How to do an Initial Consultation

Do an Initial Consultation well. Tips from a Trauma Therapist

So you have found a list of the potential therapists you would want to see, now you are ready for the consultation.

The consultation is usually a free 15-30 minute conversation with the therapist. It’s purpose is to get an idea of what your therapist is like and whether they are a good fit for you. It is also the time to go over logistics such as session fee, and scheduling.

Your consultation is critical because it will be your first LIVE experience with your future therapist. It will give you a good feeling about what therapy will be.

Simultaneously, the therapist is also assessing whether you are a good fit for his practice by ensuring that you fit with their expertise. If not, they will often let you know and potentially refer you to someone else. 

Your job is to give them a chance to know you and your situation while at the same time assessing whether this is the therapist that you want to work with.

To get started, here are the 3 necessary steps you need to do a successful consultation:

Explaining your Situation

Start off by explaining what is bringing you to therapy. In my earlier blog, I explained how you should know what you need out of therapy. Explain your situation, what you are looking for in a therapist, and the ideal therapy outcome.

It is essential to provide enough information for your therapist to be informed. Being vague or overly general does not help your therapist get a good understanding of your situation.

For example, if you state that you want to deal with depression, describe what depression looks like for you. The therapist should also be asking you questions to get a clear understanding of the issues you are coming in with.  

On the other hand, it is also important not to turn a consultation into a therapy session. It is easy to want to explain everything and vent to your potential therapist. But keep in mind that you only have limited time (usually only 15-30 minutes for a consultation). The consultation is to assess your fit for therapy, NOT to diagnose and treat your problem.

You also do not need to explain every detail regarding your situation. They just need a basic summary and understanding of what brings you to therapy and what your desired outcomes are for therapy.

If you catch yourself venting, gently take a few deep breaths and pause.

Ask Questions

The consultation is when you can freely ask questions and bring up any concerns that you may have. 

Asking questions that you have allows you to clarify whether this therapist is a good fit for you. You can think of this as a job interview to evaluate the qualifications and fit with your therapist. Simultaneously, you also want to give space for questions that can lead to a conversation about what you want out of therapy and your situation.

Furthermore, please ask questions if there are any concerns about your situation or how therapy is done. This may feel vulnerable at first, but it gives you a chance to open up to your therapist and have authentic conversations with them about therapy.

Do you connect with your therapist?

The final determining factor is how you felt after the consultation Did you feel heard, understood, and connected with your therapist? 

How you felt about your interaction with the therapist should be critical in choosing your therapist.

After all, how you connect will determine how you will do in therapy. The therapeutic connection is one of the keys to developing good outcomes in therapy. The best way to determine your level of connection with your therapist is to talk to them during your consultation. 

If you feel unsure or uncomfortable after your consultation, take the time to listen to your feelings.

It may be an indication that this therapist is a poor fit for you. How your therapist makes you feel is more important than any special certifications or qualifications that they may possess. 

Give it a try

An excellent way to see if a specific therapist works for you is to try a few sessions with one therapist.

Remember that you can always change therapists or cancel anytime you conclude that this therapist is not a good fit. 

Consultation with your therapist is vital in ensuring that you are entering therapy with the best fit possible with your therapist. This will give you the best start to therapy, which improves your chances of having a successful experience in therapy. 

Interested in learning more about therapy? Click below to schedule a free 15-minute Consultation.