What is a consultation?

Consultation is a free 15 minute phone call. It is an opportunity for you to ask questions to see if my responses match what you are looking for and to see if we are a good fit.

Things to know about consultation

A consultation is not the same as counselling appointment. Fifteen minutes together is insufficient time to address your concerns in a meaningful way. Consultations is an opportunity for you to ask questions and confirm that we will be good fit. I will not be convincing you that I am the best therapist for you or that my approach to therapy is the best for the issues you are facing. Its something you need to decide for yourself. The consultation is an opportunity for you  to talk and ask questions so it is best that you know what you would like to ask. Below is a collection of questions (and some answers) I have been asked in the past during a consultation session: 

• What are your fees? $170/1 hour session
  
• Are you seeing people in person? At this time I only offer online sessions.
  
• How often should I book my sessions? This depends on you and my schedule. Usually people begin with weekly appointments for the first few months and then they often move to scheduling appointments every two weeks or on monthly basis. We will choose a consistent time for your appointment.

• What are your qualifications?
• What is your experience with __________?
• What counselling methods or therapies do you use for ___________?
• How will we know that I’m making progress?
• What are your views on _________?
• How does billing work?
• What is your cancellation policy? 
• What do you do to take care of yourself so you can do the work you do?
• Do you have experience with meditation __________?
• What kinds of professional development opportunities are you involved in?
• How often should I come in? How long should I come for counselling?
• What types of sessions do you offer?
• Do you work solely with individuals or do you do couples and family counselling too?
• What is your availability in-between sessions?
• What is confidentiality and how does it work?

As I am answering your questions, your job is to check with your internal reaction. You might ask yourself the following questions as I respond to your inquires:

• Am I feeling comfortable in her presence?
• Do I feel comfortable in the office space?
• Are my questions being answered?
• Do the answers make sense?
• Do I feel that I can at some point begin opening up and trusting this person?

 Attending a consultation does not mean that you commit to counselling with me. If it doesn’t feel like the best fit, I will be happy to make a referral to someone who might be a better fit. I invite you to trust your gut. After our consultation, even if you are not able to identify a specific reason for not wanting to continue working with me, its best to trust yourself. Counselling demands a lot of resources, which include financial, emotional, time so when you approach therapy its best to go with the best fit possible. 

Please schedule a free 20 min call if you'd like to know more about my services, and like my facebook page or follow my Instagram for ongoing information and blogging! I always offer a free 20 minute consultation so that you can experience how it is to be in my presence and ask questions to see if my approach to therapy is something that will work for you.

Counselling in Vancover, BC
Counselling for Anxiety, Depression, & Stress
Trauma & PTSD Counselling
Car Accident Trauma Counselling
Counselling for Traumatic Birth
Therapy for Rape & Childhood Sexual Abuse