What to Expect at Your First OT Session

Starting occupational therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you're not sure what to expect. Whether you're coming for yourself or bringing your child, knowing what the first session looks like can make the experience much more comfortable.

The Intake Process

Before your first session, you'll typically complete intake paperwork that covers your concerns, goals, medical history, and daily functioning. This gives your therapist context so your time together is productive from the very first meeting.

The First Session: Getting to Know You

The first session is primarily about relationship-building and gathering information. Your therapist will ask questions, listen carefully, and begin to understand your unique profile. For children, this often involves play-based observation. For adults, it's more of a collaborative conversation.

There's no pressure to have all the answers or know exactly what you want from therapy. Your therapist will help you clarify your goals over time.

Setting Goals Together

Neuroaffirmative OT is collaborative — goals are set with you, not for you. You'll identify what areas of daily life you most want to improve and what success looks like to you personally.

What Comes Next

After the initial session, your therapist will typically develop a plan and recommend a frequency of sessions. Most clients start with weekly sessions and adjust from there based on progress and preference.

Remember: the first session is just the beginning of a relationship. It's okay if it takes a few sessions to feel fully comfortable.