What to Expect From Your First Session With a Recovery Coach

What Happens Before the First Session?

On a new plan, the provider accepts a request for service. You may also sign a service agreement.

When you start with a recovery coaching provider on a new plan, your NDIA planner sends them a request for service, which tells them about your goals, support needs and situation. They have 4 days to accept. You and the provider can also make a written service agreement, which the NDIA recommends when you start with a new provider.

What Might You Talk About?

You, what matters to you, and what you'd like to be different. Not your diagnosis in detail unless you want to.

• What a good week looks like for you, and what gets in the way
• Your goals in your NDIS plan, and whether they still feel right
• Who already supports you: family, friends, your GP or mental health team, other providers
• What you'd like help with first
• How often you'd like to meet, where, and whether in person or online
• What usually helps when things get harder, and who you'd want contacted
• How you'd like your coach to communicate with you

Recovery coaching isn't therapy, so you don't have to go over your history or your diagnosis. Share what you're comfortable with.

What Should You Bring?

Your NDIS plan if you have it handy, and anything you want to remember to ask.

• Your NDIS plan, or access to the my NDIS app or portal
• Contact details for anyone you'd like your coach to work with
• Questions about cost, travel and cancellations, if they're not settled yet
• A support person, if you'd like one there

What If It Doesn't Feel Right?

Say so. You can ask for a different coach, or change provider.

The NDIA's first question for choosing a coach is whether you get along and they listen to you. If that isn't there after a session or two, talk to the provider, or see our guide to changing recovery coach.