Is This the Right Fit? What to Expect from a Therapy Consultation

By Emily Heimberger, LPC Associate

Supervised by Jennifer Buffalo, LPC-S, LMFT-S

Taking the first step toward therapy can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. You’ve found a practice that seems promising and now you have a consultation scheduled. But if you’ve never done this before, you’re probably wondering: What's the point of this first meeting?

At Luminary Counseling, a consultation isn’t a therapy session or a formal intake, but rather a relaxed, informative, and supportive initial conversation. Think of it as a confidential "vibe check." This is your chance to meet a potential therapist and get a feel for their style, and it's an opportunity for them to understand your needs on a high level. Ultimately, the goal is to help you answer the most important question: “Is this therapist the right person to help me on my journey?”

The Three Core Goals of a Consultation

While every therapist structures their consultation differently, the conversation will likely revolve around these three key goals:

1. Getting to Know You (Briefly) Your therapist will ask you to share what’s been going on in your life. They might open with a question like, "What are the main reasons you're considering therapy right now?" This is your opportunity to briefly share your current struggles or goals. You might talk about feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a difficult life transition, or feeling "stuck." You are in complete control of how much you share. The purpose isn't to dig deep, but to give the therapist enough information to understand your needs.
2. Understanding Our Approach This is your time to ask questions. You can ask about the therapist’s general approach, their experience working with a specific issue, or how the therapy process works. This conversation helps you understand their professional style and decide if it aligns with what you're looking for. You're interviewing them just as much as they're learning about you.
3. Planning Your Next Step At the end of the conversation, your therapist will offer a recommendation. They might confirm they are a good fit for you, suggest a different therapist who has a specialty that aligns better with your needs, or if appropriate, recommend a different type of support altogether. The goal is to help you create a clear path forward.

Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, this consultation is about feeling a connection. The relationship you build with your therapist is the most important factor in your healing. As you talk, pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel heard and respected? Do you feel a sense of comfort or hope? Trust your instincts.

By taking this step, you’ve already shown incredible courage. This initial conversation is a risk-free way to explore the possibility of healing.

At Luminary Counseling, we offer a free 30-minute consultation to ensure you find the right fit. It’s an opportunity to see if we can be part of your journey toward the life you deserve. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.