What is a FREE consultation?
Counselling therapy is an investment in your well-being and just like with any investment you want to make sure it is relatively risk-free. A free consultation is just the way to do it!
A consultation is an opportunity to meet your counselling therapist before begging the process of therapy. For many, including myself, it can be unnerving, to begin with a full session with a complete stranger revealing personal details of your life. You want to make sure that you are comfortable working with the therapist of your choice. If you were to meet with a dentist for a consultation about a dental problem, in that time you would most likely assess whether the dentist is competent, personable and whether you would trust them with your teeth. These are the things you would assess in a meeting with your counselling therapist, except for teeth, you would assess whether you can trust her with your feelings, thoughts, and hopes.
How is a consultation different from a full session?
Please note, a consultation is not a short therapy session. A consultation is a chance for you to introduce your concern so we can make sure that I have the experience and knowledge to address it. Due to the short time allocated for the consultation, we will only explore your concern to the extent of the goals you would like to have for your therapy sessions. In contrast, in the full session, we would explore your concern in depth and would begin working on meeting your therapy goals.
Who should begin with a consultation?
I encourage everyone, whether you have tried counselling before or completely new to it, to begin their counselling therapy with a consultation. It is an opportunity for you to make sure that I am the right person for you to work with and also to address any questions you have about therapy, rates, schedule, time it takes to see change… If you are in crisis and need to immediate assistance, I invite you to add on your consultation to your session.
What questions should I as in my consultation?
- How long does it take to see results?
- What are your experience and qualifications?
- Is change possible?
- How would you approach working with my concern?
- What are your rates and payment options?
- How do I find out if my insurance covers sessions with you?
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can schedule your consultation using Global-Therapy online scheduling system or you can email me directly to request a consultation. You can have a consultation in the way that is most comfortable for you on the phone or using a video via FaceTime or Skype. Once you decide what type of consultation, phone or video, you would like to have and schedule the time, you will receive detailed instructions via email for how we will connect.
