What happens at your initial consult at BlueRocket Therapy?

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. It's completely normal to feel unsure about what the first appointment will involve, what you should prepare, or what will happen during the session.

At BlueRocket Therapy, we begin with an Initial Consult. This appointment is designed to help you feel comfortable, understand your needs, and make sure therapy is set up in the best possible way from the beginning.

By the end of the consult, most clients feel more confident, more informed, and clearer about their therapy journey ahead.

Why Do We Start With an Initial Consult?

At BlueRocket Therapy, we don't jump straight into therapy sessions. The Initial Consult allows your clinician to first understand:

• your background
• your strengths
• your challenges
• your therapy goals
• your supports and environment

This information is essential before beginning therapy. Without it, therapy sessions can be less targeted and less effective.

The consult also gives you the opportunity to determine whether BlueRocket Therapy and your clinician feel like the right fit for you or your child.

What Happens During the Initial Consult?

The Initial Consult is a conversation where your clinician gets to know you and your situation in more detail.

There are no right or wrong answers, and you don't need to prepare extensively. Your clinician will guide the discussion.

During the consult, we may talk about:

Your Background

We'll ask about your interests, strengths, and what is important to you.

Previous Therapy or Supports

If you've had therapy before, we'll discuss:

• what worked well
• what didn't work well
• what you would like to be different this time

Daily Life and Routines

We'll explore what a typical week looks like, including things that go smoothly and areas that may feel more challenging.

Home, School, Work or Community

Understanding your environment helps us plan therapy that fits your everyday life.

Supports and Tools

This might include:

• communication tools
• apps or devices
• mobility or sensory supports

Emotional Wellbeing and Regulation

We may discuss how you manage stress, change, or challenging situations and what strategies help you feel calm and supported.

Your Goals

We talk about what you would like to achieve through therapy and what positive changes you hope to see over the next 6–12 months.

Forward Planning and Your NDIS Plan

If you are accessing therapy through the NDIS, we will also review your NDIS plan and therapy funding together. This helps us discuss:

• what your NDIS budget means in terms of therapy sessions
• how often sessions may occur
• how long sessions might be
• how therapy can be planned across the life of your plan

This information allows your clinician to begin planning therapy that is personalised, practical, and focused on meaningful outcomes.

Initial Consults for Children

If therapy is for a child, the Initial Consult is usually held with the parent or caregiver first.

This gives parents space to openly discuss their child's development, concerns, and goals and have an in-depth conversation with your clinician.

We may discuss:

• your child's development and daily routines
• school, childcare, or kindy experiences
• communication and social skills
• movement, play, and coordination
• daily living skills
• sensory preferences and emotional regulation

These discussions help us build a clear understanding of your child before therapy sessions begin.

What Happens if I Will Be Receiving Services from Multiple Disciplines at BlueRocket?

If you're accessing more than one therapy discipline at BlueRocket Therapy, each clinician will conduct their own Initial Consult. This may occur in the same session or two separate sessions. This allows each therapist to build their own understanding of your needs and goals. Our team works collaboratively, so information you’ve provided to us will be shared across disciplines to enable us to provide coordinated services from the start.

Where Can the Initial Consult Take Place?

We aim to make the consult as convenient and comfortable as possible. Your Initial Consult can take place:

• at our clinic
• over the phone
• via video call
• at your home - please note, travel charges will apply

How Long Does the Initial Consult Take?

Initial Consults typically last between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. This allows enough time for a meaningful discussion and ensures your clinician gathers the information needed to plan effective therapy.

How Much Does the Initial Consult Cost?

The cost depends on how long the appointment goes for. You can view our current fees here. Your clinician can also discuss therapy costs during the consult and help plan services that align with your NDIS plan or budget.

Do You Offer Free Meet and Greets?

We do not offer free meet-and-greets. The Initial Consult is a billed service, as it involves dedicated time with a qualified clinician (usually between 1 and 1.5 hours).

During this time, your clinician is gathering detailed information, understanding your goals, and planning your therapy journey.

We believe this provides far greater value than a brief introductory meeting, and ensures you leave the appointment with clarity about your next steps.

What Should I Bring to My Consult?

If possible, please send us:

• your NDIS plan
• your NDIS goals
• any relevant reports or assessments

If you're unable to send these beforehand, you can simply bring them with you to the appointment. Don't worry if you're unsure what to prepare - we will guide you through everything. You can also download our helpful guides:

Adult clients - What to expect at your Initial Consult

Paediatric clients - What to expect at your Initial Consult​

Is the Initial Consult a Therapy Session?

The Initial Consult is not usually a therapy session and it typically does not include formal assessments. Instead, the focus is on:

• understanding your situation
• identifying your therapy goals
• planning the best approach moving forward

In some instances, informal assessment may commence. This ensures therapy sessions are targeted, effective, and aligned with your goals from the start.

A Supportive Start to Your Therapy Journey

Starting therapy should feel supportive and empowering. Our Initial Consult is designed to:

• build trust with your clinician
• help you feel comfortable
• understand your needs and goals
• create a clear therapy plan

Clients leave the consult feeling more confident and reassured about their therapy journey ahead.