What to Expect from a Therapy Consultation Call
Estimated read time: 4 minutes
Reaching out to a therapist for the first time can feel surprisingly vulnerable.
Even if a part of you knows you want support, another part might still be wondering:
“What am I even supposed to say?” “What if I haven’t been through anything ‘bad enough’ to need therapy?” “What if it’s awkward?” “What if I’m not sure therapy is the right fit yet?”
These are incredibly normal questions to have.
A consultation call is simply a chance for us to connect briefly, talk a little about what’s bringing you in, and get a sense of whether working together feels like it may be a good fit. I’ll also share a little about how I work, and you’re welcome to ask any questions you might have along the way.
It’s not a commitment to start therapy, and you do not need to have everything figured out beforehand.
Most consultation calls are around 10–15 minutes and are meant to feel more conversational and connecting than formal.
You do not need to prepare anything ahead of time. Many people come into the call unsure of exactly how to explain what they’re feeling, and that’s completely okay.
Sometimes people just know that something feels “off.” Maybe you’ve been carrying anxiety for a while, feeling emotionally overwhelmed more often than you’d like, struggling in relationships, or noticing patterns that continue to leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or hard on yourself.
You do not need to have the “perfect” explanation for why you’re reaching out.
During the call, I’ll usually ask a few gentle questions about:
what’s been feeling difficult lately
what led you to reach out now
what you’re hoping for from therapy
any questions, fears, or hesitations you may have
You’re also welcome to ask me questions. Many people want to know more about:
my approach to therapy
what sessions typically look like
whether I’ve worked with similar concerns before
logistics like scheduling, fees, or virtual vs. in-person sessions
and anything else that would help you feel more settled or comfortable moving forward
Just as importantly, the consultation is also a chance to get a feel for the connection itself.
Research consistently shows that one of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. Feeling emotionally safe, understood, and comfortable enough to be honest matters deeply.
You do not need to decide immediately whether a therapist is “perfect,” but it’s okay to pay attention to how you feel during and after the conversation. Did you feel comfortable? Understood? Like you could eventually open up there? Those feelings matter.
Many people worry they need to be “in crisis enough” to reach out for therapy. But often, people begin therapy simply because they’re tired of feeling anxious, disconnected, emotionally exhausted, stuck in patterns, or hard on themselves, even if life looks relatively okay from the outside.
If this resonates with you, you can also read more in my post about how to know when to start therapy when you aren’t in crisis.
You do not need to wait until things completely fall apart to deserve support. I truly believe therapy can be valuable for anyone who wants a space to better understand themselves, process their experiences, and explore their inner world more deeply.
The consultation call can simply be a starting point, a space to ask questions, feel things out, and explore whether therapy might feel supportive for you right now.
And if you’ve been considering therapy, even quietly, I’d be happy to connect with you.
