Before your first session

Everything in one place, so you arrive knowing what you want and what you need. Do as much or as little as you have energy for.

1. What do I want help with? One sentence is enough. “I don’t know yet” is allowed too.
2. What do I need for sessions to work? Tick what applies:
   • ☐ Online, in person, or phone
   • ☐ Session length, or breaks
   • ☐ Time of day that suits my energy
   • ☐ Communication: typing, AAC, captions, extra processing time
   • ☐ Sensory needs: light, sound, camera on or off
   • ☐ Flexibility if I need to cancel at short notice
3. What will I ask the therapist? For example: “How do you think about disability?”, “What happens if a method doesn’t fit my body?”, “What happens if I disagree with you?” More in Questions to Ask Before You Start.
4. Have one sentence ready. Pick a line you can use if something doesn’t fit, such as “Can we start with the physical explanation first?” More in the Self-Advocacy Script Library.
5. Afterwards, check in with yourself.
   • ☐ Did I feel believed?
   • ☐ Did we talk about access?
   • ☐ Could I say no, or disagree?
   • ☐ Do I want to go back?

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