Preparing for Your First NDIS Counselling Session: What to Bring and Ask

You do not need to prepare a perfect explanation before attending an NDIS-funded counselling appointment.

The first session is an opportunity to explain what is important to you, how you prefer to communicate and what you would like support to change in everyday life.

You can bring notes, use communication aids or have a trusted person attend. You can also ask questions before agreeing to ongoing sessions.

Start with what you want to be different

NDIS therapy supports are intended to help build or maintain skills and independence connected with everyday functioning.

Rather than trying to choose clinical language, consider the practical changes that matter to you.

For example:

- handling frustration without losing the rest of the day

- communicating needs more clearly

- making decisions with greater confidence

- managing anxiety when routines change

- building safer relationships

- participating more comfortably at work or in the community

- recovering after conflict

- recognising early signs of emotional overload

- developing routines that support daily living

These are examples, not assumptions about what every participant needs.

A useful starting sentence is:

“I would like counselling to help me with…”

Bring the information you already have

You may find it helpful to bring:

- your NDIS plan or the relevant plan section

- your goals

- contact details for your plan manager or support coordinator

- previous reports you want the therapist to consider

- a list of current supports

- communication tools you use

- a short description of what has and has not helped previously

- questions about privacy, records, fees and cancellations

You do not need to hand over every report you have. Ask why information is needed and how it will be used.

Explain your communication preferences

Good support should not require you to communicate in only one way.

Tell the therapist if you:

- need extra time to process questions

- prefer one question at a time

- use an interpreter, device, visual aid or communication partner

- want information written down

- find open-ended questions difficult

- need a quiet room or reduced sensory stimulation

- prefer online sessions because travel is difficult

- want breaks during longer conversations

- communicate more easily through examples than abstract questions

You can provide this information in writing before the appointment.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission recommends discussing what you want from support, how you prefer to communicate, who is responsible for what and how progress will be reviewed.

Decide whether to bring a support person

You may bring a family member, friend, advocate, support coordinator or another trusted person if that helps you communicate or feel comfortable.

Before the session, discuss what you want the person to do.

They might:

- help you remember important information

- explain how you communicate

- take notes

- assist with practical details

- help you ask questions

The session should still center your voice and choices.

You can also ask to speak with the therapist alone for part of the appointment. Having someone support you does not mean that person must answer every question for you.

Ask about privacy and information sharing

Counselling is confidential within legal and professional limits. Ask the therapist to explain those limits clearly.

You may want to ask:

- What information is recorded after each appointment?

- Who can access the notes?

- What is sent to my plan manager?

- Will reports be written?

- Who receives a report?

- Will you ask for my consent before contacting another provider?

- What happens if you are worried about immediate safety?

- Can I request a copy of information about me?

Do not assume that everyone involved in your NDIS supports automatically receives the content of counselling conversations.

Billing information and therapy reports are different from a detailed account of everything discussed in a session.

Check the funding before beginning

NDIS plans and support-budget terminology can vary, particularly as plans are renewed or reassessed.

Official NDIS guidance states that capacity-building therapy supports may help develop everyday skills, independence and participation. However, whether a particular counselling service can be funded depends on the participant’s plan, goals, support category and current NDIS rules.

Advance Minds states that it is a registered NDIS provider and provides eligible therapy through the relevant capacity-building funding available in a participant’s plan.

Ask Advance Minds, your plan manager, support coordinator or the NDIA to confirm funding before the first paid appointment.

The Advance Minds NDIS page also states that its addiction counselling services are paid for privately rather than through NDIS funding. Confirm this before booking if addiction support is the reason for the appointment.

Ask how progress will be reviewed

Therapy goals should be understandable to you.

Ask:

- How will we decide what to work on first?

- How will we know whether the sessions are helping?

- When will we review the goals?

- Can the approach change if it is not working for me?

- How will reports describe my progress?

- What can I practice between appointments?

- How will counselling fit with my other supports?

Progress may include increased confidence, improved communication, stronger emotional-regulation skills or greater participation in daily activities. It should not be reduced to whether you appeared compliant during appointments.

It is acceptable to ask about suitability

You can ask about the therapist’s experience, approach and understanding of disability.

You might ask:

“What experience do you have supporting people with needs similar to mine?”

“How do you adapt sessions for communication or sensory needs?”

“What happens if you are not the right therapist for me?”

“How do you involve family or support workers while protecting my choices?”

A respectful therapist should be able to discuss suitability without pressuring you.

Counselling at Advance Minds

Advance Minds offers in-person counselling in Bankstown and secure online appointments across Australia.

The first session can be used to clarify your priorities, communication needs, relevant NDIS goals and whether the service is suitable.

To check funding or enquire about an appointment, visit https://www.advanceminds.com.au.

This article provides general information. NDIS funding decisions are individual and rules can change. Confirm your plan and funding with the NDIA, plan manager or support coordinator before relying on this information.