Preparing for Your First Occupational Therapy Appointment: What to Expect
Starting occupational therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it's your first appointment. Whether you're attending for yourself or supporting a loved one, knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared.
At Rewired Therapy, we aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every participant feels heard, understood, and empowered to achieve their goals.
What Is an Initial Occupational Therapy Appointment?
Your first appointment is all about getting to know you.
Our experienced Occupational Therapists take the time to understand your strengths, challenges, daily routines, and the goals you'd like to achieve. This information helps us develop a personalised therapy plan that supports your individual needs.
Every participant is different, so no two appointments are exactly the same.
What Should You Bring?
To help us make the most of your appointment, it's helpful to bring:
Any relevant medical reports or previous assessments
Your NDIS plan (if applicable)
A list of current concerns or goals
Information about any equipment or supports you currently use
Questions you'd like to ask your therapist
The more information you can share, the better we can tailor our recommendations to your needs.
What Happens During the Assessment?
Your Occupational Therapist may:
Discuss your daily routines and lifestyle
Observe how you complete everyday tasks
Assess areas such as fine motor skills, self-care, mobility, or emotional regulation
Identify any barriers affecting your independence or participation
Talk about your personal goals and priorities
The assessment is relaxed and collaborative. There are no right or wrong answers—we simply want to understand how we can best support you.
Creating a Personalised Therapy Plan
Following the assessment, your Occupational Therapist will develop a personalised therapy plan based on your goals.
Depending on your needs, your plan may include:
Ongoing Occupational Therapy sessions
Strategies to improve daily living skills
Recommendations for assistive technology
Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Assessments
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Assessments
Our goal is to provide practical, evidence-based support that helps you build confidence and independence in everyday life.
A Collaborative Approach
We believe the best outcomes happen when everyone works together.
With your consent, our therapists can collaborate with families, carers, support coordinators, educators, and other allied health professionals to ensure your therapy supports are consistent across different environments.
You're Not Expected to Have All the Answers
Many people worry about what they should say or whether they're "ready" for therapy.
The good news is that you don't need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Our therapists are there to guide the conversation, answer your questions, and help identify goals that are meaningful to you.
Take the First Step with Confidence
Beginning occupational therapy is the start of a journey toward greater independence, participation, and confidence.
At Rewired Therapy, our experienced and qualified Occupational Therapists are committed to providing personalised support that empowers participants to achieve their goals at home, school, work, and in the community.
