What to expect in a free consultation
Why the Consultation Exists
Therapy is a deeply personal relationship. The fit between you and your therapist matters. You are trusting someone with the most vulnerable aspects of your experience. And sometimes your needs change — you're looking for a different approach, a different space, a different kind of support.
The consultation is a first insight into each other before going forward with therapeutic work. It's a two way conversation. You are not being assessed. This is your opportunity to decide whether this therapist is the right person to support you in your goals and your process.
There is no obligation on either side. No pressure. Just a conversation.
What Happens in a Consultation
A free consultation with Inner Arc Therapy is a 15 minute relaxed conversation, held via phone or online video chat, whichever feels more comfortable for you.
We start by talking about what is bringing you into therapy. How did you get to making that call and reaching out? What are the big themes, the things that feel most present for you right now? You might have a very specific aspect you want to work on, or you might just have a feeling that something needs to shift and you're looking for a space to hold that. All of it is welcome.
I'll share a little about how I work, where I tend to focus, and whether I think I can be genuinely useful in supporting you. This is also your time to ask me anything that might help you make the decision: my experience, session structure, fees and insurance coverage are all commonly asked about and I'm happy to answer all of it.
You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Part of the therapy process is figuring it out.
How to Know If It's a Good Fit
Finding a therapy relationship feeling is such a personal experience. Feeling nervous might be part of it. Therapy is vulnerable, and it takes energy to get to know someone you're considering sharing very personal information with.
Notice what comes up during the conversation. Did you get a sense of genuine curiosity from the therapist? Did they ask questions that helped you feel understood rather than assessed? Did they take time to make the process clear? Those are the things worth paying attention to.
And if you go through the consultation and it doesn't feel like a fit, that's okay too. A solid therapist will have referrals for people working on similar topics. They understand their own scope, and if they're not the right person for what you need, they'll point you in the direction of someone who is.
The consultation is a two way conversation. They are also getting a sense of you and your experience and a good therapist will be honest with you about whether they can genuinely support your goals.
Be gentle with yourself as you figure out what fits for you. It can take a few consultations to find that sense of a right fit.
If you think you are ready to book a consult and ask some of those important questions, bring us whatever you’ve got and we can ff discuss with more depth.
