What to Expect at Your Child's First Appointment
Taking the first step towards therapy can bring a mix of emotions. You might be feeling hopeful, uncertain, or simply wondering if you're making the right decision for your child. These feelings are completely normal.
At Little Souls Wellness Centre, we understand that every family's journey is unique. That's why our first appointments are designed to help us get to know you, your child and your goals, so we can provide the most appropriate support from the very beginning.
Whether your child is seeing a psychologist, occupational therapist or speech pathologist, our Client Support Team is here to guide you through the process and make your family's experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.
We Start by Getting to Know Your Family
No one knows your child better than you do. The first stage of therapy is about listening to your story, understanding your concerns and learning about your child's strengths, challenges and daily life. This helps us build a clear picture of your child's needs and develop an individualised plan that supports their growth and wellbeing.
Because every child is different, the exact process may vary depending on the service you're accessing. Our Client Support Team will explain what to expect when you make your first booking and answer any questions you may have before your appointment.
Your First Appointment
For many families, the first appointment is primarily with a parent or caregiver.
This appointment gives you the opportunity to speak openly with your clinician about your child while allowing us to gather important background information before meeting them.
During this appointment, we'll discuss topics such as:
Your child's developmental history
Current concerns and challenges
Family routines and home life
School or childcare experiences
Previous assessments or therapy
Medical history
Your goals and priorities for therapy
Any questions you may have
This conversation helps us understand not only what's happening now, but also what success looks like for your family.
Your Child's Second Appointment
The second appointment is often focused on getting to know your child. Rather than expecting children to jump straight into therapy, we focus on building rapport and helping them feel safe and comfortable.
Depending on your child's age, personality and the type of therapy, this session may involve one-on-one time with the clinician, with parents joining for part or all of the appointment where appropriate.
Through conversation, play and engaging activities, your clinician will continue gathering information, observing your child's skills and developing a deeper understanding of their individual needs.
This appointment may also include informal or formal assessment activities, depending on the therapy service and the reason for referral.
Before Your Appointment
To help your appointment run smoothly, we recommend completing any required paperwork before your visit.
Before attending, please:
Complete all consent forms and intake paperwork.
Return any questionnaires or assessment forms requested by our team.
Email any referrals, previous reports or relevant documentation to us before your appointment where possible.
If you haven't had the opportunity to email your referral, you're welcome to bring it with you on the day.
If you wish to claim a Medicare rebate, please ensure your valid referral is provided before or at the time of your appointment.
If you're unsure which documents you need, our Client Support Team is always happy to help.
Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable
Many parents wonder if their child will be nervous, which is normal!
Our clinicians are experienced in helping children feel relaxed through play, conversation and genuine connection. We work at your child's pace, taking the time to build trust before expecting participation in more structured activities.
You can help prepare your child by:
Speaking positively about meeting their therapist and any questions they might have.
Letting them know they'll spend time talking, playing and getting to know someone new.
Bringing a favourite comfort item if it helps them feel settled.
Arriving a few minutes early so everyone has time to settle in.
What Happens After the Initial Appointments?
Once we've had the opportunity to meet with you and your child, your clinician will discuss:
Their observations
Whether any further assessment is recommended
Therapy recommendations
Goals for intervention
Suggested appointment frequency
Practical strategies you can begin using at home
We believe therapy works best when families are actively involved, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and work collaboratively with your clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do parents attend appointments?
Yes. Parents or caregivers are an important part of the therapy process. While the first appointment is often with parents, future appointments may involve parents, the child, or both, depending on your child's needs and the therapy service. Your clinician will guide you after your first appointment.
How long are appointments?
Appointment lengths vary between services. Our Client Support Team will provide detailed information when your appointment is booked. Standard appointments are 45-50 minutes face to face.
What should I bring?
Please bring any referrals, previous assessment reports or relevant documentation if you haven't already emailed them to us. If you're claiming a Medicare rebate, remember to provide your referral before or at your appointment.
We're Here to Support Your Family
Starting therapy doesn't mean having all the answers, it simply means taking the first step.
From your first phone call through to every appointment that follows, our team is here to guide you with compassion, expertise and care.
If you're ready to get started or have questions about the booking process, we'd love to hear from you.