Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and a consultation is an opportunity to see whether a therapist feels like the right fit. However, getting started can be the biggest hurdle—often because many people don’t know what questions to ask during a therapy consultation. At Steffen Counseling Services, we encourage new clients to use this first conversation to ask questions, learn more about our approach, and decide whether our practice feels supportive and aligned with your needs.
Need help preparing for your therapy consultation? Check out our free guide at the end of this post!
Why a Consultation Matters
A therapy consultation is more than a quick introduction. It gives you a chance to explore whether the therapist’s style, experience, and personality feel comfortable to you. It also helps you understand how therapy works at Steffen Counseling Services and whether our approach fits what you’re looking for.
Many people feel nervous before their first consultation, and that is completely normal. Asking a few thoughtful questions can help you feel more confident and informed before beginning therapy.
Questions to Ask About Approach
Every therapist works a little differently, so it can be helpful to ask about style and methods.
What is your approach to therapy?
How do you typically support clients with concerns like mine?
Do you tend to be more structured, or more open-ended in sessions?
At Steffen Counseling Services, we believe therapy should feel collaborative, respectful, and tailored to each person’s needs.
Questions to Ask About Experience
If you’re seeking support for a specific concern, it may help to ask about a therapist’s background and areas of focus.
Have you worked with clients who have similar concerns?
Do you have specialized training or experience in this area?
How do you usually approach these types of challenges?
These questions can help you better understand whether the therapist has the experience you’re looking for.
Questions to Ask About the Process
It can also be helpful to know what therapy will actually look like.
What can I expect from the first session?
How do you set goals with clients?
How do you measure progress over time?
Knowing what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming and help you start therapy with more clarity.
Questions About Practical Details
The practical side of therapy matters too. It is okay to ask about logistics before deciding whether to move forward.
What are your session fees?
Do you accept insurance?
Do you offer in-person or virtual appointments?
What is your cancellation policy?
At Steffen Counseling Services, we want the process to feel as clear and accessible as possible.
Questions About Fit
Therapy works best when you feel safe, heard, and respected. It is completely appropriate to ask questions that help you understand what the therapeutic relationship will feel like.
How do you create a supportive space for clients?
What should I do if I feel stuck or unsure during therapy?
Is it okay to share feedback if something is not working?
A good therapist will welcome these questions and understand that fit matters.
Trust Your Comfort Level
Even if a consultation goes well on paper, your comfort level still matters. Pay attention to how you feel during the conversation. Do you feel listened to? Understood? At ease?
If so, that may be a strong sign that you’ve found a good match. If not, it is okay to keep looking until you find the right fit.
Start With Steffen Counseling Services
At Steffen Counseling Services, we know that choosing a therapist is a personal decision. Our goal is to help you feel informed, respected, and supported as you take the next step. Knowing the best questions to ask during a therapy consultation can help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
Contact us to set up your free consultation, or get matched with a provider.
Figuring out what to ask during therapy consultations can be overwhelming. That’s why we created a free “What are You Looking for in a Therapist?” self-assessment! Download the free guide here.