do you feel comfortable in the therapy space

~ Take the time to orient yourself to the therapy room, and ask about anything that you need.

~ The therapy space should feel airy, have some room to move around. There might be different options for seating, cushions for your comfort or if you like to sit on the floor.

~ You might prefer to walk and talk, or perhaps sit in a garden setting. Ask your therapist if this is an option. 

~ You may need to assess if the therapist has a therapy animal that you might find welcoming or prefer not to be in the room when you are there.​​

is there anything that you find provokes anxiety or overwhelm

~ Besides the initial nervousness of starting with a new therapist, do you notice anything that you find  activating or disturbing about the therapist?

~ Are there items in the therapy room that you don't have knowledge of?

~ Do you feel that the room is private, and that others outside cannot hear your conversation?

~ Is there undue environmental noise?
~ Are their industries in the near environment that provoke anxiety due to the odours that smell toxic, or is there significant traffic.

is the therapist completely present with you

~ You want to feel that the therapist is giving you their full attention. 
~ Do you feel heard by the therapist or are they distracted when you are speaking?

~ Does the therapist make an effort to ensure they understand you, perhaps by paraphrasing what you have said and checking back in with you that they have understood you?

~ Do you feel the possibility of a comfortable relationship building between yourself and the therapist so that you can relax into your work?