Step II: The consultation
Step II: The consultation
I am doing a Four Part series walking you through the point you decide to go to therapy to the first appointment. Last week’s blog discussed Part I: Seeking the Therapist. I encourage you to read it, if you have not already. This week, I am walking you through reaching out to a therapist, the consultation, or scheduling the first appointment. I encourage the consultation, if it is offered by the therapist. The consultation is the helpful in “catching the vibe” of each other and ensuring that the therapeutic relationship will be a good fit for both of you. You would hate to get two or three sessions in and suddenly not feel connected.
What is the consultation?
The consultation is usually a brief interaction between you and the therapist(s) of your choice. It is not a therapy session and is usually offered free of charge. Consultations can be over the phone or on a video platform. This is the time for you to share the symptoms or challenges that have lead you to seek therapy. This is also the time for you to gain additional information about the therapist. The consultation should include a conversation about availability and affordability as well as mentioned in Part I. The consultation is also when you can ask any questions you have about the therapist, the treatment modality, and experience working with clients with similar issues or symptoms.
Below are some questions that should be considered during the consultation:
What experience do you have working with client’s with (insert your symptoms or challenges here)
How have you been effective in addressing (insert your specific challenges here). A question, I am often asked is how do I handle clients who have never been to therapy or have a stigma surrounding therapy.
What is your approach to helping clients? Are you more directive or more guiding?
How is my progress measured throughout the therapeutic journey?
What does a typical session look like?
If you like what you have heard during the consultation, you may decide to schedule the first appointment. A follow up or transition question may be, what now? I am open to clients wanting to proceed with scheduling the first appointment from the consultation. However, therapy can be like dating and I encourage client’s to go on all the consultation calls to gain a different perspective and different approaches.
If you have done a consultation for therapy, how did it go? Did you move forward or get turned off about therapy altogether? Share your experience below!
If you or someone you know resonates with the information shared in this article and would like to attend therapy to assist with overcoming the above mentioned symptoms and are located in the states of NC, SC, VA, or MD you can click here to see my rates and/or the insurance I accept. You can click here to schedule a consultation or Initial Evaluation.
Disclaimer: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but I am not YOUR Licensed Clinical Social Worker. These blog posts are based on my personal opinions, reflections, and insights and are not intended to be taken as professional therapeutic intervention(s) and/or advice. Further, please note these blogs are not intended to serve as and/or replace formal counseling services. If you are in need or interested in taking part in direct therapeutic services, please contact your insurance provider’s customer service for assistance. You may also consult website such as (but not limited to) Psychology Today and Therapy for Black Girls to find a therapist. If you are located in NC, MD, SC, or VA and would like to work with me, click here to ensure I accept your insurance or check my rates and here to schedule an appointment.
