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What Happens During A Free 15-Minute Consultation?

  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read


Starting therapy is a meaningful decision, and it's completely normal to have questions before booking your first appointment. You may be wondering whether a therapist is the right fit for you, what therapy will actually feel like, or whether you'll feel comfortable opening up to someone you've never met.


At Heartsease Therapy, we believe you deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision without pressure. That's why all of our therapists offer free 15-minute phone or video consultations.


These consultations are designed to help you get a sense of who your therapist is before committing to your first session.


Why We Offer Free Consultations


Research consistently shows that one of the strongest predictors of positive therapy outcomes is the relationship between therapist and client. In other words, finding a therapist who feels like a good fit matters.


A consultation isn't about solving everything in 15 minutes. It's about giving you the opportunity to learn more about your therapist, ask questions, and determine whether working together feels like the right next step.


Whether you decide to book your first appointment or continue exploring your options, we want you to feel informed, respected, and comfortable with your decision.


What Can We Talk About?


Your consultation can be as structured or as conversational as you'd like.

Some people appreciate having a list of questions prepared ahead of time. Others simply want an opportunity to have a relaxed conversation, hear their therapist's voice, see their face, and explore whether they feel comfortable moving forward. Both approaches are equally welcome.


During your consultation, you might discuss:

  1. What has brought you to therapy.

  2. The concerns or challenges you'd like support with.

  3. Whether the therapist has experience working with those concerns.

  4. The therapist's approach to counselling.

  5. Modalities they may use (such as EMDR, CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, or Person-Centred Therapy).

  6. What a typical counselling session looks like.

  7. Session fees.

  8. Direct billing and insurance coverage.

  9. Cancellation and rescheduling policies.

  10. Appointment availability.

  11. In-person versus virtual counselling.

  12. Any accommodations you may need.


You are also welcome to ask about anything else that would help you feel confident in making your decision.


A Structured Consultation


If gathering information helps you feel prepared, consider writing down a few questions before your consultation.


Many people enjoy approaching the consultation much like an interview, ensuring they leave with the information they need to confidently decide whether the therapist feels like a good fit.


A Conversational Consultation


Not everyone knows what to ask, and that's okay.

If you're feeling nervous about starting therapy, a conversational consultation may feel more comfortable.


Instead of working through a checklist, you and your therapist can simply talk about what has led you to seek counselling, what you're hoping for, and what working together might look like. Often, these conversations naturally answer many of the questions you didn't even know you had.


Questions You Might Consider Asking


If you're unsure where to begin, here are some questions that many people find helpful.


About the Therapist

  1. Have you worked with concerns similar to mine before?

  2. What approaches or therapies do you tend to use?

  3. How would you describe your counselling style?

  4. What can I expect during our first session?

  5. How do you usually help clients work toward their goals?


About the Therapy Process

  1. How often do clients usually attend sessions?

  2. How will we know if therapy is helping?

  3. Can therapy be adjusted if something isn't working for me?

  4. How involved will I be in deciding what we focus on?


About Logistics

  1. What are your fees?

  2. Do you offer direct billing or provide receipts for insurance?

  3. What is your cancellation policy?

  4. Do you offer virtual, in-person, or both types of appointments?


About Fit

  1. Do you think your approach would be a good fit for what I'm looking for?

  2. Is there anything else you think I should know before deciding whether to book?


Remember, there are no "right" or "wrong" questions. If something matters to you, it's worth asking.


There Is No Pressure to Decide Right Away


Everyone approaches this process differently. Some people leave a consultation feeling an immediate sense of connection and choose to book their first appointment before the call ends. Others prefer to take some time to reflect, compare their options, discuss things with loved ones, or simply sit with what they've learned before making a decision. Both approaches are completely okay.


Therapy is an investment in yourself, and choosing a therapist is a personal decision. We encourage you to move at a pace that feels right for you.


Our hope is that you choose the therapist who feels like the best fit - not because you feel pressured, but because you feel informed, comfortable, and hopeful about the work ahead.


We'd Love to Meet You


Whether you're beginning therapy for the first time or returning after some time away, we're here to answer your questions and help you explore whether Heartsease Therapy feels like the right place for you.


If you're ready to learn more, we invite you to book a free 15-minute phone or video consultation with one of our therapists here.


Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to discover that you've found the right place to begin.

 
 
 

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