Preparing for Your First Behavior Support Session: What to Expect
Starting behavior support services can bring a mix of emotions like hope, uncertainty, and curiosity. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, your first behavior management session is an important step toward building healthier routines, reducing challenging behaviors, and improving overall quality of life. At New Beginnings, we support individuals of all ages through customized behavior strategies that fit their unique needs.
Here’s what you can expect during your first session and how to make the most of it.
Understanding Behavior Support Services
Behavior support focuses on identifying the reasons behind certain behaviors and teaching strategies to encourage positive behavior change. These services are grounded in practical, evidence-based approaches and are customized for each individual’s needs and goals.
Unlike one-size-fits-all programs, behavior support services involve collaboration between the individual, their family or support team, and a trained Behavior Consultant. The goal is to promote long-term success in daily living, relationships, learning, and independence.
What Happens in the First Session?
The first session is primarily about getting to know you. It's designed to be welcoming, informative, and supportive—not intimidating. You can expect:
Initial introductions: The Behavior Consultant will begin by learning about you or your loved one’s background, interests, routines, strengths, and areas of concern.
Goal discussion: Together, you'll explore goals that are important to you—whether it’s managing outbursts, improving social interaction, following routines, or building independence in daily tasks.
Assessment planning: The Behavior Consultant may ask questions or observe behavior patterns to better understand the context in which certain behaviors occur. This helps shape a personalized plan.
Next steps: The session typically ends with a discussion of what to expect moving forward, including how often sessions will take place and what the plan for support will look like.
How to Prepare
Before the session, it can be helpful to:
Think about the goals you'd like to work on
Gather any relevant medical, developmental, or educational information
Consider what strategies or support approaches have worked—or not worked—in the past
Make a list of questions you'd like to ask
If the session involves a family member or someone you care for, talk with them ahead of time about what to expect. This can reduce anxiety and set a positive tone for the session.
What Behavior Support Is—and Isn’t
Behavior support is not about punishment or strict discipline. It’s about creating supportive environments, identifying underlying needs, and building skills that help individuals thrive. It focuses on replacing challenging behaviors with healthier, more functional alternatives that match a person’s goals and environment.
Ongoing Collaboration
At New Beginnings, our approach is team-based. We work with individuals, families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure support strategies are consistent across settings—whether at home, in school, at work, or in the community. Progress is tracked over time, and strategies are adjusted to match changing needs.
Ready for Your First Session?
Starting behavior support is a meaningful step toward greater independence, self-regulation, and confidence. Whether you're facing everyday challenges or seeking support through an Indiana Medicaid waiver, New Beginnings is here to help you move forward with clarity and compassion. Contact Us today to schedule your fist session or learn more about our behavior support programs.