What Happens During Free 15-Minute Therapy Consultation
Taking the step to schedule a consultation is brave, and I honor that courage. The free 15-minute phone consultation is designed to help us both determine if we're a good therapeutic fit, no pressure, no obligations, just an honest conversation about your needs and how I might help. Here's everything you need to know to feel prepared and make the most of our time together.
Why I Offer Free Consultations
It's a Big Decision
Choosing a Therapist Involves:
Significant investment (time, money, emotion)
Vulnerable sharing
Trust building
Hope placing
Life changing potential
You deserve to feel confident before committing.
Fit Matters Most
Research Shows:
Therapeutic relationship predicts success
Approach match important
Personality fit crucial
Feeling understood essential
Mutual decision best
This isn't about selling, it's about finding your right match.
What We'll Cover
Your Current Situation
I'll Ask About:
What brings you to therapy now
Current challenges
Previous therapy experiences
What you're hoping for
Immediate concerns
You Don't Need To:
Share your whole story
Have clear answers
Know exact problems
Be composed
Prepare extensively
Brief overview is perfect.
Practical Considerations
We'll Discuss:
Scheduling needs
Session frequency
Fee and payment
Insurance questions
Online vs. in-person
Getting logistics clear upfront.
My Approach
I'll Share:
How I work
Relevant training
Treatment possibilities
Realistic expectations
Next steps
So you understand what I offer.
Your Questions
Common Questions Include:
How long will therapy take?
Have you worked with ___?
What's your experience with ___?
How do you approach ___?
What can I expect?
All questions welcome, this is your time.
How to Prepare
Practical Preparation
Before Our Call:
Find private space
Have calendar ready
Note main concerns
List important questions
Check insurance benefits
Technical Needs:
Good phone reception
Quiet environment
20 minutes uninterrupted
Comfortable position
Water nearby
Emotional Preparation
It's Normal To Feel:
Nervous
Uncertain
Hopeful
Skeptical
Emotional
These feelings are information, not problems.
Remember:
This is just a conversation
No commitment required
I've done hundreds of these
Your pace respected
Judgment-free zone
During Our Consultation
How It Flows
Typical Structure:
Brief introduction (1-2 minutes)
What brings you in (5-7 minutes)
Questions both ways (3-5 minutes)
Discussing next steps (2-3 minutes)
But every conversation is unique.
What I'm Listening For
To Best Help, I Consider:
Are your needs within my expertise?
Do our styles seem compatible?
Can I provide what you need?
Are there any barriers?
What's the best recommendation?
Sometimes that's referring to someone better suited.
What You Might Notice
About Our Interaction:
Do I feel heard?
Am I comfortable?
Does approach resonate?
Can I imagine working together?
Does it feel hopeful?
Trust your instincts.
Common Consultation Scenarios
"I Don't Know Where to Start"
That's Perfect: "I'm struggling but can't articulate it well" is enough. We'll explore together. Confusion is welcome.
"I'm Shopping Around"
Excellent Approach: I encourage talking to multiple therapists. Finding right fit matters more than quick decision.
"I Have Specific Needs"
Please Share: Particular approaches wanted? Specific concerns? Deal breakers? The more I know, the better I can assess fit.
"I'm Not Sure About Therapy"
Valid Uncertainty: We can discuss:
What therapy involves
Other options
Your hesitations
Small steps
No pressure
After Our Consultation
Immediate Next Steps
If We're a Good Fit:
Schedule first appointment
Receive intake paperwork
Discuss preparation
Answer remaining questions
Begin journey
If Not the Right Match:
Provide referrals
Explain reasoning
Support your search
No hard feelings
Honor your path
Taking Time to Decide
It's Okay To:
Think it over
Talk to others
Interview more therapists
Wait until ready
Change your mind
This is your process.
Following Up
You Can:
Email questions later
Request another brief call
Take weeks to decide
Circle back anytime
Trust your timing
No expiration date on connection.
What Makes a Good Fit?
Green Flags
Positive Indicators:
Felt heard and understood
Approach makes sense
Comfortable enough
Hopeful feeling
Questions answered well
Expertise matches needs
Practical factors work
Red Flags
Trust Concerns If:
Felt judged
Approach doesn't resonate
Communication difficult
Pushy or salesy
Dismissed concerns
Unclear boundaries
Gut says no
Remember: It's Mutual
I'm Also Assessing:
Can I help effectively?
Is this within my scope?
Do I have availability?
Are there any concerns?
Who would serve best?
Sometimes I'm not the right therapist—and that's okay.
Common Questions About Consultations
"What If I Cry?"
Emotion is welcome. Many people cry during consultations. It shows you're ready for help. I have tissues and patience.
"What If I Can't Articulate Well?"
No performance required. Struggling to explain is itself information. We'll work together to understand.
"Should I Mention Everything?"
Overview is sufficient. We don't need your whole history in 20 minutes. Highlight what feels important.
"What If I Freeze Up?"
It happens. I'll gently guide the conversation. Silence is okay. We'll go at your pace.
"Can I Ask About Fees?"
Absolutely. It's essential information. We'll discuss all financial aspects openly. No surprises.
Making the Most of It
Be Yourself
The Best Consultations Happen When:
You're authentic
Questions are honest
Needs are voiced
Concerns are shared
You trust the process
Trust Your Instincts
Pay Attention To:
Body sensations
Emotional responses
Comfort level
Hope arising
Any reservations
Your intuition knows.
My Consultation Philosophy
What I Bring
To Every Consultation:
Full presence
Genuine care
Professional assessment
Clear information
Respect for your choice
My Promise
During Our Call:
No judgment
Complete confidentiality
Honest recommendations
Gentle approach
Your wellbeing centered
Whether or not we work together, I want you to find the right help.
Ready to Talk?
Scheduling a consultation means:
You're considering change
You're exploring options
You're honoring your needs
You're taking action
You're already brave
I'm honored to be considered and look forward to our conversation.
