions — Therapists use them to plan activities and track progress
Justify your funding — NDIS funding is tied to your goals; no goal = no support
Keep everyone on the same page — Support workers, therapists, family, and the participant all work toward the same outcomes
Celebrate growth — Clear goals help you notice how far you’ve come

If you’re not seeing progress, goals can be updated or broken into smaller steps — that’s totally normal.

🔁 Do Goals Ever Change?

Absolutely. As you grow, your therapy goals should grow too.

Some common times to review or change your goals include:

🗓️ Plan review time

🧒 Milestone changes (e.g. starting school, finishing school, new job)

🤔 If a goal isn’t working or no longer makes sense

🙌 When a goal has been achieved (celebrate it!)

Don’t be afraid to bring up new ideas at your therapy sessions. Your team is there to support you — and that means adjusting your goals when needed.

🧡 How We Support Therapy Goals

While we don’t provide therapy at Loving Life, our support workers can absolutely help you work toward your therapy goals.

We do this by:

Reinforcing strategies recommended by your therapist
Practising social or daily living skills during outings
Providing consistent, respectful support so you can build confidence
Offering group programs designed to support communication, life skills, and emotional regulation

📍 Based on the Gold Coast

📝 Contact us here to see how we can support your goals in everyday life.