What Happens in a Therapy Consultation?

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Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to feel a little nervous about meeting someone new—especially when the conversation is about something as personal as your mental health. A consultation call can add to that uncertainty, especially if you're not sure what to expect or what you're supposed to get out of it. What does it really mean when a therapist offers a consultation to “see if it’s a good fit”?

Let’s break down what typically happens during a consultation call, and how you can use that time to make sure you're finding the right therapist for your needs.

Do Your Goals Match Their Expertise?

One of the first things a therapist is likely to ask is what brings you to therapy. Because consultations are brief, you won’t have time to dive into every detail—but that's okay. Try to focus on the key concerns you want help with, and listen to how the therapist responds. This is your chance to assess whether their skills and experience align with your goals.

It’s important to remember: therapists aren’t here to judge you. In fact, many of us feel a bit nervous before meeting new clients, too! These calls are about making sure we can truly support you. While most therapists are trained to help with a wide range of concerns, we also recognize when a client might benefit from someone with a more specialized background.

For example, if someone tells me during a consultation that they’re struggling with depression, anxiety, and problematic alcohol use, I might refer them to a therapist who specializes in substance use. While I work with anxiety and depression, I know that addressing alcohol use first can be crucial—and I want to make sure my clients get the best care possible, even if that means working with someone else.

Does Their Approach Meet Your Needs? 

This is also a great time to ask the therapist whether they have experience with your specific concerns or if they use an approach you’re interested in. Most therapists use an integrated or eclectic style—blending different therapeutic approaches—but they often have particular methods or modalities they favor.

Are you looking for someone who practices cognitive behavioral therapy? Curious whether they incorporate mindfulness or EMDR? Not sure if their style aligns with what you’re looking for after reading their website? Go ahead and ask!

It’s also perfectly appropriate to ask about licensing and training. These details are part of building trust, and a good therapist will be happy to answer your questions. While therapists usually don’t share much about their personal lives (because therapy is focused on you), being clear about their credentials and experience is part of establishing a solid, professional connection.

Does the Relationship Feel Right?

Some people want a therapist who is more direct and challenging; others are looking for someone who is warm and deeply empathic. A consultation is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for a therapist’s style and energy.

Even if you’re not exactly sure what kind of therapy experience you’re looking for, you can still pay attention to how the therapist communicates. Do you feel comfortable? Heard? Understood? That gut feeling can tell you a lot.

And if you do have a sense of what you want from therapy—such as structure, specific techniques, or session format—don’t be shy about asking! A good therapist will be happy to share how they work and explore whether it’s a good match for your preferences.

Are the Logistics a Fit?

Beyond style and expertise, it’s also important to ask about practical details:

• Do they offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid sessions?
  
  

• Do they expect weekly sessions, or is there flexibility?
  
  

• Are extended or shorter sessions an option?
  
  

• If you’re seeking couples or family therapy, do they meet with people individually or only together?
  
  

• What are their cancellation and rescheduling policies?
  
  

These are essential questions to help you figure out whether the therapist’s availability and structure fit into your life.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

A consultation call is a great chance to get clarity, ask questions, and get a real feel for whether a therapist is the right fit for you. You deserve a therapist who sees you, understands your goals, and offers a space where you feel safe and supported.

If you’re looking for someone who works with individuals, couples, and families using a warm, compassionate approach and has experience helping people heal from trauma, I’d love to connect. Schedule a consultation with me, and let’s explore how we can work together to help you move forward.